What does an administrator do?
As an administrator, you'll be responsible for providing support to an organization. That means you'll be in charge of ensuring that all of the day-to-day operations of the business are running smoothly. You’ll be responsible for tasks like scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and handling customer inquiries. In larger organizations, you’ll also be responsible for managing budgets and heading up special projects.
Planning
When you become an administrator, you'll need to be able to handle a lot of responsibility. That means getting organized and planning ahead. You'll need to be able to juggle multiple tasks at once and stay calm under pressure. For instance, you'll need to be able to schedule appointments and meetings. This includes making sure that everyone has the correct information and that there are no conflicts. You'll also need to keep track of all the important documents for the organization. This includes things like customer data, financial records, and employee files.
Budgeting
In many cases, administrators are also responsible for managing the budgets for their organizations. This includes creating a budget, tracking spending, and making sure that the organization stays within its financial limits. To do this, you'll need to have strong math skills and be able to understand financial statements. You'll also need to be able to negotiate with vendors and suppliers.
Communication
Regular communication is another important task for administrators. You'll need to be able to communicate effectively with people at all levels of the organization. This includes completing activities like giving presentations, writing reports, and communicating via email. You'll also need to be able to listen carefully to others and understand their needs.
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What is the average salary of an administrator?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an administrator is $99,290 per year. This translates to an hourly wage of $47.78. However, salaries vary widely depending on many factors, such as experience, location, and industry.
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Experience
Employers are usually more likely to hire candidates with previous experience working in a similar role. However, it is possible to land an administrator job without any experience. In these cases, employers will often look for qualities like strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
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Location
For instance, administrators in California tend to earn more than those in other parts of the country, such as Vermont. This is because the cost of living is generally higher in California.
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The company you work for
The size, structure, and industry of the company you work for will also impact your salary as an administrator. For instance, administrators working for large corporations tend to earn more than those working for small businesses. Companies that have a lot of employees usually need more administrators to handle the daily operations.
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Your skills and qualifications
Your education and job-related skills will also affect your salary. For instance, if you have a degree in business administration, you will likely land a higher-paying position than someone without a degree. In addition, if you have strong computer skills, good customer service skills, or experience working with different types of software, you will also be in high demand.
Administrator job description
Working as an administrator is very rewarding although it gets demanding at times. It's important to know what to expect before you start working, including the duties, work environment and job outlook.
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What are the responsibilities of an administrator?
One of the main responsibilities of an administrator is to organize and oversee the daily operations of an organization. This usually includes tasks like scheduling appointments, managing databases, and preparing reports. Administrators are also responsible for handling customer inquiries, supervising staff, and coordinating events. Another important responsibility is to ensure that the organization stays within its budget. You do so by negotiating with vendors, preparing financial reports, and monitoring spending.
Last but not least, administrators manage data and keep the organization's records up to date. This job involves a lot of multitasking and requires excellent time management skills.
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What type of equipment do administrators use?
One of the most important tools you'll be using as an administrator is a computer. You'll use it to communicate with co-workers, prepare reports, and manage databases. You'll also need to be proficient in using different types of software, such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite. In some cases, you'll likely also be responsible for managing the organization's website.
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What is the work environment of an administrator?
As an administrator, you'll be working in an office setting. You'll be spending most of your time sitting at a desk and using a computer. However, you will also have to do some light lifting when stocking supplies or organizing files. Additionally, if your organization hosts events, you will have to work in different settings, such as conference rooms or outdoor venues.
Also, more and more employers are offering the option to work from home, at least some of the time. If you have the opportunity to work remotely, you'll need to be self-motivated and proficient in using different types of technology, such as video conferencing software.
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Who are your colleagues as an administrator?
The people you work with as an administrator will depend on the organization you work for. However, in most cases, you'll be working with a team of administrators and support staff, who include customer service representatives, administrative assistants, and project managers. You'll also be working closely with different departments within the organization, such as marketing, finance, and human resource. That means working closely with accountants, web developers, HR managers, and more.
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What is the work schedule of an administrator?
Administrators typically work full-time hours. That means that you'll likely be working Monday to Friday during regular business hours. However, you will have to work overtime to meet deadlines or accommodate the needs of the organization from time to time.
Additionally, if your organization hosts events, you'll likely have to work on weekends or evenings. This is because events are typically held when people are not working. As an administrator, your schedule will most likely remain the same from week to week, but there will be some variations depending on the needs of the organization.
What is the career outlook for an administrator?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for administrative jobs will grow by 9% by 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all other occupations. There are many reasons why this is so.
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Increase of businesses
The number of businesses is expected to grow in the coming years, which means that there will be a need for more administrators. Additionally, as businesses continue to expand, they will need more support staff to manage different aspects of the organization.
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Advancement of technology
As technology continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly important for organizations to have someone who is proficient in using different types of software and technology. Additionally, with the rise of social media, administrators are typically needed to manage the organization's online presence.
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Retirement of baby boomers
As the baby boomer generation starts to retire, there will be a need for more administrators to take on leadership roles within the organization, including openings for administrators.
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What are the advantages of working with Spherion as an administrator?
Spherion is a staffing and recruiting company that specializes in administrative jobs. We have a wide network of clients that are looking for qualified administrators. That means that we’ll help you find a job that is a good fit for your skills and experience. Whether you prefer to work with a small family business or a major company, we’ll help you find the right opportunity. In addition, we offer a variety of benefits:
- Getting paid on a weekly basis
- Flexibility
- Having a contact person you always to fall back on and ask for help
- Accessing a lot of training opportunities
- Accessing a range of jobs in your area
- Having a personal contact to assist you with your job search
- Accessing countless training opportunities for gaining more advanced administrative skills
- Flexible scheduling options
What education do you need as an administrator?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The level of education you need as an administrator will depend on the organization you work for and the specific job duties you are responsible for. However, many administrators have at least a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field.
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How about certifications and licensing?
While not required, some administrators choose to pursue certification or licensing. Certification shows potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job. One of the most common certifications for administrators is the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation from the International Association of Administrative Professionals. To earn this certification, you must pass an exam and have at least two years of experience working in an administrative role. Licensing is typically only required if you work in a regulated industry, such as healthcare.
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Skills & competencies
Employers usually look for the ability to handle a variety of tasks. As an administrator, you will need to stay organized, efficient, and able to multitask. You should also have strong written and verbal communication skills. Additionally, it is important to be proficient in using different types of software and technology. This is becoming increasingly important as organizations rely more heavily on technology to run their operations.
Another important skill for administrators is the ability to handle confidential information. This is important because you will often be privy to sensitive information about the organization or its employees. Last but not least, it is important to have a positive attitude and be able to work well with others and also to have good communication skills.
FAQs
Administrators have a critical role of ensuring that businesses run smoothly and efficiently. Discover the answers to frequently asked questions about becoming an administrator.
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What's the difference between an administrator and a receptionist?
The main difference between an administrator and a receptionist is that an administrator typically has more responsibilities and often requires more education. An administrator is often responsible for managing office operations whereas a receptionist is typically responsible for answering phones and greeting visitors. Sometimes, an administrator is also responsible for managing staff, but a receptionist is typically not.
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Is it possible to become an administrator without a degree?
You typically need at least a bachelor's degree to become an administrator. However, some employers will hire candidates with an associate's degree or some college coursework. Experience and skills in an administrative role will also be helpful in landing a job as an administrator. That's why it's often a good idea to pursue an internship or entry-level job in an administrative role before applying for jobs as an administrator.
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How do I apply for a job as an administrator?
Applying for a job as an administrator is easy with Spherion. You should simply search for administrator jobs on Spherion.com by job title and location. If you don’t see the perfect role, you should submit an open application. Once you submit your contact information and resume through Spherion’s open application, a recruiter from the office closest to you will reach out with details about potential administrator roles that fit your skill set and professional goals.