Receptionists are often the unsung heroes of an organisation, acting as the first point of contact and setting the tone for visitors or clients.
However, the role of a receptionist can also be an excellent stepping stone to more advanced administrative positions, such as a Personal Assistant (PA) or Executive Assistant (EA). If you’re a receptionist looking to advance your career, here are some key strategies to help you make that transition.
1. Ask for more responsibility
One of the most effective ways to grow in your role is to proactively seek out additional responsibilities. Express your interest in taking on more tasks to your manager, such as offering to manage small projects or help with scheduling and coordinating meetings.
Additionally, you could offer your support to current PAs and EAs. Given their busy schedules, helping with tasks such as running reports, compiling statistics for meetings, or managing their schedules will be highly valuable. This hands on experience will allow you to develop in the necessary skills for your career progression.
2. Develop strong administrative skills
Attention to detail is crucial in any administrative role. Focus on your organisational skills, accuracy, and proficiency with office software. Through my time recruiting for PAs and EAs, having strong administrative skills has been the top factor that a CEO looks for in a potential new hire. Being thorough with your tasks not only ensures that your current responsibilities are executed flawlessly, but also builds a strong foundation for being an excellent PA or EA.
3. Gain insight into different departments
Having a well rounded understanding of how different departments function can be incredibly beneficial. Try offering to assist various departments with their administrative needs. This not only broadens your knowledge of the company’s operations but also increases your visibility across the organisation. Understanding the broader business context will prepare you for the multifaceted nature of a PA or EA role.
4. Master time management
Effective time management is critical for PAs and EAs, who often juggle multiple tasks and priorities. Begin by mastering your current workload and then gradually take on more. Use tools like calendars, task lists, and project management software to stay organised. Efficient time management will help you handle the increased responsibilities of a higher level administrative position.
6. Identify areas for improvement for the business
Demonstrate your value by identifying areas where the business can improve productivity. This could involve suggesting new tools or processes that streamline workflows. Being proactive in proposing enhancements not only shows your commitment to the company’s success, but also your analytical and problem solving skills, which are essential for a PA or EA.
7. Cultivate emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is key in roles that require close interaction with CEO’s and other stakeholders. Work on developing your empathy, active listening, and communication skills. Being able to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as those of others, will make you a more effective and trusted assistant.
By following these strategies, you will learn and develop the necessary skills to progress towards a PA or EA role and make a significant impact in your workplace. If you’d like to discuss this further, or are interested in exploring opportunities within the Business Support space, please get in touch – I’d love to chat: hpc@oysterpartnership.com