The in-demand administrative assistant jobs in Canada are growing, with 41,700 new jobs expected by 2028. However, labor shortages may leave these positions unfilled because there are only 34,700 job seekers available.
The nature of administrative assistant work has evolved in recent years, now requiring skills in accounting, human resources, and IT in addition to office work.
As AI technology takes over more daily tasks, administrative assistants are also taking on new responsibilities within the company.
Companies will continue to change how they hire, manage, and retain administrative staff in 2024, due in part to the shift to remote work and the growing number of Gen Z professionals in the growing market.
Employers must understand these changing employment trends in the administrative sector to develop effective recruitment methods.
Who is an administrative assistant?
An administrative assistant is a key player in any office setting. They handle a range of tasks, which include: organizing the company’s records, correspondence, and daily schedule.
Additionally, they provide support for office operations through tasks like receiving supplies and making copies of documents for coworkers.
In their role, administrative assistants are responsible for managing a range of day-to-day activities, including answering calls, writing emails and letters, scheduling meetings, managing the use of meeting rooms, and monitoring the office’s budget.
To support executives, they also assist in preparing presentations and taking minutes during meetings.
Another important aspect of their role is maintaining the office’s archive, which serves as a repository for all departments’ work histories and records of their activities.
By keeping track of activities, administrative assistants ensure that the office runs smoothly and the company can track its progress over time.
Skills and Qualifications Required For Administrative Assistant Jobs in Canada
If you aspire to advance in an administrative assistant career, the following qualifications will prove valuable:
1. Education:
As per Canada’s National Occupational Classification, completing secondary school is mandatory to pursue higher studies related to this field.
Afterward, a one- to two-year college program is essential to acquire fundamental knowledge, such as a diploma or certificate in business administration.
Further courses in management and administration are available if you aim for executive roles.
If you’re interested in specialized fields like legal administrative positions, pursue relevant courses accordingly.
2. Work Experience:
Gaining work experience at an entry-level position in an office provides invaluable skills and knowledge that can help you stand out.
It may even lead to you securing a job. Keep an eye out for paid apprenticeship programs, as they may be available for administrative assistant positions.
Remember, the key to success is to always keep upgrading your skills and knowledge while gaining relevant work experience.
Skills required for Administrative assistant jobs in Canada
As an administrative assistant, you will need to possess a variety of skills and competencies, including technical, communication, organizational, and time management skills.
It is pivotal to have the necessary technical skills to perform data entry tasks, manage calendars, and prepare reports.
Familiarity with software programs like spreadsheets, customer relationship management systems, and virtual help desks will aid in effectively performing your duties.
- Communication: exceptional communication skills are critically important for handling client correspondence, acting professionally, and maintaining a friendly attitude while communicating.
- Good organizational skills: will help keep the schedules and office well-organized and enable team members to locate relevant files quickly and easily, minimizing the chance of documents going missing.
- Time management skills: are a must-have. Since administrative assistants are a resource to be utilized by the organization, good time management skills will enable effective allocation and planning of schedules, enabling equal aid to all departments, and enhancing the productivity, effectiveness, and performance of the organization.
Average administrative assistant salary
As an administrative assistant in Canada? Your earning potential depends on several factors, including your level of experience, qualifications, and location.
According to the Randstad 2023 Salary Guide, entry-level administrative assistants can earn between $35,000 and $66,000.
With four years of experience, their salary can range from $39,000 to $71,000, while senior administrative roles can pay between $44,000 and $76,000 annually.
Administrative assistants based in Northern Alberta, Chaudière-Appalaches, Montréal, and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean tend to earn the highest salaries.
Apply For Administrative Assistant
There are a lot of job openings for Administrative assistants in Canada. Visit here to Apply for the Administrative Assistant Job.
FAQs on Administrative assistant jobs in Canada
1) What are the basic skills required to become an administrative assistant in Canada?
To become an administrative assistant in Canada, you must have excellent communication skills, basic computer knowledge, good organizational skills, the ability to work under pressure, and attention to detail.
2) What is the average salary of an administrative assistant in Canada?
According to the latest statistics, the average salary of an administrative assistant in Canada is 42,000 USD/year.
3) What are the common challenges faced by administrative assistants in Canada?
Common challenges faced by administrative assistants in Canada include managing multiple tasks and priorities, handling conflicting requests from different people, navigating workplace dynamics, and handling occasional difficult situations or customers.
Conclusion:
Administrative assistants are an essential part of any organization in Canada.
This role requires diverse skills and a high level of professionalism to manage communication flow and administrative tasks.
If you are considering a career in this sector, ensure you develop the necessary skills and are prepared to face direct challenges, while remaining organized and efficient.