The success of businesses is dependent on professionals with top-of-the-line administrative assistant capabilities. They are the clever administrators behind the curtain of the company and the top managers who run the office smoothly, the multi-taskers who are awe-inspiring and meticulous coordinators.
The most effective administrative professionals don’t just support players. They contribute value to their jobs by bringing value to the job that makes them essential to the organization’s overall performance. What are their abilities as an administrator? Everything from planning, to communicating and organizing, to problem-solving.
What do you need to know to be an administrative assistant company can’t live without? These five skills for administrative assistants will assist you in getting hired, doing well on the job, and propelling your career.
1. Industry-specific knowledge
The three T’s of the business terms — trends, terminology, and technology, and knowing how to present these concepts on your resume for administrative work implies that even as a brand new employee you can begin contributing immediately. An experienced administrator is not just familiar with this knowledge, but they also know how to utilize them to maximize the value of their work.
- Terminology Understanding the language of a certain business field means that an administrative assistant who is new to the business can stay on top of and participate in conversations within the workplace at the beginning.
- Trends The current generation of administrators should be aware of trends across the industry regardless of whether they’re in manufacturing or healthcare. They must also think ahead about how these trends could affect their company.
- Training Employers favor administrative personnel who aren’t just tech-savvy, but also proficient in the most commonly used tools of their company. They are looking for people who regularly update their skills as an administrative assistant through education.
2. Expertise in the field of software and social media
Utilizing Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel are standard for every administrative assistant’s profession. However, proficiency with Office365, Google Workspace, and other cloud-based applications, as well as having experience in running virtual conferences and meetings, as well as organizing newsletters, and creating PowerPoint presentations will give you an edge. Managers and executives also appreciate assistants who can make use of payroll, accounting, and HR software.
A person who is an administrative assistant with familiarity with the aspects of social media could be an enormous asset to employers, as well. Small and midsize businesses especially, often require help in managing the Facebook and Twitter feed. They may not have the money to employ an expert in social media in the office. The skills they possess can assist the company or executive create an online presence that is vital to staying on top of the current marketplace.
You must also know the use of software online. There are many things that you can do using online software, online tools at your disposal. For instance, if you have to convert a file from Word to PDF you can use a simple tool available online. Moreover, if you have to send the invoice to your client using an online invoice generator try out this tool: https://invoicedoor.com.
3. Artful articulation
Effective communication skills are vital to being a successful administrative assistant. Typically, you’ll be the primary point for contact at the office for customers, clients, and suppliers. It could also be that you are the person to contact internally. Ability to communicate clearly effectively, concisely, and convincingly, both in writing and verbally and in writing, is a skill that employers are looking for when they evaluate the best administrative assistant’s abilities.
4. Perception of budgets
Companies are always in search of someone to assist with administrative tasks who will identify ways to cut costs and assist in making the business more efficient. You’re in the forefront every day, directing the day-to-day activities as well as deciding on vendors and contract negotiations, putting you in a situation to find ways to lower office costs. Making suggestions for cost-cutting strategies to those working within the organization can be a great method to establish yourself as a valuable member of the company.
5. Graceful behavior under stress
Administrators love administrative assistants that think quickly. Every day, new challenges are created in the office, requiring rapid decisions and swift actions. Extending your abilities beyond the boundaries of your job role to handle the unpredictable shows that you’re well-equipped to deal with the challenges of working in today’s environment. You are able to communicate effectively with your colleagues and clients in a congruous manner that exemplifies the ability to communicate emotionally when working.
