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What does an Administrative Professional do?

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

Published 3 min read

An administrative professional is responsible for providing support to an organization. They handle a variety of tasks, including scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and handling correspondence. Administrative professionals are often the first point of contact for customers and clients, so they must be able to communicate effectively.

Administrative Professional job duties include:

  • Answering and routing phone calls
  • Drafting correspondence and other documents
  • Scheduling appointments and managing calendars
  • Making travel arrangements
  • Managing projects and events
  • Coordinating with other departments or personnel
  • Maintaining files and records
  • Ordering supplies and equipment
  • Providing customer service
  • Handling sensitive or confidential information

Administrative Professional Job Requirements

An administrative professional typically needs at least an associate's degree, although a bachelor's degree is often preferred. Certification is not always required, but it may give you an edge in the job market. Many employers prefer candidates with experience working in an office environment. Strong computer skills are also a must, as you will likely be using computers for a large portion of your workday. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential for this role, as you will be coordinating schedules, handling customer inquiries, and managing paperwork.

Administrative Professional Skills

  • Time management
  • Organization
  • Communication
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Microsoft Office
  • Google Docs
  • Customer service
  • Data entry
  • Scheduling
  • Filing

Related: Top Administrative Professional Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Administrative Professional

There are many ways to become an administrative professional. One way is to get a degree in business administration or a related field. Another way is to get training through a professional organization such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). There are also many online courses available that can help you develop the skills needed to be an administrative professional.

Some of the skills that are needed to be an administrative professional include: strong communication skills, both written and verbal; excellent organizational skills; the ability to multitask and prioritize; and strong computer skills.

If you have these skills and are interested in a career as an administrative professional, there are many opportunities available. With the right education and training, you can start your own business or work for a company in this field.

Related: Administrative Professional Resume Example

Related: Administrative Professional 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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