9 top skills need to become a successful administrator

At the heart of any successful business is a talented administrator. It’s a role that involves not just the ability to ensure the smooth running of an office but also providing support to key people at management and executive levels. There are exciting opportunities available for those who make a success of an administrator role – these are some of the key skills that you’ll need to do it.

1. Strong communication. As an office administrator you will be working with people of all levels within the business, handling a wide range of tasks and often tackling urgent matters. From dealing with new starters to handling office supplies this is a varied role that will require robust written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to ensure success.
2. Organisation and efficiency. Being organised is essential for an administrator. Others may be relying on you to manage calendars and schedules, meet deadlines, track calls or organise documents and records.
3. Familiarity with current technology. Every business today uses technology at some level and it’s often in administration where it’s most frequently employed. This could be something as simple as formatting documents or could involve managing a CMS or web content. The more developed your tech abilities, the more likely you will be able to make a success of the role.
4. Effective time management. Whether you are managing someone else’s time or your own it will be essential to be able to do this in a way that maximises productivity.
5. Writing skills. Today, much of the communication within a business takes place in writing, whether via memos, email or chat. Skills like sound spelling and grammar, proofreading and an understanding of business terms may be essential.
6. Problem solving abilities. Circumstances can change in an instant in business and one of the key strengths of the successful administrator is being able to respond to change positively and swiftly. Whether an issue relates to a staff conflict, a problem with orders, a shortage or a schedule change, being able to problem solve on the spot is a huge advantage.
7. Office management. Being a good administrator requires an understanding of office management and the ability to grasp all the systems involved, from ordering supplies to anticipating and booking maintenance.
8. Management skills. A more senior administrator may need to develop management skills, for example in order to deal with clerical staff or handle requests from other employees across the business.
9. Attention to detail and planning. Being able to look ahead and anticipate what is required is the mark of a successful administrator. That could be with respect to something as simple as ensuring schedules don’t conflict or planning an event or meeting. An eye for detail is key – missed details can have wide ranging consequences.

A successful career as an administrator requires mastering all of the above. From problem solving to organisational abilities, each of these skills is key to ensuring eventual success. Find out more by booking onto our The Effective Administrator training course...