Many people seek out administrative positions for their job security. No matter what kind of company you work for, they most likely will need some sort of administrative help, whether that’s in the form of a receptionist or a whole department of office managers and admin assistants, so there is usually no shortage of open administrative positions. But, to become an administrative assistant, you must possess certain skills.
These skills include:
· Communication skills: As an admin, in any capacity, you are most likely going to be interacting with other employees, executives and clients. Because of this, you will need to have strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Most administrative positions require you to be comfortable on the phone, writing professional emails and interacting with clients.
· Tech skills: More and more, administrative jobs are becoming more technology-focused. You will need to be fluent in Microsoft Office, yes, but you will probably also need to be familiar with things like order processing, QuickBooks, internal software and more.
· Critical thinking: Problem in the office? It is likely to fall on your plate. Because of this, you will need to be able to solve problems, mend relationships between employees or between staff and clients. Tactics like mediation and problem solving are great skills to have, and will most likely come in handy many times throughout your work week.
· Organization: Quite possibly one of the most important tasks of an administrative career is having organization skills. You will not only have a lot on your plate, but depending on your position, you will probably also be keeping track of someone else’s plate, too. Being able to multi-task, pay attention to detail and keep appointments straight is a vital part of this type of career.
If you feel you have the necessary skills to become an administrator, here are the top 5 administrative jobs you should look out for.
1. Administrative or Executive Assistant
This is probably the most popular position within the administrative realm. As an administrative assistant, you are usually tasked with helping the company, or a portion of the company, with their daily tasks—everything from writing emails to scheduling meetings and booking travel. If you are an Executive Assistant, you will be working directly with one higher-up in the company, helping them keep their calendar straight and running their day-to-day.
2. Receptionist
Receptionists are extremely important as they are the first impression for clients, both new and old. A receptionist is tasked with greeting people who enter the office, answering phone calls and transferring them to the right person, and even confirming appointments, assisting with new hires and more.
3. Office Manager
As an office manager, you are in charge of ensuring the entire office runs smoothly. This can mean everything from ordering supplies and making sure the kitchen it stocked to taking messages for executives and ensuring all daily tasks are complete. You will also be the liaison between the office and outside contractors, such as the maintenance team.
4. Administrative Services Coordinator
A coordinator does more than just coordinate schedules. In addition, they also manage the budget of either the company or the department or executive they are assigned to, facilitate workloads for employees and provide support to all on-site staff.
5. Data Entry Clerk
While data entry was big back in the day when computers were just entering the scene, data entry clerks are still just as needed today. While some companies will still employ a clerk to type written files, most will use them to ensure their records are kept and that all online files are organized and up-to-date.
If you are looking for an administrative position or a company looking to hire one of these positions, let The Goodkind Group help. You can reach us at 212-378-0700 or visit our website to learn more about our services.
