An admin assistant role is a key part of any business. From dealing with office logistics to planning meetings and communicating with all levels of employees, getting your foot in the door can provide a stepping stone to a world of exciting opportunities. These entry-level positions are a great way to build a career in office management or human resources. If you’re searching for the perfect entry-level admin role, here we reveal how to get a job in administration with no experience.
How to Get an Admin Job With No Experience
Do you need special skills to gain an admin job? Do you have to take a course to work in an office administrative role? Read on to discover how to be an administrative assistant with no experience.
1. List Key Skills on Your CV
Understanding what skills employers prefer can help you to land your dream admin assistant job. An administrative role requires exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, the ability to prioritise your workload and a sense of urgency. You can demonstrate these skills by creating an error-free CV and cover letter, attending interviews on time, responding to emails promptly and showing you know how to work well under pressure.
2. Get Good Grades at GCSE
Good GCSE grades show that you have the basic skills for an admin role. If you don’t have good grades, you can retake your exams at college or via home learning. You most likely won’t require A-Levels or a degree but studying for extra accreditations shows that you’re self-motivated.
3. Take A Basic Computer Course
If you don’t have basic IT skills, take a computer course to enhance your skills. Using a computer is a day-to-day part of an admin job so good IT skills are essential. There are many free online admin courses that can help you to develop your skills in this area.
4. Take A Bookkeeping Course
A bookkeeping course isn’t essential when you have no experience. However, it will help your CV to stand out. Knowing how to use software, such as Sage or QuickBooks, will demonstrate your ability to become proficient in IT packages alongside having bookkeeping abilities.
5. Consider an Internship
An internship will provide you with the opportunity to gain experience within administration. You’ll be able to try out the role to determine if it’s really for you. Additionally, it will provide a reference for future employment. There may also be the chance to gain a full-time role once the internship is over. Many companies offer permanent positions to those on internships, especially if they’re an exceptional member of staff.
6. Get A Part-Time Job
A part-time job gives you good work experience and it’s one of the best tips on how to get a job in admin with no experience. Working in any field shows potential employers that you are reliable, trustworthy and have a good basic skillset. You can also ask your employer for a reference for future roles, giving you an edge over candidates who have no work experience at all.
7. Sign Up with A Temping Agency
If you’re struggling to find suitable part-time work or an internship, signing up with an agency could be beneficial. A temping agency can help you to find temporary work within an admin role. This will give you an opportunity to develop your skills and gain an employment reference. Plus, it could also lead to landing a permanent role.
8. Volunteer
Volunteering as a charity admin assistant is highly advantageous. You’ll be able to prove that you have the perfect qualities for the role. Plus, you’ll also demonstrate to potential employers that you have some admin experience.
9. Network
Networking is a great way to land an admin role with zero experience. To do this, introduce yourself to people within the industry you wish to work. You could connect with them via LinkedIn or simply send them an email. Let them know that you hope to join their industry further down the line and that you hope to learn more from them. You never know, this could help you to gain an administrative role in the future. At the very least, you should get some helpful career advice.
10. Write A Good Cover Letter
When you’re applying for job vacancies with a CV, make sure you write a good cover letter to send with it. A cover letter should detail how your skills and abilities are aligned with the admin position on offer. Be clear about what you can bring to the role, as well as why you wish to work for the specific company. Your cover letter should be less than one page of A4 so keep to the point and make it easy to read. See our admin assistant CV template.
11. Prepare for Interviews
Interviews can be a daunting process, especially if you’ve never been through a formal interview process. However, with the right preparation, you’ll be confident enough to tackle any interview with ease. Make sure you thoroughly research the company you’re interviewing at beforehand. Additionally, try practising interview questions and answers with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you to prepare answers to potential questions.
Oriel Partners Can Help You Find Your Perfect Admin Role!
If you’re searching for an entry-level administrative assistant position, Oriel Partners can assist you. We help match outstanding administrative assistants with high profile roles in a variety of industries. Take a look at our admin job board now to discover our latest vacancies.
