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Administrative support specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.,
Allison White
Administrative support specialist example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical administrative support specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for administrative support specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 15.5% of administrative support specialist resumes contained customer service as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an administrative support specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 administrative support specialist 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 administrative support specialists use customer service:
  • Front desk support/Customer service/Scheduling/AV technology/Facility Coordinator.
  • Provided technical customer service to end users and level 1 technicians* Assisted in diagnosing problems, identifying repair options and implementing solutions

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 administrative support specialists use data entry:
  • Compiled statistical data and produced reports using data entry, reviewing documents to insure correct city protocol was being followed.
  • Performed data entry and oversaw retrieval of sensitive data utilizing internal case management software.

3. Patients

Here's how administrative support specialists use patients:
  • Coordinate services and implement emergency procedures if needed; interview patients, enter medical information and transmit/receive EKG reports.
  • Followed up with clients via email/text messaging application on appointment and standardized treatment of patients following recovery process.

4. PowerPoint

Here's how administrative support specialists use powerpoint:
  • Develop PowerPoint presentations for the Domestic Violence Section of the Criminal Investigations Division.
  • Assisted with preparation of PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets for upcoming management meetings.

5. Administrative Functions

Administrative Functions all revolve around planning and managing business operations. Administrators engage in the planning and execution of different business objectives, implementing workplace policies, and organizing resources efficiently. Every action that is a step towards the business's goals is covered by Administrative Functions.

Here's how administrative support specialists use administrative functions:
  • Perform administrative functions for the Executive Director, Deputy Directors and Program Managers as well as assisting all Supervisory Personnel.
  • Supervised performance of administrative functions in administrative or similar element at division, comparable, or higher level headquarters.

6. Office Equipment

Here's how administrative support specialists use office equipment:
  • Managed office equipment and supplies required to enhance productivity and maintain office efficiency.
  • Planned and coordinated daily operations, maintained office equipment.

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7. Travel Arrangements

Here's how administrative support specialists use travel arrangements:
  • Assisted plan travel arrangements for senior management including inputting itinerary and travel budget details into specific computer applications.
  • Provided team meeting and conference call coordination, planning services including travel arrangements; controlling company travel allowances.

8. Office Procedures

Office procedures are the protocols and standards which define how the staff works together. The office procedures can be a set of rules and regulations which guide the employees and help them run the office operations smoothly. Paperwork, customer interaction, taking messages, handling calls in and out all fall under the office procedures.

Here's how administrative support specialists use office procedures:
  • Compose routine and general correspondence in accordance with established office procedures and as directed by supervisor.
  • Mentored other administrative staff personnel in office procedures.

9. Provides Administrative Support

Here's how administrative support specialists use provides administrative support:
  • 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.

10. Phone Calls

Phone calls are a wireless or wired connection made over a telephone or a mobile phone between two people. Two parties are involved in a phone call, the caller and the receiver. A caller dials the number of the one he wants to call, and the recipient hears a bell or a tune to which he picks up the call. The call establishes a connection between them through which they can communicate. The voice is converted into signals and is transmitted through wired or wireless technology.

Here's how administrative support specialists use phone calls:
  • Received telephone calls and assured that visitors were properly escorted and adhered to security requirements.
  • Filled in for Receptionist as needed handling a 10-line phone system, fielding telephone calls, and receiving and directing visitors.

11. Human Resources

Human resources is a set of people in a business or a corporation that are designated to locate, interview, and recruit new employees into the company. They are also responsible to maintain the integrity of the employees and help them sort their problems out. They try to introduce and manage employee-benefit programs.

Here's how administrative support specialists use human resources:
  • Issued and interpreted operating policies from corporate human resources.
  • Provide general administrative support to Human Resources staff.

12. Database Management

Here's how administrative support specialists use database management:
  • Exercised a thorough understanding of basic computer operations including Microsoft Windows, Database Management, and Microsoft Office Professional.
  • Skilled typist in Microsoft office program environment with expertise in information organization and database management for custom tracking reports.

13. Clerical Support

Clerical support performs activities that must be done in every workplace in order to support the company going forward. These duties, which come within the category of clerical support, are typically delegated to entry-level employees since they are simple and easy to learn. Even though clerical duties like printing and filing are easy, they require time and in many instances, other workers are preoccupied with other activities and unable to keep up with all that needs to be accomplished. As a result, many businesses employ clerical support staff who are solely responsible for these duties.

Here's how administrative support specialists use clerical support:
  • Streamlined clerical support area, ensured accuracy and expedience of daily order entry and saved significant man-hours.
  • Provided complex administrative and clerical support to Medical Director, Department Director and staff members.

14. Booking

Here's how administrative support specialists use booking:
  • Recruited to support the ResX on-line booking tool and to maintain database of negotiated hotels.
  • Prepare billing packets, Shipment Control Sheets, container and booking logs.

15. Proofreading

Here's how administrative support specialists use proofreading:
  • Lead administrative specialist for the Company, proofreading all documentation prior to submission to higher.
  • Assisted with proofreading and testing the Leadership Institute catalog on the intranet annually.
top-skills

What skills help Administrative Support Specialists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on administrative support specialist resumes?

Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

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.

What soft skills should all administrative support specialists possess?

Allison White

Associate Professor, Ohio University

Employers have told me repeatedly that soft skills are often the most important. They will ask for my reference after I've gotten to know a student and been able to identify their communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. They want someone to take the initiative yet know when to ask questions. Customer service skills and confidentiality were also voiced by our internship supervisors. Verbal and non-verbal communication is a must. The applicant must be able to write well!!

What hard/technical skills are most important for administrative support specialists?

Allison White

Associate Professor, Ohio University

In addition to production software skills, including MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, we often taught database skills using MS Access. Every employer has an employee database and a customer/client database that requires input and sometimes maintenance by office personnel. Keyboarding (65+ wpm), basic bookkeeping/accounting, and filing skills are a must.

What administrative support specialist 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 type of skills will young administrative support specialists need?

Angela Robbins Ph.D.Angela Robbins Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor of History, Meredith College

History majors are in high demand in government, business, and non-profits because of the knowledge and skills they gain in the classroom. History majors, in particular, are especially good at contextualizing-that is, explaining how an event or discussion fits within the big picture. This includes how things that are going on today-such as the Capitol riot on January 6-connects to the Constitution, the balance of powers, the way democracy works, and related issues such as the implications of propaganda and misinformation. This goes well beyond merely expressing an opinion or debating two sides of an issue. Students of history do their research and practice skills of analysis, collecting and scrutinizing evidence rather than taking something at face value or only relying on a single source. We take sources apart to evaluate the credentials of their creators and search for bias. We examine sources from various creators so we take into account multiple experiences and points of view. Then we synthesize-or bring the sources together-in order to communicate what it all means. These skills are desired by employers and translate well into many careers and work environments. Seeking good evidence to answer questions and solve problems, whether that's in the classroom today or working with clients later, is a skill that employers highly value.

Students are practicing other skills that are necessary to success in the workplace, whether that will be in person or online. Time management, seeing a project through from start to finish, hosting and contributing to meetings, working on a team-whether it's two people or ten-and creating appropriate types of presentations to communicate ideas are all things our students can tell their employers they will come in with so they can hit the ground running. In addition, our majors develop self-awareness, empathy, and an appreciation of diverse opinions and approaches to problems through investigation of the life experiences of historical figures and their classroom discussions with classmates. Certainly, every employer wants you to learn the specifics within their sector, but these skills are fairly universal and will benefit majors as they move from the classroom to career.

What technical skills for an administrative support specialist stand out to employers?

Christi Patton Luks

Professor (NTT) and Associate Chair for Academic Affairs, Missouri University of Science & Technology

I've always felt that the most important thing we teach our students is problem-solving skills. The students who can readily relate the theory to their practical experience to develop new solutions are the most valuable. Engineering students that are active on design teams or took advantage of internships and co-ops are in great position for this.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about administrative support specialist

List of administrative support specialist skills to add to your resume

Administrative support specialist skills

The most important skills for an administrative support specialist resume and required skills for an administrative support specialist to have include:

  • Customer Service
  • Data Entry
  • Patients
  • PowerPoint
  • Administrative Functions
  • Office Equipment
  • Travel Arrangements
  • Office Procedures
  • Provides Administrative Support
  • Phone Calls
  • Human Resources
  • Database Management
  • Clerical Support
  • Booking
  • Proofreading
  • Front Desk
  • Payroll
  • Administrative Tasks
  • Word Processing
  • Reconciliations
  • Expense Reports
  • Event Planning
  • SharePoint
  • Purchase Orders
  • Management System
  • General Administrative Support
  • DOD
  • Timekeeping
  • Telephone Calls
  • Patient Care
  • Meeting Minutes
  • Financial Reports
  • Windows
  • Defense Travel System
  • Scheduling Appointments
  • Conference Calls
  • Travel Authorizations
  • Customer Inquiries
  • Office Operations
  • Hard Copy
  • Multi-Line Phone System
  • Computer System
  • Administrative Assistance
  • DTS
  • Medicaid
  • Personnel Actions
  • Bank Deposits
  • Customer Support

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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