Administrative assistant skills & qualifications

an Administrative Assistant typing on her computer

What skills does an administrative assistant need to have?

Hiring managers look for the following key administrative assistant skills:

Strong communication skills, both verbal and written to communicate with managers, staff, stakeholders and clients
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Exceptional customer service skills
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Be organised and detail oriented
Ability to multitask, be flexible and adaptable to changes in the workplace
Strong positive attitude and willingness to learn

If your administrative assistant resume highlights most of the skills mentioned above, then you are well-prepared to stand out during the interview process.

What qualifications does an Administrative Assistant need to have?

Some employers prefer formal qualifications and certifications from post-secondary education, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Other recognised qualifications and experience include:

High school diploma or equivalent
One to two years’ experience in an administrative role
Certificate in office administration or related field is preferred

The qualifications required for an administrative support specialist can vary depending on the specific duties they will perform in their role. These are often influenced by the industry in which the business operates. For instance, an admin assistant working in a medical clinic may need additional qualifications compared to one working at an accounting firm.

When considering degrees for an administrative role, studies in business administration or management are often preferred.

FAQs

What administrative skills do employers expect?

Employers expect administrative assistants to possess a variety of technical and human skills. Discover common skills listed in an administrative assistant job description:

Human skills include:

Having strong attention to detail
Time management skills and the ability to multitask
Problem-solving skills
Ability to communicate effectively with both written and verbal communication skills

Examples of technical skills:

Scheduling meetings
Proficient in using project management tools and office software
Answering phone calls
Maintain accurate records
Managing multiple calendars

Do you need to study or attend university to become an administrative assistant?

No, several paths are available to becoming an administrative assistant, but not all require formal education at a university. Professional experience is always valuable when starting a job as an administrative assistant.

How can you become an administrative assistant without formal education?

There are many ways to impress a prospective employer without formal education.

Gain two years of experience in an administrative role.
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer post-secondary education, like an associate or bachelor’s degree, but it's not mandatory.
Complete a certificate program in office administration, typically lasting one year or less.
Start as an office assistant to gain experience before progressing.
Gaining customer service experience is beneficial when applying for an administrative assistant role.

Completing relevant online courses such as those offered at Hays Learning may also increase an individual’s chances of becoming an Administrative Assistant. Sign up for free.

Learn more about how to become an admin assistant including average salary expectationsin Australia. Ready to kickstart your career? Browse the latest admin assistant jobs today with Hays.

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