Log InSign Up
Article

What does an Administrative Specialist do?

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

Published 3 min read

An administrative specialist is responsible for providing administrative support to an organization. They may work in a variety of settings, such as a corporate office, a government agency, or a non-profit organization. Administrative specialists typically have a wide range of duties, including managing calendars, scheduling appointments, preparing correspondence, and handling customer inquiries.

Administrative Specialist job duties include:

  • Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
  • Open, sort, and distribute incoming correspondence, including faxes and email.
  • Prepare responses to correspondence containing routine inquiries.
  • Perform general office duties such as ordering supplies, maintaining records management systems, and performing basic bookkeeping work.
  • Compose memos, transcribe notes, and prepare reports.
  • File and retrieve corporate documents, records, and reports.
  • Resolve administrative problems by coordinating preparation of reports, analyzing data, and identifying solutions.
  • Operate office equipment such as copiers and scanners.
  • Maintain supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.

Administrative Specialist Job Requirements

An Administrative Specialist typically requires at least an Associate's degree in business administration or a related field. Certification is not typically required, but may be helpful. Administrative Specialist positions typically require at least two years of experience in an administrative role.

Administrative Specialist Skills

  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Multi-tasking
  • Planning
  • Scheduling
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving
  • Flexibility
  • Adaptability
  • Customer service orientation
  • Computer literacy

Related: Top Administrative Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Administrative Specialist

The administrative specialist is responsible for a variety of clerical and office support functions. They may work in a variety of settings, including corporate offices, government agencies, medical offices, and schools. Duties typically include answering phones, taking messages, scheduling appointments, maintaining files, handling correspondence, and performing other office duties as assigned.

To become an administrative specialist, you will need to have strong communication and organizational skills. You should be able to type quickly and accurately, and have experience using office equipment such as computers, fax machines, and photocopiers. It is also important to be able to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

If you are interested in becoming an administrative specialist, you should start by completing a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers also require post-secondary education in office administration or a related field. Once you have the necessary education and training, you can begin applying for jobs in your desired field.

Related: Administrative Specialist Resume Example

Related: Administrative Specialist 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.

Similar articles