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What does a General Office Assistant do?

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

Published 3 min read

A general office assistant helps with the day-to-day operations of an office. This can include tasks such as answering phones, filing paperwork, and greeting visitors.

General 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.
  • Write letters and documents, using word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software.
  • Prepare reports, memos, and correspondence using word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software.
  • Collect and maintain an inventory of office equipment and supplies.
  • Order new supplies and equipment as necessary.
  • Open, sort, and distribute incoming mail.
  • File and retrieve corporate documents, records, and reports.
  • Operate office machines such as photocopiers and scanners.

General Office Assistant Job Requirements

Most employers prefer to hire a General Office Assistant who has at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, such as completion of a medical office assistant program. Many General Office Assistants also choose to earn certification through voluntary organizations, such as the National Healthcare Association. In terms of experience, most employers prefer to hire candidates with at least one year of relevant experience, although some jobs may not have any experience requirements.

General Office Assistant Skills

  • Filing
  • Data entry
  • Copywriting
  • Proofreading
  • Editing
  • Scheduling
  • Answering phones
  • Greeting clients
  • Maintaining records
  • Making travel arrangements
  • Ordering supplies

Related: Top General Office Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a General Office Assistant

A General Office Assistant is a versatile position that can be found in a variety of industries. As a General Office Assistant, you will be responsible for providing administrative support to an organization. Your duties will vary depending on the size and type of organization you work for, but may include tasks such as answering phones, filing documents, data entry, and managing schedules.

If you are interested in becoming a General Office Assistant, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of being successful in this role. First, consider pursuing a degree or certificate in office administration or a related field. This will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to perform your duties effectively. Additionally, try to gain some experience working in an office environment through internships or part-time jobs. Finally, be sure to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, as you will be interacting with clients and customers on a daily basis.

Related: General Office Assistant Resume Example

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

Editorial staff

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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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