Office Administrator Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does an Office Administrator Do?

Office administrators are responsible for the operation of an organization. They are involved in numerous office tasks, including coordinating meetings, making appointments, and overseeing staff. These professionals are responsible for ensuring the office runs smoothly and efficiently according to company policies and procedures. An office administrator also keeps inventory records and replenishes supplies as needed. They perform bookkeeping functions, train staff, and manage the day-to-day needs of upper management, such as appointments, travel arrangements, and emails. Individuals in this role must be proficient with computers and computer software like MS Office and ERP to manage both financial and personnel records and databases.

An office administrator should have excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as strong leadership qualities and organizational abilities. Knowledge of general office management procedures and basic accounting principles are also fundamental skills necessary for success. Furthermore, these professionals are always seeking ways to improve processes that keep work flowing. 

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National Average Salary

Office administrator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.

The average national salary for an Office Administrator is:

$59,995

Office Administrator Job Descriptions

It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring an office administrator. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.

Candidate Certifications to Look For

  • The Certified Administrative Professional (CAP). This certification is accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and is specifically designed for administrative professionals. To be eligible without a degree, candidates will need 4 years of relevant work experience. With an AA or bachelor’s degree, they’ll need 2 years of experience. Relevant work experience includes verbal and written communication, business writing, records management, project management, and accounting functions. The course covers areas such as organizational communications, business writing and document production, and office and records management. With a CAP, candidates demonstrate that they have the administrative skills necessary to excel as office administrators. 
  • The Certified Manager (CM). Offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers, this certification program verifies a candidate’s ability to manage and their potential to lead with a level of competency. The eligibility requirements include a combination of education and experience. To earn the certification, they must pass a series of three CM assessment exams covering the foundations of management, planning, organizing, and leading and controlling. The CM certification will separate candidates from their peers for hiring and career advancement.
  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Offered by the Institute of Management Accountants, the CMA is a professional certification credential in management and financial accounting. The CMA signifies that candidates possess knowledge in areas such as financial planning, analysis, control, risk management and internal controls, and professional ethics. To obtain certification, they must pass a rigorous exam, meet the educational and experience requirements, and commit to continuous learning through continuing professional education (CPE).

How to Hire an Office Administrator

When hiring an office administrator, first consider the following:

  • Recruiting: Do you have the knowledge, tools, and resources to attract and screen candidates?
  • Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid or junior-level skills and experience suffice?
  • Duration: Is this a one-time project or an ongoing need?
  • Management: Do you have the time and expertise to direct the work effectively?
  • Urgency: How soon does the work need to be completed?
  • Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?

Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, great options exist for every scenario. These are our recommendations:

1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)

The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.

This is the best route to take when:

  • You need to fill the position quickly
  • You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
  • Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
  • You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff. 
  • You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
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2. Advertise your opening on a top job board

Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice. 

We recommend using a job board when:

  • Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
  • You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort 
  • You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
  • You are prepared to respond to all applicants

We recommend using CareerBuilder for an office administrator opening:

CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.

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3. Leverage your internal resources

You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates. 

A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.

We recommend these options when:

  • Your brand has great name recognition
  • You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
  • You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
  • You have an effective employee referral program in place

If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.

Sample Interview Questions

  • Which led you to pursue a career in office administration, and what experience do you have?
  • When faced with conflict or difficult situations at work, what techniques do you use to resolve disputes fairly?
  • Tell me about your experience managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling travel arrangements.
  • What techniques would you use to motivate and inspire your administrative staff?
  • Describe your experience managing budgets and finances, and explain how you will keep the office within its budget.
  • When did you have to prioritize competing demands on your time and multitask? How did you cope?
  • What steps do you take to ensure that the office is always stocked with office supplies?
  • When it comes to handling incoming and outgoing correspondence, how do you ensure that it is handled in a timely and professional manner?
  • When it is time to update policies, what steps do you take to ensure they are followed?

Need help hiring an Office Administrator?

We match top professionals with great employers across the country. From filling urgent job openings to developing long-term hiring strategies, our team is here to help. Review our staffing solutions, browse our award-winning Staffing Corner blog, or call today. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

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