Administrative Assistant Entry Level Jobs
Jobs in the field of administrative assistance are some of the most common jobs available. An administrative assistant can be hired by a company to help them with a variety of tasks, including answering phones, filing paperwork, and creating presentations. Some companies may also hire an administrative assistant for their human resources department to assist with employee training and hiring.
Administrative Assistant Job Requirements
The basic requirements for an entry-level job as an administrative assistant include good communication skills, strong typing skills and good computer skills (you will need to know how to use Microsoft Word). In addition, you should have excellent organizational skills and be able to work independently without supervision. If you have experience working in an office environment or have worked as a receptionist before then this can give you an advantage over other applicants.
Job Description
An entry-level position as an administrative assistant involves performing a variety of tasks such as answering phones, making copies and greeting guests when they arrive at the office. You may also be responsible for filing documents or preparing presentations for clients or bosses within your company. Many people who work in this position also act as an intermediary between different departments within their organization so that they can relay messages between each other quickly and efficiently without having to wait until someone gets back.
Administrative Assistant Entry Level Jobs
What Is an Entry Level Administrative Assistant and How to Become One
Table of Contents
- What Is an Entry-Level Administrative Assistant?
- How to Become an Entry-Level Administrative Assistant
- What Is the Difference Between an Entry-Level Administrative Assistant, a Secretary, and an Office Clerk?
- What Are Useful Skills for an Entry-Level Administrative Assistant?
What Is an Entry-Level Administrative Assistant?
An entry-level administrative assistant attends to many of the primary office-related responsibilities of a company, including secretarial work and minor maintenance of office equipment. You type documents, schedule appointments, book flights and hotels for a traveling executive, and act in a coordination role for other office workers. Your duties also extend to the boardroom where you attend meetings and transcribe summaries of what occurred. Client interaction is another facet of the job. In smaller organizations, you may be the first point of contact a client has with the company when they walk into the office or call.
How to Become an Entry-Level Administrative Assistant
The basic level of education required for an entry-level administrative assistant role is a high school diploma, but some employers prefer you to have an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration, communication, or a relevant field. Having a few years of prior customer service or office work experience can give you an extra advantage, especially if you don’t have a degree. It’s essential to develop your communication and collaboration skills, and being bilingual is usually an advantage. If you want to obtain professional qualifications, you can work toward earning the Certified Administrative Professional certification from the International Association of Administrative Professionals.
What Is the Difference Between an Entry-Level Administrative Assistant, a Secretary, and an Office Clerk?
An entry-level administrative assistant’s job is to help manage an office and assist the operations of secretaries, office clerks, and receptionists. As an administrative assistant, you take on more responsibilities and must be able to multitask to suit the needs of an office. A secretary’s job focuses on typing and storing documents and reporting to a general manager. Office clerks handle general paperwork not necessarily affiliated with a specific person, and they typically do a little bit of everything clerical in an office setting. In general, secretaries and office clerks do not have the same level of responsibility as an administrative assistant who plans schedules, books travel, and coordinates office workers.
What Are Useful Skills for an Entry-Level Administrative Assistant?
Communication skills, both written and verbal, play a vital role in your job as an entry-level administrative assistant. Understanding how to convey instructions to workers in a concise manner and act professionally around clients is another facet of communication. Gain proficiency in the use of various office technologies, such as multi-line telephones, fax machines, printers, copiers, and office administration software such as Microsoft Office Suite. You should also familiarize yourself with travel booking sites and find out how to find the best deals. Finally, you need to have a strong sense of organization and initiative to keep an office running smoothly.
