There is always demand for skilled administrative professionals in the UK, as employers seek talented candidates to form the backbone of their organisations. Employers understand the value admin professionals can add, in terms of supporting teams and laying the foundations for businesses growth. High-calibre people, who can demonstrate their expertise and potential through their CV, have the opportunity to secure new roles and climb the career ladder.

There is no longer a typical administrative role as the requirements have progressed over time, and as such, no one-size-fits-all admin CV. Employers are looking for unique skills and experience that match their own business goals and working environments, and job applicants need to tailor their admin CVs accordingly, or use a CV template.

But whether you are applying for a role as an admin assistant, office manager, personal/executive assistant, project administrator or customer service professional, there are certain rules to follow. You need to know how to write a CV and display your best attributes to potential employers.

How to write a great admin CV

There are a number of sections you need to include when writing an admin CV before applying for jobs and writing a cover letter.

  • First of all, you need to provide your name and up-to-date contact details.
  • Next, you may wish to include a short personal statement - roughly 50-150 words long - which summarises your main experiences, achievements and ambitions in the context of the job you are applying for.
  • Then you need to move on to your employment experience, starting with your current employer, role and responsibilities. Work in reverse-chronological order through your career, including dates of employment for each position you have held. It is also worth listing any work experience placements or internships you have undertaken.
  • After your employment history, you should list any qualifications you hold - both professional and academic. Provide the names of the institution you studied at and the date of qualification in each case. Include any industry certifications you hold and any professional bodies you are a member of.
  • Next, you should include a section on your skills - both technical skills, such as typing speed and shorthand, and soft skills, such as communication and leadership. Where possible, provide examples of how these attributes have allowed you to add value in previous jobs.
  • When it comes to hobbies and interests it’s best to leave them off of your CV. The same goes for references, it is best to write they are ‘available upon request’.

In-demand skills for admin professionals

Being able to document certain skills and experiences on your CV may help in the pursuit of an administrative role. As technology becomes more important in business, employers are looking for professionals who are comfortable using MS Office, and have advanced Outlook, Word and PowerPoint skills. Typically, employers look for candidates with intermediate Excel skills or better. The rise of social media means professionals who are also savvy with the likes of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google are also valued.

Employers are also constantly looking for candidates with strong project administrative skills and experience, along with written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Candidates who have qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development may also find themselves at an advantage over other job applicants.

Final tips for writing an admin CV

If you're unsure how best to present all the information on your admin CV, consider using a CV template. Online CV generators can also provide structure for your document, but it is best to use a CV template from industry specialists. All that is required is to fill in the fields with your own details. But remember, whenever you apply for an administration or office support role, you need to tailor your CV to the job in question. This means carefully reading through the job specification and matching your skills and experiences to the criteria. It isn't good enough to submit a general CV, which could apply to any admin role. If you do so, you may not get invited to interview.

In order to write a good admin CV, you need to get all the relevant information - including examples of how you can add value - down onto one or two pages. If your CV is any longer, the hiring manager won't have time to read it. This means you need to write concisely, including only the most relevant details you think will help you get the job.

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