How to write an administrative resume

If you're looking for a secretary, administrative assistant, or other office position, you're going to need a resume. Luckily, a resume is easy to write. It does take some practice and take in setting up though. Your resume should be in chronological format and should showcase your administrative and secretarial skills. Your resume should be free of fancy pictures and fonts. Make it as professional as possible. A safe bet would be to set the font in 12 point Times New Roman.


First, you should list all your information at the top of your resume. This includes your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure that your email address is professional. [email protected] doesn't look professional. An email address that states your name is your best bet. Try an email address like [email protected]. Next, you should write your objective statement. Don't limit yourself on the kind of position you're looking for. This could help open up other opportunities for you. Plus, your heading should be bolded and in a bigger font. Set it in 14 point Times New Roman. This will call attention to your resume.


Next, you should list all previous employment starting with the most recent. Make sure to include company names, addresses, dates, and responsibilities. If possible, state any work accomplishments. Include any awards and promotions. If there are major gaps in your work history, you're free to leave off the dates.


You will need a skills section in your resume. This shows the employer what you're capable of doing. This could range anywhere from typing speed to software experience. If you don't have any skills with computers, you should try brushing up on them. Take a few computer classes at a community college. It's an advantage to the position.


Now you should end your administrative resume with your educational background. This should include all of your degrees, administrative or secretarial training, and seminars or workshops you've taken. If you don't have any education relative to the job, list it anyway.  A degree is better than no degree at all. You should also use this section to highlight your GPA and honors. One last rule of thumb is to not include any references unless the employer asks. You should add the phrase "References Available upon Request" at the end of your resume. Lastly, you should make sure that your resume is one page long. Anything longer is unacceptable. If you're resume runs over two pages, then try to cut all the irrelevant information out.

- Gail Esparan