Landing a job as an administrative assistant is a great entry-level way to learn a company from the ground up. Here are seven great ways to hit that ground running.
- Always arrive on time. This is an important, but often underestimated, part of the job. The people you support need to know that you are trustworthy and dependable. Nothing displays this better being ready to work the minute they need you.
- Pay attention. Whether you are taking notes at a meeting, getting instructions for an assignment, or learning the names of the people in your office, pay attention to detail.
- Be efficient. Challenge yourself to complete tasks quickly and correctly. Use the extra time to make yourself available to those you support.
- Take initiative. Check in with your manager to see what projects you can help them with, and don’t be offended if the jobs are small and unchallenging; complete them well and without complaint and you may be rewarded with something more interesting in the future.
- Keep Learning. Every job has opportunities to learn something new and useful. Seek out ways to keep improving in your role, whether it is by learning company software, finding which restaurants deliver the best lunches, or how to create useful reports.
- Think one step ahead. If you’ve been paying attention at work, you’ll have a good idea what processes your boss and the company use throughout their workflow. For instance, if your boss consistently looks for certain details on a specific report, make those details easier to find.
- Wear a Smile. Having a great attitude at work can permeate through the entire office. People are affected on the phone just as much as they are in person, so make the effort to treat each conversation with warmth and professionalism.
Never underestimate the importance of the Administrative Assistant role in a company. While the job requirements may vary widely from place to place, a good Administrative Assistant can use the above tips to adapt, perform exceptionally, and become an invaluable resource in any environment.