What does an Office Assistant do?
An Office Assistant oversees all of the clerical and organisational support tasks that ensure operations within an organisation run smoothly. They facilitate meetings, manage calendars and also maintain office supplies and file correspondence. An Office Assistant answers telephone calls and directs them to the appropriate parties/people, takes messages and ensures that communications are clear and run efficiently.
Office Assistant Skills and Qualifications
A successful Office Assistant candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- At least one year of experience in administrative or clerical roles
- Excellent customer service skills to promote client satisfaction
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Active listening skills
- Demonstrable experience using computer software and hardware, including word processor, spreadsheets and presentation software
- Strong organisational skills to plan, prioritise and execute duties
- Minimum word processing speed of 45 w.p.m.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the flexibility to adapt to changing work demands
Office Assistant experience requirements
Three years of relevant experience in an office setting, preferably in an administrative or clerical role is a must. The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable and experienced in the management of both the office and back office space.
They should also be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and with general computer operations. Writing and proofing experience are also necessary as the Office Assistant crafts official documents and correspondence on behalf of management. Office Assistant candidates should also have a proven ability to write clear and concise research reports and submit them in a timely manner.
Office Assistant education and training requirements
Office Assistants need to have at least one GCSE certification or post-secondary training in administrative office procedures. However, some corporate employers prefer applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree. On-the-job training is crucial, typically lasting a few weeks. Microsoft Office training and certification may also be necessary as a lot of office work involves typing, document editing and printing. Sector or industry knowledge is desirable but not a must.
Office Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, an Office Assistant earns an average of £19,920 annually. Education level, experience, relevant skills, performance, company size and locality may all determine the salary.
Job description samples for similar positions
Are you looking to fill a position other than an Office Assistant? If so other similar positions include:
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
