At s1jobs we love to get down to the nitty-gritty of jobs and then share everything we can about their highs, their lows and everything else in between.
So where do we begin with the role of administrative assistant?
Well, first we asked a core group of new starts: what is your favourite part of the job?
Almost all told us it was meeting and working with such a wide variety of people.
Then we asked: okay, so what’s the biggest challenge in the job?
Unanimously, their reply was meeting and working with such a wide variety of people.
Yes, it seems the best bit about being an admin assistant is also the bit that makes new starts suddenly lack confidence.
And in a new job in a new office, often straight out of school or college, that’s understandable.
So what can be done to break down the social barriers and allow you to feel more comfortable about engaging with co-workers and managers?
Well first, remember you’re a VIP and not there just to take notes and put files in alphabetical order.
Yes, the modern admin assistant is very much a key player in the corporate team, involved with what’s happening in the company at every level – and this means you’re worth talking to.
In fact, a lot of companies would find themselves all at sea were it not for your organisational and clerical skills, which help keep the ship on course and the crew happy at their stations.
Essentially, you’re the one who supports everyone from the vending machine technician to the CEO.
Your day-to-day clerical duties, such as bookkeeping, diary scheduling and coordinating meetings will vary depending on what type of company you’re working for.
Beyond this, however, your personal skills will be called upon every day.
As the professional responsible for interacting face to face, as well as via email or over the phone, with colleagues, clients and customers, you must feel free to let your personality shine through.
Not everyone will match your smiling enthusiasm, but don’t let that worry you.
Human beings are a complex species and sometimes genuine concerns can come across as personal digs.
Let these wash over you, think on your feet and work out a new angle to get your points across and find solutions.
And remember every interaction is another chance to learn new things and hone your skills.
Now, do you want to know what it’s really like to be an administrative assistant? Then check out the latest Admin, Secretarial and PA vacancies on s1jobs.com.