In honor of Administrative Professionals Week, we want to provide all you hard-working administrative professionals out there a few helpful tips to help keep your career on track!
Whether you have trained specifically for a career as an administrative professional, or plan to use an administrative position as a stepping stone to a higher paying job, it’s crucial that you perform your job duties to the best of your ability. What many people don’t realize is that top-notch administrative professionals are often the glue that holds a well-run office together. With a few simple tips, you can become an asset to your employer and ensure your success on the job.
Present a Professional Appearance
While you might not feel that it’s important to dress as professionally as members of upper-level management, it’s still essential that you present yourself as businesslike when at work. Even if you don’t have the money to buy top designer pieces, you can assemble a wardrobe of separates that are easy to mix and match for a variety of looks. Follow the dress code of those a level or two above you, and you’ll always feel confident when you interact with clients, co-workers or the president of the company.
Embrace Organization
Organization is essential to the success of all administrative professionals. By creating an effective and efficient filing system, keeping computer documents in a logical sequence and maintaining a calendar that contains all upcoming appointments, you can stay on top of everything that goes on in your office. Adopt the motto “a place for everything and everything in its place,” and you’ll be ready for whatever crops up.
Work on Your Telephone Voice
When you answer the telephone at work, it’s often the first contact an individual has with your company. By speaking in a polished and professional manner, you’ll present yourself and your company in the best possible light. Employers are much more likely to entrust important tasks to you when they know that you sound and behave in a professional manner and represent their company that way as well.
Avoid Office Gossip
While a boring office job can present the temptation to entertain yourself by gossiping with your coworkers, you’ll be much more likely to climb the corporate ladder if you refuse to engage in such negative behavior. Supervisors are hesitant to trust employees with confidential projects when they know that the worker is unable to keep his or her mouth shut about even the most minor details. Prove that you’re trustworthy by refusing to listen to or repeat rumors that are making their way around the office.
Being competent and valued administrative professionals is primarily a matter of common sense. Watch the behavior of successful coworkers and emulate their actions. By the same token, learn from your mistakes, and be determined to never make the same one twice. By putting your best foot forward on the job, you’ll soon be one of the most valued employees in the office.
Check out some of our other posts for more advice on how to WOW the boss and be as successful as you can be!