As an Administrative Assistant, your resume needs to demonstrate your organizational prowess, communication abilities, and technical proficiency. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan for specific keywords related to office software, scheduling, and clerical tasks. This guide covers the essential hard and soft skills you need to highlight to stand out in the applicant pool.
Top hard skills for administrative assistant resumes
These are the technical skills that ATS systems and hiring managers look for on administrative assistant resumes. Include the ones you genuinely have experience with.
Office Management
Covers general oversight of office operations and supply inventory.
Calendar Management
Essential for scheduling meetings, appointments, and executive travel.
Data Entry
Highlights speed and accuracy in maintaining databases and records.
Travel Coordination
Shows ability to book flights, hotels, and manage complex itineraries.
Microsoft Office Suite
Crucial proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Google Workspace
Demonstrates ability to use Docs, Sheets, and Gmail for business.
Expense Reporting
Important for processing invoices, receipts, and managing budgets.
Meeting Facilitation
Includes preparing agendas, taking minutes, and setting up AV equipment.
Customer Service
Shows capability in handling client inquiries and front-desk reception.
Document Formatting
Highlights skills in drafting, editing, and proofreading business correspondence.
Records Management
Essential for organizing both physical and digital filing systems.
Multi-line Phone Systems
Demonstrates experience managing high call volumes and routing calls.
CRM Software
Shows familiarity with tools like Salesforce or HubSpot for client tracking.
Project Coordination
Highlights ability to assist in planning and executing team projects.
Supply Procurement
Important for ordering office supplies and managing vendor relationships.
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Build your resume →Essential soft skills
Beyond technical ability, these soft skills differentiate strong administrative assistant candidates.
- Organization
- Time Management
- Written Communication
- Verbal Communication
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Discretion
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
Recommended certifications
| Certification | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) | Validates your expertise in office administration and organizational management. |
| Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) | Proves advanced proficiency in essential Microsoft productivity applications. |
| Professional in Human Resources (PHR) | Valuable for admins who handle onboarding and HR-related duties. |
Power action verbs
Start your bullet points with these strong verbs to demonstrate impact.
Example resume bullet points
Here's how to use these skills in real resume bullets with quantified results.
ATS optimization tips
Use Standard Job Titles
Stick to standard titles like 'Administrative Assistant' or 'Office Administrator' rather than creative variations to ensure the ATS recognizes your experience.
Spell Out Software Names
Include both the full name and abbreviation of software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Customer Relationship Management (CRM)) to maximize keyword hits.
Match the Job Description
Tailor your skills section to mirror the specific terminology used in the job posting, especially regarding software and daily responsibilities.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important skills for an Administrative Assistant resume?
The most critical skills include calendar management, Microsoft Office proficiency, data entry, and strong communication abilities. Highlight these to show you can manage daily office operations effectively.
How many skills should I list on my Administrative Assistant resume?
Aim to include 10 to 15 highly relevant skills, balancing both hard skills like travel coordination and soft skills like time management.
Should I include typing speed on my resume?
Yes, if your typing speed is above 60 WPM, it is a valuable metric to include, as it demonstrates efficiency in data entry and document preparation.
Put these skills to work
Now that you know which skills to highlight, use our free resume builder to create an ATS-optimized resume with the right keywords in the right places.
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