8 Office Skills Administrative Employers Are Looking For

8 Office Skills Administrative Employers Are Looking For

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1. Basic computer literacy skills

Much of the office administrator’s position involves working on a computer. They will often need knowledge of either Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to input different clerical data and information.  This can include customer information, company performance data and office inventory. Microsoft Word or 

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1. Basic computer literacy skills

Google Docs can also be essential for administrators as they may need to write reports, draft important notes and record the minutes from meetings. Office administrators may also be required to perform minor accounting duties, so the operation of financial tracking software like QuickBooks may be expected.

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2. Organizational skills

Office administrators are responsible for the organization of many documents and assignments, often of a confidential nature.  To this end, possessing basic organizational skills to file, store and source each item is crucial. Moreover, they also often responsible for storing and ordering office items like staplers, printer paper and 

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2. Organizational skills

folders which requires solid organizational skills.

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3. Strategic planning and scheduling skills

In order for an office or company to run smoothly, someone must be charged with strategic planning and scheduling.  Office administrators schedule meetings, events and customer appointments for their supervisor, and often for the entire office. This requires excellent strategic planning skills to make sure schedules 

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3. Strategic planning and scheduling skills

align and do not overwhelm scheduled participants.

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4. Time-management skills

Office administrators are assigned several tasks regularly. Some of their tasks are often planned but often, others are unexpected.  There may be instances where office administrators must complete some tasks under a strict deadline. Time-management skills can help prioritize these tasks. Office administrators can use their 

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4. Time-management skills

time management skills to create a list of information they need to file, data to be inputted and documents or reports to submit. In this role, you should be equipped to handle troubleshooting and flexibility in dynamic environments.

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5. Verbal and written communication skills

Office administrators are often the first point of contact clients and employees come into contact with.  They answer phones, greet customers, address questions and schedule appointments. It follows that candidates interested in these roles have stellar communication skills, positive attitudes and friendly manners.

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6. Critical thinking skills

Offices are prone to the unexpected. Office administrators are skilled with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome each challenge that may occur.  If the printer breaks, the bathrooms aren’t clean or food disappears in the kitchen, the office administrator must find solutions to overcome these challenges. They are in charge 

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6. Critical thinking skills

of calling plumbers, maintenance, custodians and navigating employee relations problems.  If a problem occurs and they can’t find a solution, it’s their job to think critically and develop a creative solution to the problem.

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7. Quick-learning skills

If the office switches to a new scheduling system or their supervisor needs a project completed using an unfamiliar software, the office administrator may be expected to learn and adapt to this new method.  Office administrators who are quick learners can easily develop skills to increase efficiency and productivity and 

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7. Quick-learning skills

are flexible and adaptable to do so.

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8. Attention to detail

Mistakes happen. Office administrators are often charged with catching any issues and correcting them before clients see them.  They should be detail-oriented in checking the facts, grammar and tone of employee work.

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