How to become an Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants perform a range of administrative tasks in an organisation.

Personal requirements for an Administrative Assistant

Able to work methodically, accurately and neatly
Good oral and written communication skills
Able to work as part of a team
Neat personal appearance

Education & Training for an Administrative Assistant

You can work as an administrative assistant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification in business, business administration or a related field. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become an administrative assistant through a traineeship in Business or Business Administration. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Duties & Tasks of an Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants:

Sort and distribute incoming mail to areas and staff within the organisation and dispatch outgoing mail
Write business letters, reports or office memos
Answer telephone enquiries from customers, attend to visitors and assist other staff in the organisation with their enquiries
Operate a range of office machines such as photocopiers, computers and faxes
File papers and documents
Undertake other duties such as banking, credit control or payroll functions.

Tasks

Preparing reports of a routine nature
May perform receptionist duties
Recording issue of equipment to staff
Sorting, opening and sending mail
Receiving letters and telephone messages
Recording, preparing, sorting, classifying and filing information
May provide customers with information about services
Transcribing information onto computers, and proofreading and correcting copy
Photocopying and faxing documents

Working conditions for an Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants may be required to carry out numerous tasks in a small office, or to concentrate on just one or two specific tasks in a larger office.Administrative assistants usually work indoors, and may work alone or in a team with other administrative assistants, professional and technical staff, and tradespeople. Experienced administrative assistants may undertake more complex tasks and responsibilities.

Employment Opportunities for an Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants are employed in most industry sectors, across government administration; business, education, health, legal and accounting services, and real estate.The continual introduction of new technology requires administrative assistants to be flexible, multiskilled and capable of responding to change. It is possible to work remotely, using online technology to communicate with clients.

Specializations

Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants perform a range of administrative tasks in an organisation.

Average age
42
Future Growth
Decline
Gender Share
84% female
Average full-time
40 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,305
Skill level rating
Entry level
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
62%
Employment Size
297,000
Employment by state
ACT: 3.7%
NSW: 32.4%
NT: 1.3%
QLD: 21.2%
SA: 7.0%
TAS: 2.0%
VIC: 21.9%
WA: 10.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 2.5%
20-24: 7.8%
25-34: 19%
35-44: 21.6%
45-54: 25.7%
55-59: 11.1%
60-64: 7.4%
65 and Over: 4.8%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 14.5%
Bachelor degree: 15.3%
Below Year 10: 1.3%
Certificate III/IV: 16.8%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 5.4%
Year 10 and below: 15.5%
Year 11: 6.9%
Year 12: 25.5%
Years 11 & 10: 18.5%