Top 12 General Assistant Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, showcasing a compelling set of skills on your resume can significantly enhance your prospects as a general assistant. This list of top 12 skills is meticulously curated to help you stand out to employers by highlighting your versatility and efficiency in the role.

General Assistant Skills

1. Microsoft Office
2. Google Workspace
3. Time Management
4. Data Entry
5. QuickBooks
6. CRM Software
7. Project Management
8. Social Media
9. Adobe Photoshop
10. Customer Service
11. Slack Communication
12. Trello Organization

1. Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity software that includes applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, used for tasks such as word processing, data analysis, presentations, and email management.

Why It's Important

Microsoft Office is crucial for a General Assistant as it provides essential tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for document creation, data management, and effective communication, enhancing productivity and facilitating daily administrative tasks.

How to Improve Microsoft Office Skills

To improve Microsoft Office for a General Assistant, focus on the following strategies:

1. Enhance Productivity with Add-ins: Utilize Office Add-ins to streamline tasks. Explore Office Add-ins for productivity tools tailored to your needs.

2. Master Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up common tasks. Microsoft provides a comprehensive list of shortcuts for each application, e.g., Excel shortcuts.

3. Customize the Quick Access Toolbar: Tailor the Quick Access Toolbar in Office applications for easy access to frequently used commands. Microsoft's guide on customizing the Quick Access Toolbar offers step-by-step instructions.

4. Use Templates: Save time by using Office templates for common document types. Browse the Office templates for a wide variety of pre-designed options.

5. Stay Updated: Regularly update your Office applications to access the latest features and improvements. Learn how to install Office updates.

6. Leverage Online Training Resources: Take advantage of free online tutorials and courses to enhance your Office skills. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Microsoft Learn offer courses on various Office applications.

By implementing these strategies, a General Assistant can significantly improve efficiency and productivity when using Microsoft Office.

How to Display Microsoft Office Skills on Your Resume

2. Google Workspace

Google Workspace is a collection of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools developed by Google, including Gmail, Docs, Drive, and Meet, designed to help businesses and individuals work more efficiently.

Why It's Important

Google Workspace is important for a General Assistant because it offers a comprehensive suite of collaborative tools (like Gmail, Docs, Calendar, and Meet) that streamline communication, enhance productivity, and facilitate efficient management of tasks and schedules in a centralized platform.

How to Improve Google Workspace Skills

To improve Google Workspace for a General Assistant, consider the following steps:

1. Customize Notifications: Adjust notification settings in Gmail, Calendar, and other apps to prioritize alerts. Manage Google Workspace notifications.

2. Use Add-ons and Integrations: Enhance productivity by integrating tools like Trello, Asana, or Slack directly into your Google Workspace. Explore options in the Google Workspace Marketplace.

3. Leverage Google Assistant: Enable Google Assistant for Google Workspace accounts to manage calendar events, send quick emails, and more. Learn about Google Assistant integration.

4. Automate Tasks with Google Scripts: Use Google Apps Script to automate repetitive tasks across Google Docs, Sheets, and other Workspace applications. Start with Google Apps Script.

5. Implement Shared Drives: For collaborative projects, use Shared Drives to ensure team members have access to relevant files and folders. Set up Shared Drives.

6. Enhance Security Settings: Regularly review and adjust security settings, like 2-Step Verification and access controls, to protect your organization's data. Check Google Workspace Admin Security Checkup.

7. Conduct Training Sessions: Organize regular training sessions or workshops to keep the team updated on new features and best practices. Utilize resources from Google Workspace Learning Center.

8. Monitor Workspace Updates: Stay informed about the latest features and updates from Google Workspace by visiting the Workspace Updates blog.

By implementing these strategies, a General Assistant can significantly enhance the efficiency and productivity of Google Workspace within their organization.

How to Display Google Workspace Skills on Your Resume

3. Time Management

Time management for a General Assistant involves efficiently organizing and prioritizing tasks to effectively complete them within deadlines, while also allowing for flexibility to handle unexpected duties or requests.

Why It's Important

Time management is crucial for a General Assistant because it enables efficient task prioritization, ensures deadlines are met, enhances productivity, and reduces stress, allowing for a smoother and more effective workflow in supporting roles and responsibilities.

How to Improve Time Management Skills

Improving time management involves prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals, and utilizing tools to keep organized. For a General Assistant, this could mean:

1. Prioritize Tasks: Identify urgent vs. important tasks using the Eisenhower Box. Focus on what needs immediate attention.

2. Set Clear Goals: Break down larger goals into manageable tasks. SMART goals can provide a framework for setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives.

3. Use Tools: Leverage time management tools. Trello for task organization and Google Calendar for scheduling can streamline your workload.

4. Limit Distractions: Allocate specific times for checking emails and social media. Tools like Freedom can help minimize distractions.

5. Review and Adjust: Regularly review your progress and adjust your strategies as needed. This iterative process ensures continuous improvement.

By focusing on these strategies, a General Assistant can enhance productivity and manage time more effectively.

How to Display Time Management Skills on Your Resume

4. Data Entry

Data entry involves inputting information into a computer system or database accurately and efficiently, often as part of administrative duties for maintaining records or processing information.

Why It's Important

Data entry is crucial for a General Assistant as it ensures accurate and organized record-keeping, facilitates efficient retrieval and analysis of information, and supports informed decision-making and operational efficiency within an organization.

How to Improve Data Entry Skills

To improve data entry efficiency and accuracy as a General Assistant, consider the following strategies:

1. Utilize Data Entry Software: Utilize software that automates repetitive tasks and ensures data consistency. Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are popular choices for their advanced features and ease of use.

2. Implement Keyboard Shortcuts: Mastering keyboard shortcuts can drastically reduce data entry time. Both Excel shortcuts and Google Sheets shortcuts enhance productivity.

3. Ensure Data Accuracy: Double-check your work or use validation rules in your software to prevent errors. Tools like Data Validation in Excel help maintain accuracy.

4. Optimize Data Organization: Keep your data well-organized from the start to avoid confusion and errors. Learning about data organization techniques can be very helpful.

5. Take Regular Breaks: Regular short breaks can help maintain high levels of concentration and prevent errors. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that can be applied.

6. Attend Training Courses: Continuously improve your skills by attending relevant training courses. Websites like Udemy and Coursera offer courses on data entry and related software skills.

By incorporating these strategies, you can enhance your data entry skills, boost productivity, and ensure data accuracy.

How to Display Data Entry Skills on Your Resume

5. QuickBooks

QuickBooks is an accounting software designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering features for managing invoices, expenses, payroll, and financial reporting.

Why It's Important

QuickBooks is important for a General Assistant because it streamlines financial management, simplifies invoicing and billing, and improves accuracy in bookkeeping, enabling efficient support in managing a business's financial tasks.

How to Improve QuickBooks Skills

Improving QuickBooks for a General Assistant involves streamlining processes, enhancing data accuracy, and leveraging QuickBooks integrations. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Automate Data Entry: Use QuickBooks' built-in automation features for transactions and invoice processing to reduce manual data entry and errors.

2. Regularly Update Software: Ensure you're running the latest version of QuickBooks for new features and security patches.

3. Utilize QuickBooks Training: Take advantage of QuickBooks Tutorials to understand features fully and improve efficiency.

4. Implement Integrations: Use third-party apps compatible with QuickBooks for specialized tasks like inventory management or advanced reporting. Explore the QuickBooks App Store for options.

5. Customize Reports: Tailor QuickBooks reports to your specific needs for better decision-making.

6. Regular Backups: Ensure data integrity through regular backups of your QuickBooks data.

7. Enhance Security: Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.

By following these steps, a General Assistant can significantly improve their efficiency and effectiveness in managing financial tasks with QuickBooks.

How to Display QuickBooks Skills on Your Resume

6. CRM Software

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software is a tool that helps businesses manage, track, and improve interactions and relationships with customers and potential customers.

Why It's Important

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software is important because it helps a General Assistant efficiently manage and improve interactions with clients, streamline communication, organize customer information, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

How to Improve CRM Software Skills

Improving CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software involves enhancing its usability, functionality, and integration capabilities to better meet the needs of users and customers. Here are concise strategies:

1. User Experience Enhancement: Simplify the user interface to ensure it's intuitive and efficient. Salesforce offers insights on designing user-friendly CRM interfaces.

2. Customization and Flexibility: Allow users to customize dashboards, reports, and workflows to fit their specific needs. HubSpot provides customizable CRM solutions.

3. Integration Capabilities: Ensure seamless integration with existing business tools and platforms (e.g., email, social media, ERP systems). Zapier shows how to connect your CRM with over 3,000 apps.

4. Mobile Accessibility: Optimize the CRM for mobile devices, ensuring full functionality on smartphones and tablets. Oracle highlights the importance of mobile CRM access.

5. AI and Automation: Incorporate AI to automate routine tasks, offer predictive analytics, and personalize customer interactions. Salesforce Einstein is an example of AI integration in CRM.

6. Data Security and Privacy: Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive customer data and comply with privacy regulations. Microsoft Dynamics 365 emphasizes strong data security protocols.

7. Training and Support: Offer comprehensive training and responsive customer support to maximize the CRM software's value. Zoho CRM provides extensive training resources and support.

By focusing on these areas, CRM software can become more effective in managing customer relationships, ultimately driving business growth and enhancing customer satisfaction.

How to Display CRM Software Skills on Your Resume

7. Project Management

Project management involves planning, organizing, and overseeing the tasks and resources necessary to achieve specific goals within set deadlines and budgets.

Why It's Important

Project management is essential because it ensures tasks are completed on time, within budget, and to desired quality standards, facilitating a structured approach to achieving specific objectives. This leads to increased efficiency, better resource allocation, and improved outcomes, benefiting both the team and the overall organization.

How to Improve Project Management Skills

Improving project management, especially for a General Assistant, involves enhancing organizational, communication, and task management skills. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Organize Everything: Use digital tools to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and resources. Trello and Asana are great for visual task management.

2. Effective Communication: Enhance team collaboration through clear communication. Utilize Slack for instant messaging and Zoom for video conferencing to keep everyone on the same page.

3. Time Management: Prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively with Google Calendar for scheduling and RescueTime for tracking how time is spent.

4. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with project management trends and tools. Online platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on project management.

5. Feedback and Improvement: Regularly seek feedback from your team and stakeholders. Use tools like SurveyMonkey for collecting feedback and MindMeister for brainstorming improvements.

Focusing on these areas can significantly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness as a General Assistant in project management.

How to Display Project Management Skills on Your Resume

8. Social Media

Social media refers to online platforms and applications where users create, share, and interact with content and each other, often for social networking, communication, and entertainment purposes.

Why It's Important

Social media is important because it enables instant communication, broadens reach, enhances customer engagement, and provides valuable insights into market trends and consumer preferences. For a General Assistant, it's a vital tool for managing a brand's online presence, monitoring feedback, and supporting marketing and customer service efforts.

How to Improve Social Media Skills

To improve social media as a General Assistant, focus on these key strategies:

1. Content Quality: Create high-quality, engaging content relevant to your target audience. Hootsuite offers practical advice on crafting compelling posts.

2. Consistency: Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Tools like Buffer can help manage your content calendar.

3. Engagement: Actively engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. This builds community and loyalty. Sprout Social provides insights on enhancing engagement.

4. Analytics: Utilize social media analytics to understand your audience and tailor your strategy. Google Analytics can track social media traffic and engagement.

5. Visuals: Incorporate appealing visuals and videos to increase interaction. Canva is a user-friendly tool for creating eye-catching graphics.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your social media presence and effectiveness.

How to Display Social Media Skills on Your Resume

9. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a powerful digital imaging software used for editing, creating, and enhancing photos, graphics, and artwork.

Why It's Important

Adobe Photoshop is crucial for a General Assistant because it enables the creation, editing, and enhancement of images, supporting effective visual communication and professional-grade graphics across various projects and tasks.

How to Improve Adobe Photoshop Skills

Improving your skills in Adobe Photoshop involves practice, exploration of new features, and learning from a variety of resources. Here are concise ways to enhance your Photoshop proficiency:

1. Practice Regularly: The more you use Photoshop, the better you'll become. Set aside time each day or week to explore new tools and techniques.

2. Follow Tutorials: Websites like Adobe's own tutorials and YouTube offer countless guides for all skill levels.

3. Join Online Communities: Platforms like Reddit’s r/photoshop or Behance provide inspiration, feedback, and support from other Photoshop users.

4. Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Learning shortcuts can significantly speed up your workflow. Adobe provides a handy list of Photoshop shortcuts.

5. Experiment with Plugins and Extensions: Enhance Photoshop’s capabilities with third-party plugins. Explore options on Adobe Exchange.

6. Stay Updated: Adobe frequently updates Photoshop with new tools and improvements. Make sure you're using the latest version and explore what's new.

Remember, proficiency in Photoshop comes with time and persistence. Keep experimenting and learning, and your skills will grow.

How to Display Adobe Photoshop Skills on Your Resume

10. Customer Service

Customer service involves assisting and addressing the needs and inquiries of customers to ensure their satisfaction with a product or service.

Why It's Important

Customer service is crucial for a General Assistant as it ensures customer satisfaction, fosters loyalty, encourages repeat business, and enhances the reputation of the company, directly influencing its success and growth.

How to Improve Customer Service Skills

Improving customer service, especially for a General Assistant, involves focusing on communication, problem-solving, and proactive service. Here are concise strategies:

1. Active Listening: Truly hear the customer's concerns without interrupting. This builds trust. Forbes offers insight into enhancing communication skills.

2. Effective Communication: Be clear and concise in responses. Use positive language. The Mind Tools site provides tips on developing this skill.

3. Knowledge Expansion: Continuously learn about your products/services. HubSpot explains the importance of knowledge management in customer service.

4. Feedback Collection and Implementation: Regularly ask for and act on feedback. SurveyMonkey discusses methods for collecting and using customer feedback effectively.

5. Patience and Empathy: Understand and empathize with customer issues. Help Scout highlights the role of empathy in customer service.

6. Problem-Solving Skills: Develop quick and efficient problem-solving abilities. The Balance Careers offers guidance on enhancing these skills.

By focusing on these areas, a General Assistant can significantly improve their customer service capabilities.

How to Display Customer Service Skills on Your Resume

11. Slack Communication

Slack Communication is a digital platform that enables messaging, file sharing, and collaboration among teams and individuals in real-time, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.

Why It's Important

Slack communication is important for a General Assistant as it enables efficient, real-time collaboration and coordination with team members, streamlines task management, and ensures quick access to shared information and resources, enhancing productivity and responsiveness in their support roles.

How to Improve Slack Communication Skills

To improve Slack communication:

1. Use Direct Messages Wisely: Reserve direct messaging for quick, important communications to avoid overwhelming colleagues. Slack's Guide on direct messages provides more insights.

2. Leverage Channels Effectively: Create specific channels for different projects or topics to keep conversations organized. Learn how to use channels effectively.

3. Embrace Slack Etiquettes: Be concise, use clear subject lines, and avoid unnecessary @mentions. Check out Slack's etiquette tips for more guidelines.

4. Utilize Slack Features: Familiarize yourself with Slack's features like scheduling messages, setting reminders, and using the search function to work smarter. Visit Slack's Help Center for tutorials.

5. Regular Clean-Up: Archive inactive channels and leave groups that are no longer relevant to keep your Slack workspace tidy and focused. Slack's Guide on managing channels and cleaning up Slack can help.

Adhering to these tips can significantly enhance communication efficiency and productivity within Slack.

How to Display Slack Communication Skills on Your Resume

12. Trello Organization

A Trello organization is a collaborative platform used for organizing tasks and projects, where team members can create boards, lists, and cards to manage workflows and track progress efficiently.

Why It's Important

Trello Organization is crucial for a General Assistant as it streamlines task management, enhances collaboration, and improves productivity by clearly organizing projects, deadlines, and priorities in a visual format.

How to Improve Trello Organization Skills

To enhance Trello organization for a General Assistant:

1. Use Labels Wisely: Create a consistent labeling system for tasks categories (Trello Labels Guide).

2. Implement Butler Automations: Use Butler to automate repetitive tasks, like moving cards or setting reminders (Butler for Trello).

3. Organize with Lists and Boards: Create specific boards for different projects and lists within those boards for task progress stages (Trello Boards Guide).

4. Calendar Power-Up: Enable the Calendar Power-Up for deadline tracking and time management (Trello Calendar).

5. Checklists for Detailed Tasks: Break down tasks into actionable steps with checklists (Creating Checklists).

6. Archive Completed Items: Regularly archive completed tasks to keep boards clean and focused (Archiving Cards).

7. Regular Review and Clean-Up: Schedule weekly or monthly reviews to update and clean boards, ensuring relevance and efficiency.

8. Share and Collaborate: Share boards with team members for collaborative editing and updates (Adding Members).

By systematically applying these strategies, you can maintain an organized and efficient Trello workspace suitable for a General Assistant's needs.

How to Display Trello Organization Skills on Your Resume