Administrative Assistant Resume Example and Writing Tips

An effective office manager or administrative assistant keeps everything in the office in order, from schedules to supplies, and so much more. Often, people in this role are fixers: If they don't know the answer to a question, they know who can help. They are also skilled at solving problems (along with preventing them). Office managers may supervise staff as well. 

In a resume targeted for administrative assistant positions, you’ll want to emphasize your management, administrative, organizational, and communication skills.

Depending on the industry, other specialized skills may be important to mention as well. Here is a list of the top skills for office managers.

What to Include in an Administrative Assistant Resume

There are many types of resumes, and ways to format the document. Consider which options make the most sense for you. In general, a chronological resume will usually be the best choice—if you do not have a great deal of experience, however, or have been away from the work world for awhile, a functional resume may be preferable. 

• All resumes should include sections for contact information, experience, and education. 
• Since you'll want to make sure to emphasize both soft and hard skills, it can be helpful to include a skills section. That way, you can make sure to namecheck your software knowledge.
• You may also want to include a profile, summary, or objective section at the top of your resume. This is a good way to give an overview of your relevant experience and talents when it comes to the role at hand. 

Tips for Writing Your Resume

Overwhelmed? Here's what to keep in mind as you put together your resume: 

• Consider your skills: You can write down a list to start off. Also, look at job advertisements to get a sense of what's in demand. 
• Quantify your accomplishments: Aim to go beyond describing your day-to-day work in roles. Instead, frame job descriptions on your resume in terms of what you were able to accomplish (e.g., overhauled the invoicing system, successfully launched an internal communications newsletter, etc.). Whenever possible, use numbers and percentages to quantify these experiences.

• Proofread carefully: Once you have completed a draft of your resume, proofread it carefully. You'll want to make certain there are no typos or errors and that all of the formatting is consistent. It can be helpful to have a friend or family member review as well for a second set of eyes. 

Review a Resume Example

Here is an example of a resume for an office manager or administrative assistant. Do not copy the resume precisely; instead, use it as inspiration while writing and formatting your own version.

Writing a resume—especially if you're starting from scratch—can be a challenge. Reviewing this sample resume will show you how to organize information as well as illustrating what kinds of details to share. 

After reading the sample resume, you'll find a list of administrative assistant keywords, which you can use in the skills section and elsewhere in your resume. Here are tips on how to include these keywords. 

Administrative Assistant Keywords for Resumes

Use these keywords and keyword phrases when writing your resume and cover letter to help ensure your application gets noticed by hiring managers.

Management Skills

Position yourself to assume supervisory responsibility by mentioning a few of the following leadership skills in your resume and cover letter:

• Controlling Expenses
• Efficiencies
• Enhancing Quality
• Prioritizing Tasks
• Problem Solving
• Task Assignment
• Quality Control
• Saving Money
• Taking Initiative

Administrative Skills

Here are the most common administrative skills that employers seek in their job candidates:

• Accuracy
• Adaptability
• Attention to Detail
• Creating Attractive Presentation Slides
• Creating Complex Macros
• Dependability
• Graphic Design
• Identifying Optimal Suppliers
• Maintaining Confidentiality
• Managing Databases
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word
• Producing a High Volume of Work
• Proofreading Documents
• Web Design

Organizational Skills

The ability to organize files, data, schedules, processes, and projects is the hallmark of a talented administrative assistant or office manager. Try to list some of these skills in your job application, accompanied with examples:

• Always Reporting for Work on Time
• Anticipating the Needs of Supervisors
• Consistently Meeting Deadlines
• Highly Organized
• Juggling Competing Priorities
• Learning New Technology Quickly
• Orchestrating Events
• Organizing Meetings
• Serving Multiple Supervisors
• Streamlining Processes
• Time Management

Communication Skills

Administrative assistants must be able to communicate, in both speech and writing, across organizational levels and with customers. Sought-after language and interpersonal communications skills include:

• Calming Dissatisfied Clients
• Composing Effective Correspondence
• Customer Service
• Excellent Command of the English Language
• Explaining Clearly
• Greeting Visitors Warmly
• Personable Phone Manner
• Resolving Complaints
• Screening Calls and Visitors
• Verbal Communication

Soft Skills

“Soft skills” are the personal and interpersonal talents that enable people to work well with others. Unlike the “hard skills” discussed above, they are typically innate rather than acquired, although you can certainly strengthen one’s soft skills with practice. 

Important soft skills for administrative assistants and office managers include: dependability, friendliness, flexibility, meticulousness, precision, professional dress and demeanor, a solid team orientation, the ability to thrive under pressure, unflappability, comfort in working independently, and a positive attitude.