Administrative Assistant Career Guide and Counseling

Question: Administrative Assistant: What kinds of businesses would one work at? I am having to do a report for school. It is a visualization paper about what kind of job I see myself at in 5 years and I need to know if I became an administrative assistant, what kind of businesses I would/could work at, such as a lawyers office, etc. Please help!

Answer: Almost every industry uses administrative assistants. At a public company, you could be the assistant to the executives. Lawyers and accounting firms also often have assistants. To be a good assistant, you need to be organized because you keep track of the schedules, you need good people skills, you need to be willing to do whatever is asked of you (can by typing e-mails, ordering food for a meeting, or running to a local store to pick up something needed asap), you need good typing skills, and you need to perform tasks quickly. Hope this helps.

Question: What is the difference between an administrative assistant and an administrative clerk? My job title is currently an "Information Systems Administrative Clerk" would it be if it was Information Systems Administrative Assistant"? What is the difference.

Answer: The salary

Question: What should I wear for an administrative assistant interview? There's this administrative assistant position on a university campus career center. What should I wear for the interview? I'm a male. Do I have to wear a suit? Can I just wear nice dress pants, shirt and a tie instead? And what should I bring? A notebook folder for my resume or a shoulder bag? I like your answers, I'm real nervous so if u have more advice and detailed tips on what I should or ahouldn't do PLEASE TELL ME! It's my first job in the real world after college. ok, some of u are saying i need to wear a suit. do i take it off for the interview or leave it on?

Answer: A suit isn't necessary for this, but if you have one that's appropriate, why not impress them? Also, I think a business portfolio is best, but maybe that's the same as a notebook folder. A shoulder bag may not make the right impression at a university if students commonly use them as book bags.

Question: What are the duties and responsibility of administrative assistant? im an ICT officer taking the post of administrative assistant to a manager & im a bit nervous about handling it. ps let me know what is expected from such profession?

Answer: According to http://www.hrvillage.com/hrjobdesc/Admin… PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES ARE 1. Answer telephones and transfer to appropriate staff member. 2. Meet and greet clients and visitors. 3. Create and modify documents using Microsoft Office. 4. Perform general clerical duties to include but not limited to: photocopying, faxing, mailing, and filing. 5. Maintain hard copy and electronic filing system. 6. Sign for and distribute UPS/Fed Ex/Airborne packages. 7. Research, price, and purchase office furniture and supplies. 8. Coordinate and maintain records for staff office space, phones, parking, company credit cards and office keys. 9. Setup and coordinate meetings and conferences. 10. Maintain and distribute staff weekly schedules. 11. Collect and maintain PC inventory. 12. Support staff in assigned project based work. 13. Other duties as assigned. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES ARE 1. Provide office orientation for new employees. 2. Setup accommodation and entertainment arrangements for company visitors.

Question: How to Start being an Administrative Assistant out of highschool? im still in hs. & i plan on being an administrative assistant. Do i have to go to college? Where do i get the training at? How long is the Training?

Answer: You don't need a college degree whatsoever. Being an admin. assistant is something "any idiot" can do. Honestly. While you are in HS, take a typing class to improve your typing and office skills. Have knowledge in using fax machines, scanners. Do you want to work in a doctor's office or government building? There is no training at all for this job. They only want you to graduate from high school and be able to multi task and prioritize.

Question: Is having work experiene as an administrative assistant considered relevant work experience in the same field? For instance, if I need relevant work experience in the field of Finance or Accounting, and I work for a finance or accounting company as an administrative assistant, does that count as relevant work experience in the aforementioned fields?

Answer: No. It applies to the type of work you did, not where you did it at

Question: What is the average salary for an administrative assistant in an interior design company? I work at an interior design company, and I was wondering what the average salary is for an entry-level administrative assistant in an interior design company. Im under a two-week trial and at the end of the two weeks I will have to discuss salary, how should I approach it? are there any guidelines? what is the professional way to approach the subject? I live in New York City if that is of any relevance.

Answer: A company based in NYC, in all likely hood, is well managed, established, and has excellent personnel establishing an abundance of business. The need for an administrative assistance to take responsibility, do what is asked within the job, and complete assignments in a timely manner are most important. The two week period is used to see if you and company are a good "fit". Your working knowledge and desire to learn are important as well. During this period inquire at least once a week if expectations are being met and what you can do to improve and help the company. The answers will give you some idea of where you might "stand". Take good notes and right down each assignment you receive with instructions expressed. Salaries in NYC differ as in different areas of the country. The best way is call other similar companies in NYC and ask. Just ask to speak to an administrative assistant that is employed there. If the receptionist is hesitant to connect you tell her you are looking into a similar position and just want to inquire about the job. Good Luck, stay Positive!

Question: Does working as an administrative assistant have to be a dead end job? I've been working as an administrative assistant for a little over a year now, and I hate it. It's repetitive, boring, degrading, low paying, etc. But I don't see where else I can go with this so called "career". Any advice on jobs I can branch out to with the experience I have?

Answer: Not at all, take advantage of your role. Work closely with the person(s) you support or assist and learn all the roles. Serve as a back up and put everything you do on your resume. Next time there is an opening position (even a leadership role) you should defenitly apply within your company. That's how you move up! If you feel that you have been there over a year and no such opportunity has presented itself, then post your resume and use what you've learned to take with you.

Question: What telecommunications technology is used in an office by an administrative assistant? I am thinking of becoming an administrative assistant. I was wondering what forms of telecommunications technology is used now in the office setting.

Answer: This question was hilarious to me. As an administrative assistant, the most used telecommunications technology is, the telephone, followed closely by email.

Question: How does this sound as a career objective for an administrative assistant? Experienced administrative assistant with over 6 years experience seeking a position with a company that will allow me to utilize my skills as a fast learner, take on new challenges, and where my knowledge and skills can be applied.

Answer: Sounds awkward but a good start. To obtain a position in an organization that will benefit from my initiative, capabilities, and contribution. I am especially interested in a position with the potential for advancement and increased decision-making responsibilities.