To make an administrative assistant resume, start with a professional header, followed by a concise summary or objective tailored to the job. In a dedicated skills section, highlight both hard and soft skills like office software proficiency, organization, and communication. Detail your work experience in reverse chronological order, using action verbs and quantifiable achievements, and include a relevant education section.
Structure and content
Contact Information: Include your name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile link at the top.
Summary or Objective:
Summary: For experienced candidates, write a 3-5 sentence summary highlighting your years of experience, key skills, and accomplishments.
Objective: For entry-level candidates or those changing careers, write a concise objective stating your career goals and what you bring to the role, incorporating keywords from the job description.
Skills: Create a separate section to showcase both hard and soft skills.
Hard Skills: List specific software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, calendaring software) and technical abilities.
Soft Skills: Include qualities like organization, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
Work Experience:
List jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role.
For each position, include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and accomplishments.
Start each bullet point with an action verb and quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Managed schedules for 5 executives" or "Reduced filing time by 30%").
Education: List your highest level of education, including the name of the institution, degree, and graduation date. You can also include any relevant certifications or licenses in a separate section.
Essential Resume Writing Tips
Tailor the resume to the Job Description: Read the job posting carefully and incorporate specific keywords and requirements into your resume to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the hiring manager's eye.
Quantify Everything: Use metrics wherever possible (e.g., "reduced document retrieval time by 30%," "managed a budget of $50,000") to demonstrate tangible impact.
Use Action Verbs: Start your bullet points with strong action verbs like Managed, Coordinated, Organized, Streamlined, and Implemented to convey dynamism.
Proofread Meticulously: Attention to detail is a critical skill for administrative assistants, so a resume with typos will work against you. Double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors.
Keep it Concise: Aim for a one-page resume unless you have over 10 years of extensive experience.
Write a Cover Letter: Use a cover letter to expand on one or two key achievements and explain why you are a great fit for that specific company, serving as a sample of your written communication skills.