8 Office Skills that Admins Want
The degree of proficiency you possess with these skills will vary based on the role that you play in the office. If you have a few or all of them, recruiters will surely consider you a great candidate.
1. Adept in Technology
A admin employee is responsible for a wide range of duties, including data entry, team calendar management, and the creation of company reports. This means that assistants who are well-versed in these tasks will be highly sought after.
Every company has its own software and equipment that is associated with their core business model. You need to know the following tech basics and specialised knowledge:
Computer
Get some training if you are not able to effectively use a Computer. There’s no hiding if your computer literacy falls short of the mark. You can’t do everything. Desktop Publishing, Document Management etc.
Internet
Truthfully, being good at using a computer goes hand-in-hand with knowing how to use the internet. The one without the other would be a disaster. Learn the basics before you put it on your CV.
Softwares
There are many software programs that cater to the different types of businesses and roles you play. Others may only require you to help with documents, while others might need full graphical and analytic support. Microsoft Office, Outlook and QuickBooks are just a few of the software programs you will need to master. The other functionalities include Time & Billing Software, Transcription and Typing, Typing From Dictation (Voicemail), Videoconference Preparation (Voicemail), Word Processing, Customer Relations Management, etc.
2. Verbal & Written Communication
As an administrative assistant, communication is one of your most important skills. You need to be able to convince the company that you are a reliable negotiator. Maintaining correspondence with clients, suppliers or partners on a timely basis and in a professional manner is part of this. It’s also important that admin assistants and clerks have a positive outlook for every interaction with guests, customers, or other employees.
The following communication skills and tasks are also important: answering the telephone, writing business correspondence, calling customers, client relations and customer service, onboarding clients, editing emails, filing, greeting employees and clients, interpersonal exchange, listening and oral communication, public relations and public speaking, receptionists, stenography and written communication.
