The job of an administrative assistant involves a variety of office duties and tasks. These can range from greeting and assisting visitors to scheduling appointments, filing documents, and managing files. The skills that an administrative assistant needs to succeed include good communication, organizational skills and the ability to work independently.

Providing Excellent Service to Patients

As the first person to greet a patient when they enter the office, an administrative assistant plays a vital role in providing exceptional service. They must be able to interact with patients professionally and respectfully, while making sure to maintain a positive and friendly attitude throughout their time in the office. This can be done by providing a warm smile and a pleasant voice, and ensuring that every patient is made to feel welcome in the office.

Proper Atmosphere and Patient Contact

A reception area that is properly aired and kept clean can make a positive impression on patients and staff. This can be achieved by spraying air fresheners, picking up clutter and straightening furniture and literature displays. It can also be accomplished by posting signs within the reception area that outline office policies and procedures for patients to follow.

Housekeeping Control

As in any office setting, an administrative assistant must be able to maintain a clean and orderly workspace. This means making sure that all rooms are free from clutter, arranging desks and chairs to maximize productivity and making sure the entire office looks neat. It may also mean ensuring that cleaning workers are following a schedule and making regular trips to the dumpster or trash can to pick up debris.

Organization is a necessary skill for an administrative assistant to have, as they often receive and work with a lot of different types of files and records. They must be able to keep track of their tasks and deadlines, and they should be able to ensure that all of the information they need is in one place at all times.

Being able to handle multiple tasks and problems at once is another important skill for an administrative assistant. They may have to deal with a large number of clients and employees at once, so they must be able to quickly switch gears to manage their workload effectively.

This can be done by using a handheld organizer such as PDA, or by keeping a notebook and calendar with notes for each appointment and task. An office clerk that uses an organizer to keep track of these details is more likely to be able to complete their responsibilities efficiently and without mistakes.

Performing Office Equipment Maintenance

As an administrative assistant, you should be able to carry out basic maintenance and troubleshooting of office equipment. This includes knowing how to properly operate printers, fax machines and other standard office equipment. It also includes being able to replace paper, toner and ink as needed.

Being able to handle office equipment can help you succeed in your job as an administrative assistant, and it is a skill that many employers look for when hiring candidates. Having this type of knowledge can be especially helpful if you work for a small business or in an office with a lot of specialized equipment.