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What are the things which make you a professional Administrative Officer in the Office?

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Question added by Shukri Ibrahim , Administration Officer , Rezayat Company Ltd
Date Posted: 2016/12/27
Ali Ahmad SHRM-SCP
by Ali Ahmad SHRM-SCP , Group HR Performance Manager , FAMA Holdings Group

'Being a professional is doing the things you love to do, on the days you don't feel like doing them.'

Nehalkumar Prajapati
by Nehalkumar Prajapati , PRODUCTION PLANNING & CONTROL ENGINEER , ABB INDIA LTD,MANEJA

Successful businesses rely heavily on top-notch administrative professionals. A shrewd administrative assistant is the wizard behind the company curtain, the one who keeps the office running efficiently. In addition, skilled administrators continuously look for new ways to lend support, or make improvements to benefit the company.

The best administrative professionals aren't just supporting players. They add value in a way that makes them critical to an organization's success.

What does it take to be the kind of administrative assistant businesses can't do without? Following are five exceptional qualities of an in-demand administrative professional:

Be an industry insider

Knowing the three T's of the industry — terminology, trends and technology — means, as a new hire, you can begin to contribute immediately. A savvy administrative professional is not only familiar with these concepts, but also knows how to use them to full advantage.

  • Terminology — Knowing the language of a particular business sector means an administrative assistant new to the company can keep up with and contribute to conversations in the workplace right from the start.
  • Trends — Today's administrative professionals should be knowledgeable about industrywide trends. They should also be thinking proactively about how these trends could potentially impact the company.
  • Technology — Employers prefer administrative professionals who are not only tech-savvy but also well-versed in the company's most often-used technology. They look for individuals who proactively stay up to date through training so they can maximize these tools.
Fine-tune your technical prowess

Knowing how to use Microsoft WordOutlook and Excel is a given for any administrative assistant. Knowing how to run virtual meetings, organize newsletters and create PowerPoint presentations puts you a cut above the rest. Managers also value assistants who know how to use accounting, payroll and HR applications.

An administrative assistant with a working knowledge of the ins and outs of social media is a huge asset for an employer. Small and midsize companies, in particular, sometimes need help managing a Facebook page or Twitter feed and may not have the resources to hire a social media specialist. Your knowledge of social media can help the company build its online presence, which is essential to staying in the game in today's market.

Get your free copy of OfficeTeam's administrative Salary Guide to see what you could be earning.

The best administrative professionals aren't just supporting players. They add value in a way that makes them critical to an organization's success.

Practice ‘artful articulation'

Good communication skills are crucial for a successful administrative assistant career. Most often, you're the first point of contact for clients, customers and vendors. You may also be the go-to person internally. The ability to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively both verbally and in writing is a key skill hiring managers seek when evaluating top administrative professionals. "Artful articulation" helps you get results.

Keep your eye on the bottom line

Companies are always on the lookout for an administrative assistant who can find ways to save money and help the business become more efficient. You're on the front lines every day — overseeing day-to-day operations, selecting vendors and negotiating contracts — putting you in the perfect position to look for opportunities to cut expenses. Proposing cost-cutting solutions to those within the company is a good way to make yourself indispensable to the organization.

Think outside the administrative assistant box

Managers appreciate an administrative assistant who can think on his or her feet. Every day, new situations arise in the office requiring quick decisions and immediate action. Stretching your administrative capabilities beyond your job description to tackle the unexpected shows you're well-positioned to handle the complexities of today's workplace.

Smitha Kumar
by Smitha Kumar , Advocate , Kerala Bar Council

Administrative & Management skill. 

husham mohmed elhassan ahmed abdalbagi
by husham mohmed elhassan ahmed abdalbagi , police officer , goverment of sudan

by influence my self using my character my behavior to let them obey my orders and fix the discipline  

Innocent Byaruhanga
by Innocent Byaruhanga , Senior and Principal Manager , Kiryandongo and Kabarole District Local Governments

My ability to interpret and implement administrative legal decisions and orders like orders from the competent court.

My ability to advise professionally on legal and administrative matters to Council.

I have been able to prevent about 6 cases litigation against the organisations I have served in.

nisreen essam
by nisreen essam , Personal Assistant , Salem Travel Agency

As the 'eyes and ears of a company', administrative professionals handle the day to day administration for an individual, network or team. With their unique overview of the company, administrative assistants are regularly called upon to make business critical decisions – it's no exaggeration to say that an executive is only as good as their assistant.   Administrative Staff Are Valued for Their:  
  • Organized approach 
  • Communication skills 
  • Personable phone manner 
  • Initiative 
  • PC literacy
  • Honesty and discretion 
  • Time management 
  • Team ethic 
  • Ability to cope with pressure 
  • Professionalism
These are the basics, but there will always be elements specific to the role. You could say that the most valuable asset a successful administrative assistant can have is the ability to think on their feet!   Administrative assistant roles are demanding, with typical tasks including drafting letters and emails, schedule management, organizing travel and paying expenses. Such diverse duties may fall under the remit of either a secretary or administrator, with the difference between these roles defined primarily by formal secretarial qualifications; a secretary must touch type (50wpm) and be proficient in the use of the Microsoft suite, while the typing speed of an administrator is immaterial and they often contribute on a project by project basis.   Employers definitely look for stability on a resume as this demonstrates resilience and considered choices. An ambitious candidate will refresh their career every couple of years, once they have mastered a role and developed it. The accepted wisdom is that this is the perfect time to take on more responsibility, perhaps developing the project management and supervisory aspects of the role. The alternative is to make a sideways move within the organization or look to pasture new for the next challenge.

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