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What does a Front Office Assistant do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A front office assistant is responsible for greeting customers and clients, answering phones, and providing administrative support. They may also be responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and handling customer inquiries.

Front Office Assistant job duties include:

  • Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
  • Greet visitors and direct them to the appropriate persons or services.
  • Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute mail and deliveries.
  • Operate office equipment such as copiers, fax machines, scanners, and printers.
  • Maintain supplies by checking stock to determine inventory levels; anticipating needs; placing orders; verifying receipt.
  • Complete forms in accordance with company procedures.
  • Prepare reports by collecting information.
  • Open, sort, and distribute incoming correspondence, including faxes and email.

Front Office Assistant Job Requirements

A Front Office Assistant typically needs a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and must complete on-the-job training. They also need to be proficient in using office equipment and computers. Some employers may prefer candidates who have experience working in a customer service or administrative role. Although not required, certification from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) may be beneficial.

Front Office Assistant Skills

  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Multi-tasking
  • Customer service
  • Computer skills
  • Filing
  • Answering phones
  • Greeting customers
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Making travel arrangements
  • Taking messages

Related: Top Front Office Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Front Office Assistant

A front office assistant is a key player in keeping an office running smoothly. They are the first point of contact for visitors and clients, and are responsible for a variety of administrative tasks. If you have strong people skills, are well organized, and have a positive attitude, you may be well suited to a career as a front office assistant. Here are a few tips on how to become a front office assistant:

1. Get a degree or certificate in office administration or a related field. This will give you the basic skills and knowledge you need to be successful in an office environment.

2. Start your career as an intern or entry-level administrative assistant. This will give you the chance to learn the ropes and gain experience in the field.

3. Be proactive and take on additional responsibilities as they come up. Showing your boss that you’re willing to go above and beyond will help you stand out from the crowd.

4. Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices. This will help you be more efficient in your role and better able to meet the needs of your boss and colleagues.

5. Seek out opportunities for professional development. Attend conferences, take online courses, or join professional organizations related to your field. This will make you more marketable and increase your chances of being promoted to a front office assistant position.

Related: Front Office Assistant Resume Example

Related: Front Office Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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