Current job title: Office
Administrative Assistant
Industry: Government
Department: Technology
Years worked in this industry: 1
Years worked in this department: 1
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): There is a
typing test (50 wpm requirement) and then testing of Microsoft programs
(Excel, Word & PowerPoint). After passing with a 70% on that there is a
final test for spelling, listening skills and following directions. As
long as you pass those two parts you can interview with the manager of
secretarial services.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 2 manager level, 16 staff
plus helps support 2 managers, 33 staff
Typical work hours: 7:30am-5:00pm (every other Friday off)
Weekends or overtime hours: I've had to
work overtime a few times in the past year and once on a weekend. We do
get paid overtime.
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.): Appox.
$17/hours. (My position
is union. They have a step pay rate when you
start that is based on how many years of experience you have and then have
step raises until you match what the other office administrative
assistants receive.)
Benefits (direct or indirect): Tuition
payment for college, currently free vision and dental and about three
different types of medical insurance to choose from.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
Everything here has an acronym, ES&H - Employee Safety and Health.
A typical day on the job: This is ever
changing but working with managers and staff .
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: The people I work with.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: "Red tape"
Type of workspace/office:
Semi-enclosed cubicle with counter
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Calendars, supply orders,
greeting visitors, document preparation
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Flexibility, patience
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer, copier, printer,
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Software program knowledge, website upkeep
Critical soft skills: Communication -
dealing with a lot people
Pace of this position: Average to fast
Geographical region: Southwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™