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What does an Administrative Assistant do?

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

Published 2 min read

An administrative assistant is responsible for providing clerical and administrative support to an organization. They may perform a variety of tasks, such as answering phones, typing documents, filing, and managing schedules.

Administrative Assistant job duties include:

  • Answering and routing phone calls
  • Drafting correspondence and other documents
  • Scheduling appointments and maintaining calendars
  • Making travel arrangements
  • Processing expense reports
  • Coordinating meetings and events
  • Managing projects
  • Ordering supplies and equipment
  • Supervising office staff

Administrative Assistant Job Requirements

The job requirements for an administrative assistant vary depending on the employer. However, most employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and some type of certification, such as a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) or Certified Professional Secretary (CPS). Many employers also prefer candidates with some experience working in an administrative role.

Administrative Assistant Skills

  • Time management
  • Organization
  • Communication
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Microsoft Office
  • Google Docs
  • Calendar management
  • Email
  • Data entry
  • Filing

Related: Top Administrative Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Administrative Assistant

The administrative assistant is responsible for providing administrative support to an organization. They perform a variety of tasks, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, and preparing correspondence. To become an administrative assistant, you will need to have strong communication and organizational skills. You should also be proficient in using computers and office equipment. Many administrative assistants have an associate's degree or certificate in office administration.

Related: Administrative Assistant Resume Example

Related: Administrative 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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