Job candidates with strong administrative skills are in high demand for virtually every industry. Administrative support assistants are a foundational part of any workplace, enabling each team member to get the job done. They must be able to handle many moving parts and challenging situations at once. Also, they serve a critical operations and administrative support role.
Top 5 skills to look for in operations and administrative support roles
Administrative support forms such an integral part of a business team. Consequently, administrative assistants need to exhibit the right skill set to stand out to employers. Below, we have highlighted the five most crucial administrative skills that most employers seek in candidates.
1. Adept in technology
Tech-savvy assistants should have technology-related experience. This includes proficiency in performing data entry, managing team calendars, and creating company reports. These assistants are highly sought-after admin skills. Administrative assistants should be comfortable working with Microsoft Office software or similar suites, including word processors and spreadsheets. Additionally, they may need to scan documents, send faxes, or input data into various service platforms. These include a customer relationship management (CRM) system, virtual help desk, or customer service platform. They need to have a thorough understanding of computer software, browsers, and operating systems to perform the job.
2. Verbal and written communication
The admin assistant will become the face and voice of the company. Strong communication abilities are thus one of the most critical administrative skills they should exhibit as they need to handle incoming correspondence from customers, suppliers, and partners in a timely and professional manner. It is also essential that admin assistants have a friendly and positive attitude when interacting with customers, guests, and other employees.
3. Organization
Organization is vital in the workplace, especially for admin assistants who work in an office setting. Administrative assistants often need to manage many tasks and pieces of information simultaneously, and those who directly support an executive will need to maintain their calendar as well. Many administrative assistants must also handle file management systems, either physically or on a computer, and they should be adept at storing and retrieving files. Organizational skills to look for include planning, delegation, and office management.
4. Time management
Time management is the ability to be punctual and schedule enough time to complete all assigned tasks. Because administrative assistants typically have extensive to-do lists and need to manage their time effectively to finish their duties by a set deadline. Those with strong time-management skills should be punctual, meet deadlines, readjust priorities when unforeseen issues arise, and plan their days for productivity.
5. Strategic planning
Another essential administrative skill is to plan and schedule things in advance. Similar to time management, admin assistants must be able to plan strategically. Planning skills also come into play when arranging executive and employee calendars when unexpected cancellations or changes arise, managing appointments, creating a plan for when employees are sick, or developing office procedural systems. Administrators must be able to plan and prepare for any potential office issues.
Grace Federal Solutions is at the forefront of providing administrative management operations that involve coordinating, planning, and directing services to support healthcare organizations’ operational functions. For more information on our project and administrative support services, contact us today.
