Are you looking to find work in a clerical or administrative job position such as an administrative assistant, receptionist, secretary, or office manager?
Many people assume these jobs are easy or unimportant, but that’s simply not true. Administrative and clerical roles are the backbone of many businesses, they keep an office running smoothly and provide valuable, necessary support to executives, managers, and business owners in all industries of the United States economy.
Education Requirements for Administrative Jobs
To secure a clerical or administrative job, employers typically require a high school diploma or GED. Often, there is on-site job training if you’re lacking in experience.
5 Skills to Find Success in an Administrative Job Position
- Technology
Clerical jobs typically require a general knowledge of computers and popular programs like the Microsoft Suite, more specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, or their Apple counterparts. When spending this much time on a computer, typing skills and basic knowledge of how to operate a computer make your life much easier. Interested in advancing your computer skills? Try a free trial at Lynda, a popular online skills training course database created by LinkedIn.
You may also need to learn how to operate and maintain fax machines, scanners, and printers.
- Communication
To succeed in an administrative position, you need to be comfortable communicating with your superiors, coworkers, and clients in-person, over the phone and via email in a professional, friendly manner.
Proper grammar and correct spelling in electronic forms of communication are a must as well. This email how-to created by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill can provide some insights into more effective e-communication.
- Organization
In clerical roles, organization is a must. You need to be able to run a clean filing system for mail, email, physical documents, and more. It’s common for those in administrative positions to be in charge of coordinating their superior’s schedule as well. If you fail to remain organized, you will find that juggling your day-to-day tasks will become much more difficult.
- Time Management & Planning
You not only need to manager your own time, but others’ in your office as well. When you are scheduling meetings, changing plans when employees are sick, or developing general office administration procedures, the ability to prepare for potential issues is a requirement.
- Oversight & Problem Solving
As the eyes and ears of your office, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are vital. You need to remain on top of keeping your office well stocked with supplies, while handling any issues that other staff or clients throw at you. Successful administrators utilize their listening skills to find innovative solutions to a wide variety of problems.
Interested in learning more about temporary, temp-to-hire, or direct hire administrative jobs? Contact Tri-Starr Personnel today, and a member of our recruiting team will begin working to push your career forward.
