Administrative Assistant Job Description

Administrative jobs include office workers such as administrative assistants, secretaries, clerks and other support staff, who perform numerous duties according to their employer’s necessity. Administrative staff supervisors are also employed by many companies. Characteristically, in a larger company a service manager makes his way up from support worker to a manager or supervisor.

General Purpose
The main purpose of an administrative assistant is to perform a wide range of office support and administrative activities for the managers, supervisors and department to facilitate the proficient operation of the organization.   

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities
The administrative assistant job description includes the following responsibilities:

·        To answer, screen and transfer inbound phone calls

·        Receive and direct clients and visitors

·        To perform general clerical duties including fax, photocopying and mailing

·        Maintaining hard copy and electronic filing system

·        Retrieving documents from filing system

·        Resolving administrative problems and inquiries

·        To prepare and modify documents including drafts, reports, emails and memos.

·         Scheduling and co-coordinating meetings, appointments and travel arrangements for managers or supervisors.

·        Preparing schedules and agendas for meetings

·        To record, write down, compile and distribute minutes of meetings

·        To maintain office supply, inventories, etc.

Education and Experience
An admin assistant job requires the person to be computer literate and have knowledge of relevant software. It also requires him/her to have knowledge of clerical and administrative procedures and systems such as keeping records and filing.
Thus, an administrative assistant is an entry level position available in all organizations.

How to Write Cover Letter for Admin Assistant

 Most administrative assistants or professionals know the significance of a well prepared resume, but you may not understand that it’s often the cover letter that determines whether or not you would be invited for an interview. This document serves as an introduction of the hiring manager with you since it’s often read before the resume. It’s also your first opportunity to make a good impression.
In addition to reinforcing vital administrative skills and experience, a convincing cover letter demonstrates your aspiration to work for the employer and the specific ways by which you can benefit the organization.  
When writing an admin assistant cover letter, keep the following tips in mind:

·        The first thing you need to do is to learn as much as you can about the potential employer so that you can modify the letter as per the opportunity

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·        A good cover letter should begin with a powerful opening paragraph

·        Your cover letter should be  simple and to the point

·        The body of your letter should highlight the key points in your resume and not repeat it.

·        Always close the letter by showing your desire to learn more about the job during an interview.

Many individuals seeking admin assistant job in big organizations prepare their resumes accordingly, but most of them don’t know how to write a proper cover letter for it. Thus, the above tips would help you in writing good cover letters to enable you to attend the interview while finding a good job for admin assistant.      

Admin Assistant Courses

 Admin assistant courses help current and future students of business to locate, assess and choose the best educational program for their requirements. Administrative assistants are more than just secretaries. They are the main people in most offices responsible for planning meetings, creating reports, gathering information, arranging travel and welcoming visitors.
In the past, admin assistants could serve effectively with only a high school diploma, but today they need to take college level Administrative Assistant training and course to develop communication and word processing skills required for the position. The course program could be basic 1 to 2 year course at a community college, or specialized admin assistant course program at bigger institutions intended for admin professionals who work with top level executives.
A well equipped admin assistant would take admin course which leaves him well prepared in typing, spelling, grammar, oral communication, management, customer service, computer and telephone skills.    
As the world of business expands, the job outlook for those who complete an admin assistant course is likely to grow by 12% or more by 2018. Job growth is also expected for admin assistants in the field of medicine.
Individuals who graduate after completing an admin assistant course can expect to earn anywhere in the range of $25000 to $35000 in an entry level position. Executive admin assistants earn approximately $55000, while admin assistants in government jobs earn around $35000. 
Finally, it can be said that you need to undergo an administrative assistant training program if you want to seek a good job in a larger organization.