Life in the Real World

5 Tips On How To Be The Best Administrative Assistant

For those of you who don’t know, an administrative assistant performs routine tasks such as creating and maintaining filing systems. They organize files, prepare documents, schedule appointments and support other staff groups in the office. Here is a list of some of the most desirable traits and characteristics for those that are interested in pursuing this job.

1. Organizational Abilities

The purpose of working as an administrative assistant is because your boss has so much going on in their life that they aren’t able to handle it all by themselves. They need someone that is going to organize their work life so that they can work efficiently. Without you, they’d be lost! Some assistants may work for multiple higher-ups in an office. Some companies get so hectic that they need an organized person like you to be there.

2. Have Initiative

Being in this position can be stressful at times, especially when there is a lot going on within a company. This being said, it’s important to be a driven individual that will do what is necessary to get the job done. Administrative assistants need to be comfortable at stepping up to the plate in a time of need. You might not be the boss, but you are still a leader within the company. You are the eyes and ears of that company and people will come to you in times of need.

3. Act Well Under Pressure

Working in an office under a company is no easy task. Between taking calls, organizing meetings, and maintaining structure in the office, there are bound to be a few hiccups along the way. If you are the type of person that acts well under pressure, then this job could be for you.

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4. Effective Communication Skills

It is so important to be able to speak clearly and precisely when you are on the phone with company clients. You do not want to word anything the wrong way and you want to be sure that the person you are speaking to is on the same page as you are. An administrative assistant helps build up the relationships between the client and the company through communication. This skill is just as important to have for the internal part of the company. It is important to keep a clear line of communication throughout the office so nothing gets misinterpreted.

5. Confidentiality

If you can’t keep a secret, then maybe this job isn’t for you. When you take on this type of position, you are expected to understand that certain things you hear behind closed doors with your boss are not your responsibility to share with the whole office. The same logic applies to a client’s personal information. The office doesn’t need to know the client’s details if it isn’t necessary.

Have you worked as an administrative assistant before? Let us know in the comments below!
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