Skills That Boost Success in Administrative Support Jobs
For some people, landing administrative support jobs and thriving in those positions comes naturally. However, many current and aspiring administrative support professionals find it helpful to regularly brush up on some vital skills to keep themselves sharp. Administrative support jobs rely heavily on a wide variety of skills, and professionals are often expected to be able to work with people in many different departments and specialties. Whether you are already in a support position or you are looking for administrative support jobs, take some time to consider your proficiency in these critical areas.
Organization and Time Management
The most critical quality for any administrative support professional is excellent organizational skills. Executives, managers, administrators, and other staff rely on administrative support professionals to stay organized and on schedule. These skills are so vital that many employers give them priority when filling administrative support positions. Whether you choose to use written lists, notebooks, digital calendars, or other tools to keep yourself on track, you must find an organizational system and calendar that works for you. Many people within your company will depend on your organizational skills, so be sure to keep them sharp.
Communication and Technology Skills
Although finding what systems work for you is vital, it is even more crucial that you adapt to your employer’s needs in terms of technology and communication. Using a written calendar to keep track of your own appointments may work just fine, but you must quickly become proficient in your employer’s timekeeping, scheduling, and communication systems. Knowing things that your boss doesn’t like, won’t hurt either; being able to assist by making changes to a spreadsheet or hooking up a projector are simple things that make an administrative support professional invaluable in the workplace.
Resourcefulness and Attention to Detail
Attention to detail goes much further than remembering someone’s lunch order. In administrative support jobs, a keen eye for detail is incredibly valuable. You will likely be one of the last sets of eyes to look over emails or meeting requests, and you might be in a position to notice mistakes that your boss has missed. It may be challenging, but you should do your best to ensure accuracy in whatever crosses your desk. You must also be a quick, out-of-the-box thinker. Because administrative support professionals often work across different departments, you might have insight into solutions that others do not. Also, being able to solve your own problems instead of taking them to supervisors (when appropriate, of course) is something that your bosses will appreciate.
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