Administrative Assistant Resume Ideas

Administrative assistants provide essential support functions in offices.

Administrative assistants often serve as the nerve center for an office. On a daily basis, they use their skills in organization, communications and technology to meet challenges. When applying for an administrative assistant job, sell your knowledge of computers and software, your ability to operate basic office machines, and your organizational and communication skills. Let an employer know you offer superior administrative talent and will be a dynamic addition to a company.

Resume Tips

A resume is the first step toward an interview and a job.

To highlight your administrative assistant experience, write a combination functional and chronological resume for a balanced view of your skills and your employment history. Grab an employer's attention by clearly stating your qualifications, such as superior communication skills and experience with office software programs. Create a visibly pleasing and easy-to-read resume, using bullet points. Position your skill sets on the top half of your resume.

Career Objective

Write a career objective if you want an employer to know you are willing to commit to a company for the long-term. A one-sentence objective might read, "Seeking an executive administrative assistant position in a private secondary--level school to which I can commit significant administrative skill sets and experience supporting the principal in the school mission." Place your objective beneath your identification information with the title, "Career Objective."

Skill Sets

List your computer skills on your resume.

Describe your administrative skills so an employer knows you have the fundamental qualifications for the job. Use action words, such as "coordinate," "develop" and "schedule," to introduce your skills. Highlight any special skills, such as your ability to negotiate with vendors and research complex corporate issues.

Include Key Words

Read the job description and qualifications, and make a list of key words and phrases. For example, an employer may be seeking "initiative and independent judgment." Integrate such key words and phrases into your resume, especially in sections emphasizing your skills, qualifications and employment history. Increase your chances of surviving resume-scanning software and of getting your resume in front of a hiring person by incorporating language used in job ads..

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Handbook: Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Resources

• Money Zine: Resumes for Administrative Assistants
• Best Sample Resume: Administrative Assistant Resume
• Money Zine: Resume Objective Statement Examples