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What does an Office Associate do?

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

Published 3 min read

An Office Associate typically provides administrative support to a team of professionals in an office setting. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including answering phones, taking messages, scheduling appointments, preparing correspondence, and maintaining files.

Office Associate 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 individuals or offices.
  • Handle incoming and outgoing mail.
  • Schedule appointments and maintain calendars.
  • Prepare meeting rooms for events.
  • Arrange for equipment and other necessary resources for events.
  • Make copies of correspondence or other printed materials.
  • Maintain filing systems.
  • Order office supplies as needed.

Office Associate Job Requirements

The job requirements for an Office Associate are a high school diploma or GED, basic computer skills, and at least one year of experience in an office setting. Some positions may require additional education or certification, such as medical coding or bookkeeping.

Office Associate Skills

  • Filing
  • Answering telephones
  • Greeting visitors
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Typing
  • Proofreading
  • Creating spreadsheets
  • Maintaining databases
  • Preparing correspondence
  • Assisting with projects
  • Providing customer service

Related: Top Office Associate Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Office Associate

There are many ways to become an Office Associate. One way is to attend a vocational school or community college that offers a two-year program in office administration. Another way is to complete a four-year degree in business administration or a related field. Many employers also offer on-the-job training for entry-level positions in office administration.

The most important thing for anyone interested in becoming an Office Associate is to have strong communication, organizational, and computer skills. Office Associates must be able to effectively communicate with co-workers, customers, and vendors. They must also be able to organize and maintain files, schedules, and records. In addition, they must be proficient in using common office software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and email.

Those who are interested in becoming an Office Associate should start by developing strong communication, organizational, and computer skills. Once these skills have been developed, they can then begin exploring different educational and training options to find the best path for their career goals.

Related: Office Associate Resume Example

Related: Office Associate 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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