Administrative Assistant

Why work as an administrative Assistant?

The duties of an Administrative Assistant revolve around managing and distributing information within a unit, department, branch or the company as a whole. Aside from receiving a nice pay and a good place to work, you get to learn the ins and outs of the industry. Development of practical skills like business writing is one of the benefits of this job. An administrative professional can find a way to move up in an organization since the job entails connecting with different departments or people within the organization. 


How much is the average salary of Administrative Assistants? 


In Canada, according to ca.talent.com the average yearly salary is $35,100. That translates to $18 per hour. If you are an entry-level candidate, your yearly salary may start at $28,250. However, if you have exemplary skills and past work experiences you may receive a yearly salary of up to $46,167. 


In Singapore, according to payscale.com the average yearly salary is S$23,898. While an experienced candidate can go as high as S$40,000 in a year. 


In the Middle East, the average yearly salary for an entry-level candidate is around $12,000. An experienced Administrative Assistant can go as high as $30,000 yearly according various online talent search platforms. 


What are the skills an Administrative Assistant should have?


Although the skills vary depending on which industry you will be under, a candidate is expected to have the following skills: 

  1. Good communication (written or oral). The role is considered as the “bridge of information” between departments or people within the organization. Necessary information should be relayed properly. Additionally, if you are working with different nationalities in an organization, knowing another language is an advantage. 
  2. Organization. Since distribution of information is one of the main duties of the role, being organized reduces work defects and makes the job more efficient.
  3. Time management. To ensure things run smoothly, proper scheduling of tasks is necessary. Tasks of high importance are set as priority.
  4. Attention to detail. Accuracy of incoming and outgoing information is important to avoid any rework or errors from both sender and receiver of the information. 
  5. Problem-solving. There will be instances that technical problems will arise in the office. For example, devices or equipment being used or employees to carry out tasks related to your work. It is expected for an individual to be able to come up with a sound solution for these problems.
  6. Technology. Technology used vary depending on the industry or the company. It is important that you have knowledge of the technology to operate certain softwares or platforms used by the company. 

What are the common challenges an Administrative Assistant face at work? 

  1. Managing the workload - If the scope of your work is to support more than one executive in the company.  Not to mention the expectation to be able to resolve any problems that will arise at work. 
  2. Work-life Balance - Administrative assistants are expected to always be available when called if your main duty is to support an executive or a number of people. And since one of the main duties is to distribute information, often times, when an important information is distributed assistance is requested every time there is an inquiry related to the information cascaded, even after work hours. 
  3. Cooperation from Co-workers. Administrative assistants are assumed to adjust with co-workers regarding office related task even if they do not cooperate.

These are some of the challenges administrative assistants face reason why interviewers ask certain interview questions when applying for this job. 


What are the common Interview Questions when applying as an Administrative Assistant? 

  1. How do you handle stress?
  2. Why do you want to be an administrative assistant?
  3. What computer skills do you have? What computer applications or softwares you can operate? 
  4. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult person? 
  5. How do you stay organized?

These are the common interview questions that employers are expecting to receive good answers. 


How can you apply for this job in countries accepting foreign workers? 


Canada accepts foreign workers to fill Administrative Assistant positions. You can connect with Canadian companies through some job search online portal. You can check the links below.


Job Bank Canada - Check here >> Apply as an Administrative Assistant.


Indeed Canada - Check here >> Apply as an Administrative Assistant.



The Middle East. Most companies in the United Arab Emirates are actively looking for Administrative Assistants. You can check the job portal of these companies below to apply as an Administrative Assistant. 


Al-Futtaim Group - Check Job Portal


Al Shaya Group - Check Job Portal


Etihad Airways - Check Job Portal


Abu Dhabi National Oil Company - Check Job Portal


Singapore actively accepts Foreign Workers to fill available positions related to administrative duties. You can connect with Singaporean Companies through some job search online portal. You can check the links below.


Job Street Singapore - Check here >> Apply as an Administrative Assistant.


GrabJobs Singapore - Check here >> Apply as an Administrative Assistant. 












Related Links:

<< Work in Canada through Express Entry Program.

<< Work in Korea by passing the EPS-TOPIK exam. 

<< Work in New Zealand.

<< Things-To-Know before deciding to Work Overseas.

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