You will also learn how to create, edit and save documents. Timers will help you increase and accurately count how many words you can type per minute, which is often important to your employer when interviewing for an administrative assistant position.
For example, medical industry professionals and legal secretaries need to know the terminology and codes based on the field of work.
Become familiar with the programs included in the Microsoft Office Suite. Focus specifically on Word for word processing, Excel for spreadsheets and Power Point for presentations. [2] X Research source
Have patience and be open to instruction and corrections. Ask questions and follow up by asking if your work is meeting expectations. Ask what you can do to improve your work. Set a check-in meeting with your boss for a few months after your start date to assess your training on the job and track your improvement.
List all software programs you can use proficiently. Don’t forget to include volunteer work which may not seem like it directly relates to the office work, but shows your altruism and proves that you are trustworthy. Double and triple check for grammar and spelling mistakes. This is especially important when applying for this position, which will involve you communicating efficiently and correctly through written word and memos.
Don’t forget to include things which may be missing from your resume, like your trustworthiness, ability to quickly learn on the job, and active communication skills.
Your immediate network can connect you with their network. For example, the coach or your child’s soccer team can connect you with the other parents. Let people know that you are looking for a job as an administrative assistant. Talk about it with friends and family or on social media and ask to be connected with others in the field.
Using these online sites will be the first step in proving your technical prowess. Take your time and make sure that you are navigating the site and using its features effectively. Create a profile on LinkedIn. Continue updating the profile as you take more courses or gain experience.
Have a positive and energetic presence while you are in the office. Show them your personality and smile at everyone you meet. The employers will likely still want a digital version of your resume. Follow up by also submitting your resume through their online system or in an email.
List experience on your resume which shows your altruism, like volunteering work you have done to help others. Provide personal and professional reference your potential employer can call to learn more about your trustworthiness and ethics.
Interact in a positive and friendly manner with everyone you are exposed to in the office. This includes anyone you meet before and after the interview. Be an active listener. Focus on what others are saying without interrupting. Repeat back some of what they have said to let them know you understand what they want. Don’t allow the stress of the interview to take over. Use stalling tactics until you can calm yourself. Another option is to insert some humor into the conversation to cut through the tension.
Be on time. Bring a planner. Have your resume, reference letters and any other paperwork organized in a folder and know where to access it. Show organization and planning skills with simple preparation like bringing your own pen.
This is a basic diagram for creating an organizational system, which can be applied in multiple circumstances. Use this system to keep your job applications organized and improve your future interviews through feedback from your past interviews. Learn the resources and system of the office you are applying at and don’t be afraid to suggest some changes to improve the outcome and output of their current system.
