1. Do Your Homework
Before starting your new job, take some time to do some research on the company. Be sure to have a good understanding of the company’s mission and environment, as well as the target audience they are focused on reaching. By coming into your new position with this knowledge already under your belt, it shows your employer that you take your position seriously and are self-driven.
2. Ask for Feedback
During the first few weeks of your training and being in your role, a good idea is to ask your trainer or supervisor for feedback on your performance. One way of doing this is by doing a “check-out” at the end of each day and asking them if they noticed anything that you could improve upon. Most supervisors are used to giving feedback when mistakes happen or in corrective action situations, so by being proactive in asking for feedback, you change up the normal routines and make the giving of feedback take on a positive tone.
3. Ask Questions; Never Assume
Remember the old adage “there’s no such thing as a stupid question”? That still holds true to this day. When you are in an administrative position, it can sometimes feel uncomfortable asking questions, as you don’t want to come off as incompetent. While there is a chance your questions can be viewed in that light, you can be sure that if you assume and make a mistake, that will always be viewed in a negative light. The best thing that you can do is to ask questions to clarify things you’re unsure of. Most employers would much rather answer questions than have to solve larger issues that arise from not having the proper knowledge, so ask away.
4. Find a Rhythm
When you’re in an admin position, routines will become your best friend. Being organized and self-disciplined when it comes to managing your time are essential to forming a productive rhythm in your new position. Don’t just stop with yourself though; take a look at the flow of the entire office and see if there are any places where things could be streamlined or improved upon to increase the company’s efficiency and discuss them with your supervisor.
5. Plan Ahead
Being able to perform your job duties adequately is always great, but being able to plan ahead and anticipate for potential obstacles is even better. Always be aware of what is happening in the workplace and upcoming events. Think through what will need to be done to accomplish your goals and what could get in the way. By demonstrating that you are able to resolve potential issues before they happen, you show your superiors that you bring something extra to the table.
6. Communicate Clearly
Being able to clearly articulate your ideas and thoughts is one of the best skill sets to have.
Every company is dependant on open and clear communication, and when you’re in an administrative position, it becomes an absolute necessity. Always think through your actions and the reasons behind them and be prepared to explain them if you are asked why you do things a certain way.
7. Be Resourceful
When you’re working in a fast paced environment, even the most carefully made plans can change at a moment’s notice and when they do, you need to be prepared to adapt on the fly. Always be thinking of contingencies you can have in place in case for these occasions and impress your supervisors with your well-thought out planning.
8. Prioritize the Right Things
When you’re facing a seemingly never-ending list of tasks to get done, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. The key here is to be able to prioritize what tasks take precedence and what tasks aren’t as pressing. When a new task is added to your list, don’t just leave it on the side; see where it fits and reorganize your list accordingly to maintain efficiency.
9. Take the Initiative
Always be looking for ways that you can go above and beyond in your position, especially once you’re comfortable in your position. Keep an eye out for coworkers that seem to be struggling and ask if you can assist in any way. This will establish you as a team player that recognizes the importance of the company succeeding comes before their own personal success.
10. Thrive Under Pressure
When your company experiences a period of increased workflow or an unexpected crisis comes up, being able to keep your cool and not cave into pressure is one of the most important things you can show your supervisors. Being able to operate in difficult circumstances and handle stress in a healthy way are two qualities that will go a long way towards developing your career further.
Work With Neese
If you are still looking for that perfect administrative assistant position, Neese Personnel can help! We are currently looking for hard-working people that would be a great asset to a growing company here in Oklahoma City. You can view the job description and responsibilities here, as well as submit your resume for review by our staff. Neese Personnel is the most recognized full-service staffing agency in Oklahoma City and thrives on helping job seekers find a workplace where they will thrive. Call us today at 405-942-8551 to learn more.