Need to organise a job (and/or a job to be organised in)? We’ve got this…
If you’re good at making plans, and have a natural ability to communicate effectively in a variety of environments, a career in admin could be for you. And whilst some administrative positions have similarities, there’s likely to be a few that’ll suit your skills and interests better than others.
To help you pick the career that’s right for you, here are five of the most popular jobs in admin (and our advice on how to get there):
Administrator
What they do: Administrators can work in a number of fields, from sales and HR, to education and the arts – but their overall duties will always include providing administrative support to their chosen department. Typical tasks may vary, but some staples of the role include typing correspondence, organising paperwork, and managing post, phone calls, and emails.
What you need: You’ll need to be methodical, organised, and computer literate. Excellent communication and team working skills are equally essential. You won’t need a degree, but gaining a recognised qualification (such as an Administrator Certificate or Office Admin Diploma) will certainly help to set you apart.
What you can earn: Around £14,000, with the potential to rise to £20,000 with experience.
Perfect for: People who like to be in control.
Our advice: As it’s an entry-level role, landing a job as an Administrator often comes down to how well you can demonstrate your organisational skills, team working abilities, and knowledge of the field you’re looking for work in. To really stand out, make sure you’ve got real examples of these attributes – and use your application to explain how you could apply them to a work environment.
How to become an Administrator
Legal Secretary
What they do: Offer administrative support to Lawyers, Solicitors, and Legal Executives, to help ensure the office runs smoothly and legal professionals can focus on assisting clients. This could involve anything from organising the filing system, scheduling meetings, and taking calls, to typing and processing legal documents.
What you need: A high level of organisational ability is key, alongside excellent communication and typing skills. Knowledge of complicated legal jargon will also be helpful. A degree isn’t a prerequisite, but qualifications specific to the industry are recommended. Good examples include the Legal Secretaries Diploma Course or the Legal Secretary Diploma Course.
What you can earn: Around £18,000 as an entry-level salary, which could go up to £24,000 with experience in the field.
Perfect for: People who know the law.
Our advice: Whilst a degree isn’t always essential, many employers will look for those with relevant credentials – whether it’s an HND, or a professional qualification; meaning doing some studying is a great way to break into the industry. Previous administrative experience in any field is also recommended if you want to become a Legal Secretary.
How to become a Legal Secretary
Payroll Administrator
What they do: Provide payroll services internally or externally, ensuring that employees are getting paid accurately and efficiently. Their duties will generally involve checking how many hours an employee has worked, calculating and issuing pay, deducting tax and national insurance, processing absences – and dealing with any other pay related issues.
What you need: A head for numbers, combined with an ability to meet tight deadlines. Attention to detail, trustworthiness, and communication skills are also a must. A degree isn’t essential, but a relevant qualification (e.g. Sage), is often required to get started.
What you can earn: New Payroll Administrators will usually earn around £14,000, which could rise to £20,000 with experience.
Perfect for: People who have no problems controlling purse strings.
Our advice: Becoming a Payroll Administrator is a great stepping stone if you’re looking for a career in finance, but don’t have any experience yet. By studying for an AAT qualification alongside working as a Payroll Administrator, you’ll be able to combine your practical experience with the financial knowledge needed to branch out into a more specific field.
How to become a Payroll Administrator
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Personal Assistant
What they do: Work closely with senior members of staff to provide administrative and secretarial support. Whether they’re booking appointments, arranging travel documents, or dealing with correspondence on behalf of their boss – a PA’s or EA’s (Executive Assistant) role is all about helping their manager handle their time and workload effectively.
What you need: In addition to relevant experience in admin or secretarial work, you’ll also need exceptional communication skills, an ability to work under pressure, and good organisational skills. You won’t need a degree, as experience in the field usually takes precedence.
What you can earn: Starting salaries are around £18,000, which could reach higher £35,000 at senior level.
Perfect for: People who can fulfil any request.
Our advice: Most Personal Assistant and Executive roles require candidates to have a few years’ experience in a similar role, meaning the key to landing a job is to demonstrate your practical ability to employers. Starting out as a temp or a Junior Administrator is a great way to acquire these essential skills, and many opportunities allow you to work while you’re still at college, university or whilst studying for a qualification.
View all Personal Assistant jobs
Receptionist
What they do: Offer front-of-house administrative support to companies of all sizes, whether it’s through greeting and directing visitors, answering the phone, or issuing security passes. They could work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, offices, or hotels – where they’re responsible for maintaining and reflecting their organisation’s brand values at all times.
What you need: Aside from a positive, professional, and welcoming attitude, you’ll also need to be extremely organised with a great attention to detail. You won’t usually need a degree to become a Receptionist, but a recognised qualification (e.g. the CPD Accredited Office Admin and Reception Skills Diploma) may be helpful.
What you can earn: Salaries start at around £12,000, with experienced Receptionists earning an average of £20,000.
Perfect for: People who like sitting at the front.
Our advice: As employers in this industry place precedence on your personality and practical skills over your academic achievements, gaining some experience in admin is a great way to get your foot in the door. Temping and part-time work is particularly common in this field, and is a great way to work your way up to a full-time role.
Honourable mentions: Data Entry Assistant, Office Assistant, Office Manager, Secretary, Bid Writer.
Still searching for your perfect position? View all admin jobs now
