How to Become an Administrative Assistant

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Administrative Assistant

What does an Administrative Assistant do?

AN Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to an individual, team, department or group in an organization. Collects, reviews and analyzes data and prepares reports, charts, budgets, and other presentation materials utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, or specialized software. Being an Administrative Assistant prepares and distributes reports or other communications on a regular schedule. Maintains files, databases, and archives of relevant records. Additionally, Administrative Assistant screens calls and responds to or routes routine inquiries from external or internal sources with appropriate correspondence or other messaging. Schedules and coordinates meetings, travel, and other group activities. May manage expense reporting, invoicing, office supply inventory, or other routine processes. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Administrative Assistant works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be an Administrative Assistant typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

People's Opinions on Administrative Assistant responsibilities

Admin assistants perform clerical duties in nearly every industry.

12/04/2019: Mcallen, TX

Some administrative assistants, like those in the legal industry, may be more specialized than others.

10/13/2019: Paramus, NJ

Most administrative assistant duties revolve around managing and distributing information within an office.

11/18/2019: Mesa, AZ

Admin assistants in some offices may be charged with monitoring and recording expenditures.

12/18/2019: Chillicothe, OH

As such, some administrative assistants may be required to be knowledgeable in office bookkeeping software, such as Microsoft Excel.

09/28/2019: Bridgeport, CT
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become an Administrative Assistant

Best tips for those who want to become an Administrative Assistant

Here are some tips to become an Administrative Assistant.

People's Opinions on best tips

Keep an eye on jobs in hot industries.

12/06/2019: Dothan, AL

Show your firm grasp on the latest technology.

10/07/2019: Florence, SC

Tailor your application to individual job postings.

11/20/2019: Pascagoula, MS

Post job ads on the right job boards.

10/27/2019: Laramie, WY

Evaluate candidates with assessments.

11/05/2019: Danbury, CT
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Administrative Assistant

Best colleges and universities for Administrative Assistant

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an Administrative Assistant

Is being an Administrative Assistant Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

Jess Selby works as an administrative assistant at California State Prison, Sacramento.

12/29/2019: Rock Island, IL

Accomplish required administrative tasks accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner, while handling priorities.

12/17/2019: Scranton, PA

As an administrative assistant, you can easily create a career that fits around your lifestyle.

11/14/2019: Phoenix, AZ

Plus, administrative assistants work in almost every industry, you have a greater chance of finding a job that you enjoy and working with similar-minded professionals.

11/06/2019: Manchester, NH

The greatest number of administrative assistant jobs are in schools, medical settings, government agencies, and legal offices.

11/12/2019: Saint Paul, MN
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an Administrative Assistant

What skills do you need to be an Administrative Assistant?

Supporting level roles often require a broad range of skills to ensure jobs can be executed accurately and efficiently.  Some of the more relevant day-to-day skills for this role include: Business Communications, Call Screening, Desktop Publishing, Document Management, Document Processing, Drafting Correspondence, Meeting Minutes, Meeting Scheduling and Logistics, Office Management, Reception and Gatekeeping, Records Management, Telephone Skills/Etiquette.  In this role, you should command of the following: Document Creation Software, Email Software, General Office Software, General Data Analysis Software.  Success in this function is highly dependant upon these skills, as well as others specific to each individual company.

People's Opinions on Administrative Assistant skills

Nine Skills Needed to Become a Successful Administrative Assistant.

11/24/2019: Dayton, OH

Administrative assistants must be able to handle many details and challenging situations at once.

10/21/2019: Mesa, AZ

Having a reputation for extraordinary administrative skills can lead to salary increases and promotions.

12/20/2019: Topeka, KS

Administrative assistants needs skills in standard written English and, in some organizations, business English.

10/15/2019: Corpus Christi, TX

Skilled administrative assistants use timely wisely to achieve outstanding productivity.

12/09/2019: Ventura, CA
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Step 6: View average salary for Administrative Assistant

How much does an Administrative Assistant make?

The average salary range for an Administrative Assistant is from $47,574 to $59,633. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for an Administrative Assistant
$47,574 to $59,633

Step 7: Find relevant Administrative Assistant jobs, and apply.

Looking for Administrative Assistant jobs?

Here are some Administrative Assistant jobs in the United States.

Search Administrative Assistant Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Administrative Assistant

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Administrative Assistant? Administrative Assistant II