What does an Administration Assistant do?
Administration Assistants ensure that an office runs smoothly by taking care of the day-to-day administrative tasks. As opposed to Personal Assistants who typically assist an executive member of staff, Administration Assistants provide general office support. They often serve as the first point of contact for all incoming enquiries, whether these are phone calls or emails. Depending on the position, Administration Assistants may sit in the reception area, in which case they are also the first point of contact for visitors. Those who work in large organisations can support various business functions, including marketing, finance or human resources.
Administration Assistant skills and qualifications
The job of an Administration Assistant involves interacting with people. Whether they’re corresponding with clients, dealing with suppliers or arranging a conference, they need strong communication skills. They need to be able to actively listen to fellow employees and other stakeholders and should be able to effectively relay information. A successful Administration Assistant candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Excellent organisational skills to ensure that the daily activities of an office run smoothly
- IT literacy and a working knowledge of relevant software, such as Microsoft Office
- The ability to multitask and prioritise tasks to cope with the multifaceted nature of the job
- The ability to use their own initiative but also work as part of a team
- Excellent customer service skills, as they deal directly with a company’s clients
- A professional and neat appearance, as they are often the first employees to welcome clients and visitors
- Good writing skills and a sound command of the English language
Administration Assistant experience requirements
The level of experience Administration Assistants need varies depending on the position. Some employers may hire candidates with no previous experience and provide them with on-the-job training. In contrast, others may only be open to applicants who have experience in office administration. Depending on the position, employers may require a working knowledge of certain software programmes, such as database applications, or experience in doing dictations and transcriptions. Some positions may also require experience in leading an administrative team.
Administration Assistant education and training requirements
There are no fixed education and training requirements for this occupation. Candidates typically need a few GCSEs, including English and maths, to prove they have the required numeracy and literacy skills for the job. There are also various courses in administration or business studies that candidates can complete to develop their skills and knowledge in the field. Relevant courses include a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Business and Administration or a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration. Another way to enter this occupation is through an intermediate apprenticeship in business administration.
Administration Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Administration Assistant in the UK is £18,623 per year. Salaries vary, depending on factors like location and level of experience.
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