Current job title: Executive
Administrative Assistant
Industry: Automotive
Department: Executive Offices
Years worked in this industry: 7
Years worked in this department: 3
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Basic knowledge and
general experience as an admin.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 2
Typical work hours: Normally 8-5pm.
Weekends or overtime hours: During [a
certain period every year], I am required to be available 24/7. There have been
times when I have received calls later in the evening for general info. I
also give my boss “wake-up” calls when he has an early meeting and/or
flight. I do not receive paid overtime, but my boss is very generous
with time off.
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.): approx. $50,000
( plus
bonus)
Benefits (direct or indirect): This year, due to the financial constraints on all automotive companies,
we are being asked to contribute toward medical. We also have access to
Vision, Dental and AFLAC. We have 401k w/50% company match up to 5%
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
SOP or Job 1 – This stands for Start of Production and is when a new auto
platform officially “launches”. As an automotive supplier, you will fill
orders prior to this, but SOP is the “big day”.
Big 3 – DaimlerChrysler, General Motors & Ford.
Transplants – these are
the non-US auto manufacturers (ie. Toyota, Honda, VW)
A typical day on the job: Scheduling
meetings, travel, tracking down my boss for other people, covering for him
(smile). I also serve as his personal assistant, so I pay his bills,
manage the caretaker of his home, coordinate service & repair at both
homes.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: I don’t know that there is
anything different as far as the automotive industry. [My boss knows a lot
of celebrities and therefore] I get the opportunity to meet
and speak with numerous other celebrities.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Once again, I can’t say that
there is anything negative specific to the automotive industry.
Type of workspace/office:
office (with window)
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Calendar Management, Travel,
Home Maintenance, Marketing Presentations, Event Planning
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement: Strong
communication skills, Strong PowerPoint skills, and organization
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Laptop, Blackberry, fax machine, copier, comb binder
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
MS Office
Critical soft skills: Communication
skills are critical. I am dealing with everyone from the plant floor to
[celebrities].
Pace of this position: Mostly average
(however during certain times of the year it can get crazy!)
Geographical region: Midwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™