TABLE OF CONTENTS
Administrative assistant resume
summary examples
The resume summary sits at the top of your resume, following your contact information, and is one of the first parts of your resume a recruiter reads. So make it count by quickly grabbing their attention and explaining why you’re an excellent fit for the open job.
Your summary for an administrative assistant role should consist of two to four sentences that highlight your organizational skills, communication skills and achievements, functioning much like a sales pitch to highlight your key qualifications.
By focusing on your most relevant resume skills and experiences, you convey to hiring managers the value you bring.
Administrative assistants with over three years of work experience should use a resume summary. If you are a newer administrative assistant, either freshly graduated or with less than three years of experience, it is recommended that you write an objective statement instead.
Next, we will look at examples of professional summaries for administrative assistants — one ineffective and one successful — to guide writing your own.
Good example:
“Experienced administrative assistant with over 7 years of proven success in delivering results. Managed a high-volume data entry workload of over 1000 entries per week with 99.5% accuracy. Implemented and oversaw the execution of 15+ projects, achieving project goals on time and within budget.”
Why this example passes:
- Feature quantifiable metrics that prove candidate’s achievements.
- Shows career length, 7 years.
- Mentions employer-desired skills: project management and data entry.
Bad example:
“Experienced administrative assistant with a passion for helping others. Possesses strong organizational and communication skills. Looking to leverage my experience to contribute to a team.”
Why this example fails:
- Doesn’t include any numbers that quantify administrative assistants’s performance
- Uses vague descriptions and skills.
- Doesn’t include years of administrative assistant experience.
The fastest way to write your
professional summary
- 1
Enter the details about the job title you held. The builder comes preloaded with auto-suggested content written by certified professional resume writers (CPRW).
- 2
The builder features professionally written content and resume keywords that you can select!
- 3
All you have to do is choose the summary phrases that best frame your experience. It’s like having a professional do it for you!
You’ll find the best resume content suggestions in our Resume Builder and can even get professional resume-writing help. Get ready for the job search by taking advantage of these resume-writing tools!
Want to check your administrative assistant resume for 30+ issues like typos, word length, customization and formatting? Resume Check catches your mistakes so hiring managers won’t.
The reviews are in!
See what they’re saying about us on Trustpilot.
Administrative assistant resume work
experience examples
Good example:
Rolling Meadows Middle School I Rolling Meadows, IL I 8/2018-current
- Assisted with daily administrative tasks, such as processing over 200 data entries per day with 98% accuracy.
- Maintained organized records of office supplies and equipment.
- Answered and directed incoming calls, emails, and other correspondence.
- Provided support to executive staff, including managing calendars and coordinating travel arrangements.
Why this example passes:
- Numbers and statistics add detail and quantify the results this administrative assistant delivers: 200 data entries per day with 98% accuracy.
- Good use of strong words and active language.
- Includes employer-desired skills like organizational skills and calendar maintenance.
Bad example:
Emily Dickinson Elementary I Redmond, WA I 4/2022-present
- Answered phone calls and emails.
- Maintained filing system.
- Assisted with daily administrative tasks.
- Scheduled meetings and appointments.
Why this example fails:
- Lacks numbers or statistics.
- Describes general tasks, not achievements or career highlights.
- Uses active verbs but doesn’t focus on results.
Administrative assistant resume skills examples
Here are 18 sample skills for administrative assistants:
- Research
- Microsoft Word
- Time Management
- Schedule Management
- Scheduling
- Contract Negotiations
- Executive Presentations
- Meeting Minutes
- Data Entry
- Records Management
- Customer Service
- Workflow Planning
- Quality Assurance
- Account Management
- Client Relations
- Project Management
- Administrative Support
- Database Management
You should add hard skills, soft skills and interpersonal skills to your administrative assistant resume. Include them in your professional summary, work experience blurbs and a dedicated skills section.
Examples of additional resume sections
A resume has five main sections: contact information, professional summary, work experience, skills and the education section. However, you can add different sections to your administrative assistant resume to show more achievements.
Here are some examples of optional administrative assistant resume sections that you could add to provide greater detail:
- Certifications and licenses
- Professional development
- Technical skills
- References
- Awards and achievements
- Hobbies and interests
- Volunteer work
How to choose a resume format
0-3
Years of experience
Functional formats
- Focus on skills.
- Best for first-time administrative assistants who lack work experience.
- Good for people re-entering workforce.
- May omit dates in the work history section.
Organization:
- Skills listed above work experience.
3-10
Years of experience
Combination formats
- Balance skills and work history.
- Ideal for mid-career administrative assistants.
- Suitable for career changers and people seeking promotion.
Organization:
- Skills next to or above work experience.
10+
Years of experience
Chronological formats
- Put the most focus on work history.
- Best for administrative assistants with a long, steady career.
- Most popular format.
- Preferred by recruiters.
Organization:
- Work experience listed above skills.
More administrative assistant resume examples
As seen in*
*The names and logos of the companies referred to in this page are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with LiveCareer.