How to Be an Excellent Administrative Assistant

This is the simplest thing to do. Make sure you have plenty of printing paper, stationary, pens, and toner in the office. As administrative assistant, everyone expects you to keep on top of this. I actually worked in an organization where certain assistants kept running out of supplies and had to ask other administrative assistants to borrow things until the order came in. Have two printer cartridges at your disposal. Know your office suppliers delivery schedule and plan accordingly.

How to be an Excellent Administrative Assistant: Act professional.

There's nothing worse than an administrative assistant who is loud and obnoxious. Don't tell jokes on the job. Greet everyone with courtesy. Be respectful to your co-workers. Refrain from gossiping. Keep personal calls to a minimum. Keep intimate details of your personal life to yourself.

How to be an Excellent Administrative Assistant: Be an excellent proofreader.

No one is perfect. Everyone expects a mistake every now and again. However, if every letter, report, or memo you type has a mistake, then it is time to brush up on your proofing skills. Take a one-day class on editing and proofreading.

How to be an Excellent Administrative Assistant: Be on time.

Show up to work on time. Don't make a habit of taking long lunches. I knew a girl in Connecticut (lets call her Sue) who was constantly late for work. Sue's excuse was that she needed to get her kids on the bus. The company tried to work with her. They moved her hours to from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so she could get to work on time and put her kids on the bus without rushing. After this change, Sue was still late. After a month of this nonsense, the managers hired another person and made it clear that she was there to replace Sue. So, Sue had no choice, but to quit because eventually they were going to fire her.

How to be an Excellent Administrative Assistant: Take good care of your boss.

As an administrative assistant one of your functions is to make sure your boss's needs are met. Make coffee. Keep the office organized. Open the mail and place it on your boss's desk (unless it's marked confidential). If your boss likes reading the newspaper, order a subscription and have it on his desk before he comes in. Order refreshments for meetings that are held during lunchtime. You don't have to kiss butt, just show some initiative and you will be respected for it.

How to be an Excellent Administrative Assistant: Double-check everything.

When handling an office or department budget, check your math at least twice. Confirm reservations for your boss's business trips. Confirm business meetings.

Being an excellent administrative assistant takes initiative. Having a strong work ethic is essential. Paying attention to detail is another character trait that will serve you well.