July 13, 2017

Being an administrative assistant isn’t easy! Like every other job, it requires essential skills to do well. Admins provide vital support that helps daily processes run smoothly within a company—and to be successful, the best admins have several key skills in common.

Seven qualities of top administrative assistants

Do you have what it takes to be a top-notch admin? Employers look for any and all of the following:

1. Good communication skills.

You’ll be answering phones and emails, scheduling and keeping track of meetings, conveying information, and ensuring everything is up to the status quo. Admins are often the first point of contact for a company. Good communication skills—such as listening, explaining and passing along information—help to ensure efficiency while building a company’s brand reputation.

2. Positive attitude.

There’s no way around it—when you have a smile on your face, people can hear it in your voice. As an admin, you’ll need to work with people who are happy and people who are upset, but it’s important to always stay positive. Your words and actions are a reflection on your company.

3. Cool, calm demeanor.

Irate caller? No problem! A long task list? That’s OK, too! Staying calm under pressure will help you balance the many responsibilities that come with being an administrative assistant. Keeping a clear head helps you stay focused and on task.

4. Technical skills.

Depending on the job description, you may need experience with Microsoft Office, Outlook, Gmail, Salesforce, social media or other frequently used software, programs and websites. The more you know, the more you’ll be able to help out. And this can allow you to grow within an organization.

5. Well-organized.

Juggling tasks is much easier when you’re organized. Usually, companies hire admins when they’re busy and need the added support. So keeping staff on schedule and making sure nothing is overlooked will add to your success as an admin.

6. Building rapport.

Remembering names, faces and voices adds to a pleasant experience for both coworkers and clients. Since many customers do business with companies they know and trust, treating them with familiarity provides the warm and fuzzy feeling that comes with great customer service.

7. Time management.

To get more done faster, you need to prioritize. The best admins are masters of time management, knowing how to multitask to accomplish everything on their to-do lists, day in and day out.

Looking for your next administrative assistant position?

Check out Inter-Connect! We work with administrative assistant candidates in the Tri-State area. We’ll help you find job opportunities to match your career aspirations. To learn more, contact us today to speak with one of our experienced recruiters.

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