Research Summary. Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for an administrative assistant. We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of administrative assistant resumes they appeared on. For example, 14.3% of administrative assistant resumes contained customer service as a skill. Let's find out what skills an administrative assistant actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace.

  • The most common hard skill for an administrative assistant is customer service. 14.3% administrative assistants have this skill on their resume.
  • The second most common hard skill for an administrative assistant is data entry appearing on 10.9% of resumes. The third most common is powerpoint on 6.2% of resumes.
  • Three common soft skills for an administrative assistant are interpersonal skills, organizational skills and writing skills.

Some of the most important hard skills an administrative assistant can possess include data entry, administering office procedures, powerpoint, and managing phone calls. It's important that administrative assistants have a strong grasp on the technology that they will be using. They should also have a knowledge of powerpoint and a familiarity with office procedures.

When it comes to soft skills, administrative assistants should, above all else, have excellent communication skills. Administrative assistants are responsible for a great amount of communication between many different parties, so these skills are crucial.

Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for an administrative assistant. We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of administrative assistant resumes they appeared on. For example, 14.3% of administrative assistant resumes contained customer service as a skill. Let's find out what skills an administrative assistant actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace.

15 Essential Administrative Assistant Skills For Your Resume And Career

1. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how customer service is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Served as liaison to customer service department for inventory updates - Other duties as assigned by the Manager of Generic Pharmaceutical Procurement
  • Implemented curriculum, maintained programming and accreditation standards in classrooms, and addressed parental concerns with excellent customer service.
  • Facilitate daily administrative functions, including customer service, data entry, patient scheduling, inventory and record management.
  • Identified and implemented enhancements to customer service, communications, and mediation processes to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Executed high level customer service by maintaining contact, communicating case progress, negotiating service agreement inquiries and concerns

2. Data Entry

Data entry means entering data into a company's system with the help of a keyboard. A person responsible for entering data may also be asked to verify the authenticity of the data being entered. A person doing data entry must pay great attention to tiny details.

Here's how data entry is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Completed data entry for accounting department efficient project completion coordinate and arrange scheduled military trips, for government personnel.
  • Monitored contractor productivity, reviewed maintenance contracts, applied data entry skills, utilized Microsoft excel and word.
  • Provided administrative services including filing, data entry, preparation of company correspondence, and business documents.
  • Helped in analyzing all company data entry systems and assisted in preparing recommendations for system-wide efficiency improvements.
  • Performed a variety of administrative and office duties, including data entry/retrieval and records management.

3. PowerPoint

Here's how powerpoint is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Created presentation books and submission materials for underwriters review for premium quotes as well as facilitated meeting with underwriters via PowerPoint.
  • Developed innovative PowerPoint presentation used by the business owners to demonstrate quality and dedication to future clients' remodeling needs.
  • Developed meeting agendas, PowerPoint presentations and written collateral for company meetings/projects; executed follow up action items.
  • Supported the office preparation of computer presentations by accurately and efficiently creating and/or updating materials using PowerPoint.
  • Produced lengthy reports and correspondence using Microsoft Word, processed Excel spreadsheets and created PowerPoint presentations.

And if you’re looking for a job, here are the five top employers hiring now:

  1. IBM Jobs (653)
  2. AT&T Jobs (647)
  3. FedEx Jobs (526)
  4. Allstate Jobs (748)
  5. Farmers Insurance Jobs (513)

4. Travel Arrangements

Here's how travel arrangements is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Coordinated calendars, travel arrangements and schedule meetings as required and prepared any necessary materials for travel/meetings for the Engineering Department.
  • Photocopied and faxed important documents, kept records of important information and documents also scheduled appointments and travel arrangements.
  • Coordinate meetings, travel arrangements, expense reports and other administrative requirements in support of the Modernization effort.
  • Supervised Loan originators, telemarketers, coordinated travel arrangements and ensured the delivery of premium service to clients.
  • Scheduled appointments and coordinated in and out-of-state travel arrangements, prepared itinerary and gathered other materials as needed.

5. Database Management

Here's how database management is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Worked for Investment Counsel Company assisting portfolio administrators with database management, client report presentations, and other related office duties.
  • Promoted to Editorial Associate with further administrative assistant responsibilities plus daily database management and oversight of permissions for copyright and contracts.
  • Served as administrative assistant by providing clerical support, contract preparation, correspondence, database management, transcription and filing.
  • Developed skills and competence in administrative activities including data entry, filing, inventory control, record-keeping and database management.
  • Facilitated workshops/presentations/seminars and cross-trained other staff members in database management, educational youth programs, professional development and grant management.

6. Word Processing

Here's how word processing is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Prepared and organized confidential correspondence, presentations and reports utilizing advanced word processing, graphics and presentation software knowledge.
  • Provided administrative support including word processing, daily activity and other reports required for day-to-day operation.
  • Composed routine correspondence, reports and documents using personal computers or word processing systems.
  • Develop and modify procedures and formats materials for new or revised word processing applications.
  • Coordinated with legal administrative support personnel and/or word processing for overflow work support.

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7. Office Equipment

Here's how office equipment is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Ordered supplies, maintained vendor information and e-mailed regarding certificates and literature, trouble-shot computer issues, maintained office equipment.
  • Handled and maintained administration duties such as answered phones, distributed incoming/outgoing mail and operated basic office equipment.
  • Processed payment of invoices for office equipment, financial publication subscriptions, conference registration fees, company contributions.
  • Ensured accuracy and completeness of all pertinent documents and paperwork before charging off account using office equipment.
  • Ensured office equipment was always running flawlessly and arranged for equipment repairs and maintenance as necessary.

8. Provides Administrative Support

Here's how provides administrative support is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Manage Executive member of management schedule and provides administrative support to alternate management as well as clients.
  • Position provides administrative support to managers, directors and vice presidents and executive vice presidents.
  • Position provides administrative support to owner, office manager, estimator and superintendents.
  • Experience: Rehab Administrative Assistant 2011- Community Care Inc. * Provides administrative support for the Rehab Department.
  • Managed administrative work within the office and provides administrative support to the Director.

9. Scheduling Appointments

Scheduling appointments is the practice of finding a free slot with the person(s) you want to meet. The process of scheduling appointments involves finding mutually free time, negotiating follow-ups, sending reminders, and creating new appointments. Scheduling appointments is important to ensure that the timings of consecutive meetings do not clash with each other.

Here's how scheduling appointments is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Interfaced extensively with department managers and inter-regional executive staff on a nationwide level, scheduling appointments and fielding inquiries.
  • Provide administrative/secretarial support for the department such as answering telephones, assisting visitors, data entry and scheduling appointments.
  • Performed administrative responsibilities such as typing and editing correspondence, filing documents, scheduling appointments, and answering telephone.
  • Supported the Executive Director throughout daily operations and various administrative tasks including scheduling appointments with clients and answering requests.
  • Provided secretarial support by performing word processing functions, coordinating meetings, scheduling appointments, and making travel arrangements.

10. Purchase Orders

Here's how purchase orders is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Executed purchase orders and delivery orders in accordance with the incumbent s warranted procurement authority.
  • Maintained and controlled company's inventory level to ensured purchase orders are made accordingly.
  • Trained in procurement policies and procedures to include approving purchase orders and requisitions.
  • Reviewed incoming mill material certification to ensure compliance to purchase orders and specifications.
  • Maintained office supplies/equipment; completed purchase orders to replenish supply stock.

11. Telephone Calls

Telephone calls are a communication means through which a caller is connected to the called party. The call is done through a telecommunications device called a telephone. The caller can use a landline, mobile phone, or satellite phone to make the call.

Here's how telephone calls is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Performed standard administrative duties such as answering telephone calls, filing documents, creating correspondences and managing collections.
  • Received telephone calls, directing callers to appropriate staff or personally providing the information desired.
  • Provided back-up assistance to receptionist by answering telephone calls and routing them to appropriate personnel.
  • Responded to routine correspondence researching background material and responding to visitors and telephone calls.
  • Provide exceptional customer service by answering all incoming telephone calls promptly and courteously.

12. Expense Reports

Here's how expense reports is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Collaborated with Motorola-Sprint Account team and independently providing assistance to engineers including entering expense reports, estimating costs and arranging travel.
  • Supported executives and managers by calendaring appointments, assisting with meeting preparation and scheduling, and processed expense reports.
  • Reconcile expense reports for executive management on a monthly basis for corporate and personal credit accounts.
  • Generated and analyzed weekly expense reports, and reported to management findings to ensure successful operations.
  • Managed travel and expense reports for management Responsible for communicating and managing outside vendors.

13. Front Desk

Here's how front desk is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Assisted and directed patients, personally assisted Voluntary Services Coordinator, managed front desk LEADERSHIP
  • Managed front desk, maintaining heavy in-person/phone interaction with corporate/individual clients for 10-person office.
  • Performed general administrative duties as a front desk receptionist including data entry.
  • Provided administrative support in multiple roles including front desk receptionist.
  • Managed reception/front desk security and maintained general office appearance.

14. HR

HR stands for human resources and is used to describe the set of people who work for a company or an organization. HR responsibilities revolve around updating employee records and carrying out management processes like planning, recruitment, evaluation, and selection processes. HR is a key contributor to any company or organization's growth as they are in charge of hiring the right employees, processing payrolls, conducting disciplinary actions, etc.

Here's how hr is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Elevated interdepartmental communications and collaboration as a key liaison between HR, Automotive, Transportation, and Warehouse departments.
  • Improved HR files efficiency by implementing color-coded filing system and introducing additional time-saving measures.
  • Provide administrative and general confidential secretarial support to both HR and Operations.
  • Prepared PowerPoint Presentations for HR Generalist and Learning and Development Team.
  • Plan and coordinate executive meetings HR Director/Executives during new-hire process.

15. Administrative Tasks

Here's how administrative tasks is used on administrative assistant resumes:
  • Managed Outlook calendars, coordinated travel arrangements (both domestic/international) and provided administrative tasks for all department supervisors.
  • Performed a wide variety of accounting and administrative tasks for a large mechanical contracting and sheet metal fabricating business.
  • Provided direct administrative support to the Director of Corporate Communications and performed basic administrative tasks for department staff.
  • Performed administrative tasks that include filling, photocopying and faxing important documents in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Assisted Office Manager in various administrative tasks, including inventory management, purchasing and scheduling equipment maintenance/repair.
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The eight most common skills based on Administrative Assistant resumes in 2023.

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List Of Skills To Add To Your Administrative Assistant Resume

According to recent trends, the most relevant administrative assistant Resume Keywords for your resume are:

  • Customer Service
  • Data Entry
  • PowerPoint
  • Travel Arrangements
  • Database Management
  • Word Processing
  • Office Equipment
  • Provides Administrative Support
  • Scheduling Appointments
  • Purchase Orders
  • Telephone Calls
  • Expense Reports
  • Front Desk
  • HR
  • Administrative Tasks
  • Financial Statements
  • Meeting Minutes
  • Clerical Support
  • Administrative Functions
  • Event Planning
  • Office Management
  • Office Procedures
  • Conference Calls
  • Background Checks
  • Direct Calls
  • Office Operations
  • Administrative Problems
  • QuickBooks
  • Hard Copy
  • Computer System
  • Multi-Line Phone System
  • Fax Machines
  • Financial Reports
  • Provide General Support
  • Administrative Assistance
  • Meeting Agendas
  • Bank Deposits
  • Office Machines
  • Accounts Receivables
  • Inventory Control
  • Customer Inquiries
  • FedEx

Real Examples Of Administrative Assistant Resumes That Use These Skills

Most Important Administrative Assistant Skills According To Experts

What Type Of Skills Will Young Administrative Assistants Need?

Brian Lai Ph.D.

Associate Professor, University of Iowa

They need to be able to write well, specifically be able to clearly summarize and analyze ideas, policies, and arguments in a succinct manner. They will need at least a working understanding of data analysis techniques, if not some ability to analyze data. In the field of IR, the ability to network and work in a group environment will be important.

What Soft Skills Should All Administrative Assistants Possess?

Brandy Bailey

Career Coach, Ohio University - Lancaster Campus

Soft skills may vary depending on the employer, industry, and personal opinions. My biggest ones are communication skills, adaptability, self-awareness, teamwork, problem-solving, intercultural competency, creativity or innovation, and time management.

What Technical Skills For An Administrative Assistant Stand Out To Employers?

Amanda Carpenter

Director, California State University Channel Islands

-Data analytics skills are critical technical skills that stand out to employers in today's market. According to NACE (2018), the use of data analytics is projected to have the most significant impact on an organization's operational efficiency and revenue generation.
-Source (NACE): www.naceweb.org

What Administrative Assistant Skills Would You Recommend For Someone Trying To Advance Their Career?

Anne McConnell Ph.D.

Professor, West Virginia State University

I would encourage someone taking a gap year to branch out, seeking work experiences and employment situations that expose them to new skills and allow them to interact with a diverse set of people. Sometimes we find ourselves in a bubble-communicating with the same people, who tend to share the same ideas-and a gap year provides the opportunity to extend beyond that. Employers value employees who have open, flexible minds, and seeking out experiences that demonstrate that openness can be helpful.

What Skills Stand Out On Administrative Assistant Resumes?

Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.

Department Chair and Associate Professor of English, Dixie State University

Writing skills have always been valued by employers, but anything that shows an ability to write, produce, or communicate in digital spaces will stand out. While employers are becoming increasingly comfortable having employees work and collaborate digitally (from home or elsewhere), they may still be reluctant to train employees how to do that. They want to see evidence that applicants will know how to use technology and stay productive without extensive training and without a supervisor having to stand behind them. That isn't to say training won't take place, but employers want to use their valuable time and resources training employees on their own systems, policies, and procedures; they don't want to have to show new-hires how to use Zoom, how to format a memo, how to write an email, or how to co-edit a document using OneDrive.

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Online Courses For Administrative Assistants

One of the best ways to acquire the skills needed to be an administrative assistant is to take an online course. We've identified some online courses from Udemy and Coursera that will help you advance in your career. Since administrative assistants benefit from having skills like customer service, data entry, and powerpoint, we found courses that will help you improve these skills.

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