Career Profile Administrative Assistant
The administrative assistant position is an effective entry level position into an organization and will expose you to the workings of the office. In this position you will perform a wide range of office support functions, which will vary from organization to organization.
In most instances this position will provide you with an overview of the organization, in such a way that no other position affords. It is also a wonderful place to start if you are unsure as to what you would like to do in the business world, especially in the area of office support.
You will need a basic high school education with computer skills including keyboarding, and must be able to communicate orally and in writing. Become familiar with office procedures and routines and keep up to date with office technology software. Learn to use word processing, spreadsheets and e-mail software packages. Knowledge of databases will also prove useful. Be conscious of the image you present and cultivate a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to learn and grow.
To take advantage of the opportunities presented by this position you must be diligent and hone your interpersonal skills, as administrative assistants are called upon to interact with staff at all levels. The adroit assistant will know how to deal with conflict and will understand the politics of the organisation. If you are about to apply for a position in an organization, take time to become familiar with the organization and review its organizational chart.
Be sure that you have a good command of the first language used in the organization within which you aspire to function. This is essential if you are going to draft and edit correspondence, answer the telephone and effectively perform the diverse administrative tasks that you will be assigned.
Attend a time management course and develop valuable time management skills, for you might be called upon to maintain calendars, schedule appointments, and arrange meetings and events. Juggling your multitude of tasks will require a keen attention to detail and an ability to prioritize your tasks.
Each organization is different, therefore, be flexible in your expectations and the tasks you are willing to perform. Office support functions could include: handling incoming and outgoing calls, composing correspondence including letters, e-mails and reports, maintaining a records management system, supporting multiple bosses, and interacting with customers face to face or by the telephone. In most instances you will eventually be required to work independently and this will become easier if you remain in tune with the direction your organization is heading.
Looking for a job that will take you places? Then upgrade your skills and apply for an administrative assistant position that will get you through the door of any organization, and open the world of office support.
