16 Administrative Supervisor Skills for Your Career and Resume

An administrative supervisor is responsible for the daily operations of an office or organization. They often have a wide range of responsibilities, from supervising staff to handling customer inquiries. Administrative supervisors need to have a variety of skills to be successful in their role. If you’re interested in becoming an administrative supervisor, learning about the necessary skills can help you determine if this is the right career for you.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Administrative supervisors often have to deal with unexpected situations, so flexibility can be an important skill for them to have. Being flexible means being able to change your plans when necessary and adapting to new challenges quickly. It also means accepting feedback from others and adjusting your methods accordingly.

Office Administration

Administrative supervisors often perform clerical duties, such as managing files and correspondence. They also oversee the administrative assistants who handle these tasks for other employees. Strong office administration skills include typing at least 40 words per minute, using computer software programs like Microsoft Word and Excel and maintaining a professional correspondence.

Records Management

Administrative supervisors often oversee the records of their company, including employee files and financial documents. They need to know how to manage these records so they can ensure compliance with laws and regulations. For example, if an employee leaves the company, the administrative supervisor may be responsible for updating personnel records and maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

Facilities Management

Administrative supervisors often oversee the maintenance of a company’s physical space, including its buildings and grounds. They may also be responsible for overseeing construction projects or renovations to ensure that facilities are safe and functional. This requires knowledge of building codes, safety regulations and other aspects of facility management.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and address issues that may arise in a work environment. Administrative supervisors often use problem-solving skills when handling employee conflicts, addressing workplace safety concerns or resolving customer service complaints. Your ability to solve problems can help you maintain a productive work environment and ensure your team members are happy and satisfied with their jobs.

Employee Training

Administrative supervisors often need to train new employees and update existing staff on company policies. This can include providing information about software programs, equipment or other aspects of the job that may be unfamiliar to them. Providing training allows you to help your team grow professionally and ensures they have the tools needed to do their jobs well. You can also use training as an opportunity to evaluate how effectively your team works together and identify any areas for improvement.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for an administrative supervisor to have because they often oversee customer-facing departments. They need to be able to provide excellent service and ensure that customers are satisfied with the work of their team members. Customer service skills can also help them resolve conflicts between employees and customers in a professional manner.

Performance Evaluation

Administrative supervisors often evaluate their team members’ performance and provide feedback on how they can improve. This is an important aspect of supervision because it allows you to help your employees grow in their roles, which can lead to increased productivity and a more positive work environment. You may also use evaluations when making decisions about employee compensation or promotions.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. Administrative supervisors often have many duties, so it’s important for them to be organized. This skill can help you prioritize your work and stay on task. It also allows you to delegate tasks effectively by assigning specific duties to employees who are most likely to complete them in a timely manner.

Inventory Management

Administrative supervisors often oversee the inventory of a company, which requires them to have strong organizational skills. They need to know how to track and record incoming and outgoing products as well as how to order new supplies when needed. Strong inventory management skills can help ensure that your team has the resources they need to complete their work.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. Administrative supervisors often communicate with their team members, clients and other departments within an organization. Strong communication skills can help you relay instructions or feedback effectively, which can improve productivity and reduce workplace conflict. You can also use your communication skills in meetings when presenting ideas or discussing company policies.

Policy Implementation

Administrative supervisors are responsible for implementing organizational policies and procedures. This includes ensuring that employees understand the rules, monitoring compliance with them and enforcing consequences when necessary. For example, if an organization has a dress code policy, you might be responsible for informing new employees of it, checking their attire during meetings and addressing any violations.

Budgeting

Budgeting is the process of planning how to spend your company’s money. Administrative supervisors often have responsibility for managing budgets, so it’s important that you know how to create and track them effectively. You can use software programs like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to help you with budgeting. This skill also includes knowing how to make adjustments when necessary.

Leadership

Administrative supervisors often have to lead teams of employees, so it’s important that you know how to be a good leader. You can use your leadership skills in many aspects of your job, including delegating tasks, motivating others and resolving workplace conflicts. Being an effective leader means knowing how to motivate your team members and encourage them to do their best work.

Decision Making

Administrative supervisors often need to make decisions about how to handle workplace issues. They may have to decide which tasks to assign to employees, what resources to use and how to resolve conflicts between coworkers. Strong decision-making skills can help them navigate these situations effectively. Examples of when you might apply your decision-making skills include assigning projects, handling employee absences and resolving disputes.

Project Management

Project management is the ability to oversee and direct a group of people working on one project. Administrative supervisors often use this skill when managing teams that are creating new processes or products. It’s important for an administrative supervisor to be able to delegate tasks, track progress and evaluate outcomes.

How Can I Learn These Administrative Supervisor Skills?

There are a few ways to learn the necessary skills for an administrative supervisor position. Many of these skills can be learned through on-the-job experience, such as customer service or performance evaluation. Other skills, such as office administration or records management, can be learned through formal education or training programs. Additionally, many of these skills can be learned through books, articles, or online resources. Finally, some of these skills, such as problem solving or decision making, can be learned through practice and experience.