Write an Administrative Resume
Administrative professionals are relied upon to support offices and executives by providing project management, office management, clerical functions and reception or front desk oversight. Job titles for administrative resumes might include Receptionist, Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, Office Manager or Customer Service Specialist. Professionals in these positions are often required to do more than their job descriptions dictate, and good jobs in administrative fields are in demand. Write an administrative resume that highlights exceptional organizational and management experience, good communication skills and a familiarity with computer programs and office technology.
Contents
Steps
- Begin with your name and contact information. At the top of the resume, place your name in a clear, bold font. Beneath your name, list your mailing address, telephone number and email address.
- List an objective. This will summarize who you are and the type of job you are looking for.
- Keep the objective brief. One line will introduce you and your goal succinctly. For example, an office manager's objective could say "Experienced administrative professional seeking a challenging office management position with a growing company."
- List your work experience, starting with the most recent position. Include all of the work experience that will help you stand out as a qualified and capable administrative professional.
- Write your title as a header, and then list the name of the company and its location. You can put the information under the title or next to it, depending on your formatting preference. For example, write "Receptionist, Walden Law Firm, New York, NY."
- Include your dates of employment, using months and years.
- Write a brief description of your job duties. For example, write "Assisted the CEO of a busy real estate office with all administrative and clerical tasks."
- Follow the description with bullet points that highlight specific responsibilities or achievements. For example, write "Scheduled travel" or "Eliminated waste and duplication in office supply ordering."
- Put your education after your experience. List any college or post-graduate degrees you earned, and include the school you attended and the year you graduated.
- Include awards, scholarships or relevant extracurricular activities you participated in.
- List any special training you have received or certifications you hold. Use bullet points to document licenses or other notable qualifications that were received outside of your regular schooling.
- Indicate the office and computer technology you know. Administrative professionals need to use many different software programs and databases. List those you know, including word processing, financial, spreadsheet and graphic design programs.
- Offer to provide references and writing samples. A simple line at the bottom of the resume such as "References and writing samples available upon request" will invite potential employers to ask you for more information.
Tips
- Create a cover letter to accompany the resume that highlights your administrative skills that are specific to the position you are applying for.
- Try to keep your resume to 1 or 2 pages. Longer resumes might not hold the attention of a potential employer.
- Remember to be bold in sharing your accomplishments. Demonstrate your professionalism, ability to solve problems and communicate well with others.
Related Articles
- Find a Job in Healthcare Administration
- Work from Home As an Administrative Assistant
- Prepare for an Administrative Assistant Interview