How to become an Administrative Assistant

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
    Average age
    42
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Decline
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    84% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    40 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,305
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Entry level
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    62%
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    297,000
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
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