Getting a Job as an Administrative Assistant

An administrative assistant works for executives and managers in an organization. Some organizations do not differentiate between administrative assistants and executive secretaries. However, there are some organizations which distinguish between these two positions and in such firms administrative assistants spend most of their time completing some long term agreements. Executive secretaries tend to carry out day to day and detailed duties and are closely overseen by their companies, and administrative assistants often work to prepare reports in their companies. They research and collect documents, attend conventions with their employers and may carry out all writing activities themselves. They can also create computer graphics like illustrations. An administrative assistant often enters and edits reports and publications into the system. Some individuals may also conduct internet research operations and collect figures and facts to be incorporated in the budget.

In some companies and even colleges, the administrative assistants work on the planning of a project or scheme. They often look at many different techniques of supervising some office duties and suggest changes. In research organizations, every project director can have an administrative assistant. They often keep an eye on the funds invested and create budget reports on a monthly basis. They also engage in keeping track of holiday schedules. They sometimes may be also accountable for observing that a certain project has sufficient office equipments and space. An administrative assistant can also arrange for the repair or maintenance of equipment and negotiate price rates with company supply vendors.

The major roles and responsibilities of an administrative assistant can vary greatly depending upon the company. Some may have to work on schedules and budgets while some others may have to help produce and edit in house publications.



A placement office can help a lot in finding the job for an administrative assistant. Interested candidates can get in touch with employers directly, classified advertisements in local newspapers, internet job websites, or through other means.

Many organizations demand a high school diploma from the candidates applying for the vocation of administrative assistant. Moreover, basic computer skills and typing skills are also considered essential to be a good candidate for the position of an administrative assistant. In the organizations where administrative assistants and high level executive secretaries are considered the same, applicants should have enough industry experience and secretarial skills. In organizations where an administrative assistant has dissimilar responsibilities, basic acquaintance with business administration and accounting is helpful. Companies often require the capability in database management, spreadsheets, and various software applications. Some employers require a bachelor's degree for being a good candidate for the position of administrative assistants.

Most organizations provide their staff with on the job training for making them familiar with the office environment and job or responsibilities. However, an individual can also opt for working at junior level positions in order to gain enough industry experience.

He must have good communication and interpersonal skills. He must be well-organized and must have computer skills too. More skills that are needed by an administrative assistant are the capability to supervise, working as a part of team, and the ability to make timely and accurate decisions.

Most organizations require experienced candidates for the positions of administrative assistants so they do not have to spend time on training them. However, some organizations also welcome new candidates and provide them with on the job training.

An administrative assistant has chances of getting promotion to other managerial positions. However, extra training is also required. They may move into areas like sales. In accordance with the Bureau of Labor Statistics of United States, around 1,547,000 executive secretaries and administrative assistants' jobs were held during the year 2004. The employment opportunities for administrative assistants are expected to increase more slowly than average for all positions through the year 2014.

An administrative assistant may have to work in different kinds of organizations. Usually, they work in a unit situated closer to their managers or executives. They share overall office space with rest of the staff including the secretary. There are several employers who allow an administrative assistant to carry out his responsibilities under flexible work schedules.

The salary depends upon the location, size, and type of an organization. Therefore, wages also depend upon the seniority level of the director under whom an administrative assistant works. The median salaries for occupations of administrative assistants were around 34,970 dollars per year during the year 2004.

Overall, administrative jobs are among the highest paid occupations. One can also have more opportunities to advance to other managerial levels in this occupation.