Quick Facts
What They Do
An Office or Administrative Assistant performs administrative work in an office. Works in a wide variety of office settings, such as a company or business, or a government office or school. Manages paper and electronic files, uses office equipment including computers, responds to phone calls and emails, routes mail and maintains calendars and schedules.
Core Tasks:
- Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
- Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.
- Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.
- Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.
- Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.
- Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material.
- Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations.
- Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors.
- Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports.
- Maintain scheduling and event calendars.
- Complete forms in accordance with company procedures.
- Locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies.
- Open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials and answer routine letters.
- Make copies of correspondence or other printed material.
- Review work done by others to check for correct spelling and grammar, ensure that company format policies are followed, and recommend revisions.
- Conduct searches to find needed information, using such sources as the Internet.
- Learn to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.
- Train and assist staff with computer usage.
- Order and dispense supplies.
- Prepare conference or event materials, such as flyers or invitations.
What to expect as an Office / Administrative Assistant (General)
40% of people achieve this level of education.
See Office / Administrative Assistant (General) related courses on Tallo
15884 openings for Office / Administrative Assistants (General)
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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