what is an administrator?
Regardless of the industry or employer, you'll find an administrator acting essentially as an organisational backbone. The effective administrator ensures various departments, processes and employees are all working in unison, sharing a flow of information so that all parties are on the same page when it comes to company projects and goals.
average salary of an administrator
As with any position that branches across almost every industry you can think of, the administrator salary fluctuates wildly. Criteria that can play a part in determining salary can be education, additional skills, region, experience, industry, scope of responsibilities and more. The average salary range for an administrator depending on the level can range from $55,000 to over $90,000.
types of administrator
Even if the position doesn't have 'administrator' in its official title, every organisation has some kind of administrator in place. This is the individual assigned to enhancing the organisation's ability to manage itself efficiently and professionally. They are instrumental in the development of office and asset management strategies as well as administrative procedures.
They may be expected to step in when policies aren't enforced, disputes arise or projects are stalled. Administrators also may plan and control the administrative budget.
working as an administrator
realising goals
These, of course, are generalised responsibilities of an administrator. Responsibilities will change based on the employee, the size of the company and other factors. But all administrators are assigned to efficiency, to be that connection between employee and senior management and to provide the workforce with the motivation to realise personal and organisational goals. While there are many titles, here are a few of the more notable administrator roles:
- administrative assistant
- office administrator
- executive assistant
- real estate administrator
- legal administrative assistant
- business administrator
- academic administrator
- database administrator
- financial administrator
- HR administrator
- manager
- coordinator
The titles may vary, but all these positions — and many, many others — require a significant level of administrative understanding.
I've been a benefits and pension administrator for six years. I perform a lot of technical and administrative duties for the full scope of employees packages. It's a fine job. I make low six figures, and thankfully, I leave every day knowing I made someone's life better.
work environment
Administrators tend to operate from a desk in an office environment. Almost all travel, if there's any at all, will be for meetings, conferences, expos and other indoor events. It is rare for an administrator to show up at a job site to review a project's progression.
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desk work
Administrators spend a lot of time behind their desks or moving throughout the organisation, conducting a variety of tasks. They review reports, spend a large part of their day on the phone and interact with other employees, clients and customers.
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work schedule
Administrators need to be prepared to work beyond normal business hours. This can include weekends. Certain administrators are expected to work unusual hours, such as working overnight or on conventional holidays. These individuals usually work in a public capacity, such as at a hospital.
education & qualifications
Education-wise, some roles, such as administrative assistant, may ask for a secondary education diploma. Some employers may want an associate degree or qualifying certification to consider a candidate. Really strong candidates might be able to step over these criteria if they have solid experience. This will always be up to you to impress an employer with your potential.
degrees
Individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher are in a good position. Any higher degree will be hard to beat. These candidates are eligible for the top positions, perks and salaries.
experience
A huge advantage for any candidate will be having experience in a field related to the desired position. Your experience in office administration with an insurance company could open a door in health care, hospitality or telecommunications. Take the time to show through your resume, cover letter and interview that you're the candidate for that position.
skills & competencies
Skills & competencies for an administrator range from coaching to advocacy and outreach.
Here's a closer look at what's expected of administrators.
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service advocacy & outreach
Depending on the job and industry, service advocacy & outreach may be critical. Administrator positions in education and hospitality may engage in a lot of outside contact with the community.
Outside of their general administrative duty, an administrator may be asked to engage in committees and outside projects in order to represent the organisation's support of the community.
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work standards
An administrator has to demonstrate high standards and morals. They must be articulate and endorse the employer's culture and philosophy. The administrator has to exude integrity, respect and diplomacy. No one will strive for quality and thorough, accurate productions or exceed expectations if they're not seeing it from their leaders.
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resource management
Using all applicable guidelines, administrators will be responsible for the management of resources. Guidelines will change from industry to company, but resource management can include supporting programs, facilities, financial budgets, employees or students.
It's the administrator's job to ensure integration and integrity of processes, data and systems. They must proactively address change and conflict to maximise an organisation's reputation and viability.
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coaching & development skills
As a leader, it's not unusual for an administrator to find themselves in the role of coach, teacher or mentor. This can result when administrators are showing a high level of maturity, experience and self-awareness. They are seen implementing sound adjustments, approaching projects directly and correctly and adapting to conditions. And throughout, they show the capacity to teach and guide.
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decision making and organisational strategy
Administrators use the best strategies to maximise overall unit, department and company health. They encourage success in everyone. Often in work environments, there's not a strong sense of defined and well-communicated objectives. A good administrator strives to find ways to prevent confusion.
Through a clear focus, they implement proven practices and strategies to maximise clear comprehension and intent for all parties. Administrators communicate to ensure the right people are on the same page at all times.
advantages of working for randstad as an administrator
As an administrator, you can help create a work culture that's about igniting passion in people. At Randstad, it's all about partnering the best administrators with the most advanced and intelligent technology.
If you're serious about administration and growing in the position, Randstad can help.
FAQs about working as an administrator
Discover the frequently asked questions about building a career as an administrator.
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is the administrator position a stressful job?
It can be. Wherever you go, you'll find an administrator juggling, not just the work on their desk but any number of crises that crop up on a daily basis. Administrators need to be cool & collected, versatile and organised.
They'll need to be prepared to mediate disputes and see those company guidelines are adhered to.
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what computer skills are needed?
No matter where you look in the workforce today, you'll be expected to have a handle on administrative technology. You won't necessarily need to know the latest tech, but you will need to demonstrate you have the capacity to learn.
Perform some due diligence, look at what's available, and during interviews, discuss what you know about advancements in tech.
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what are the skills a good administrator needs?
An administrator can be responsible for an entire department, but they will still need to know how to act autonomously. They must make decisions and act quickly. Among other talents, they need the facility to manage databases and strategise enterprise resource planning, and they should have a strong-result focus.
People skills are an asset as well. When being interviewed for administrator positions, it's important to mention communicative talents and how interaction with others contributed to the success.
job outlook
There were 20,100 Other Clerical & Administrative Workers in 2020. The number of workers fell over the past 5 years, is expected to stay about the same over the next five years and is likely to reach 20,300 by 2025.
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understanding workplace changes
One thing is certain: Candidates must have a firm grasp of the changes workplaces will need to leverage in order to thrive and succeed. From remote work to IoT, you need an understanding of how to prepare and maneuver the new normal. Fortunately, organisations are focusing on specialised training that helps their operations navigate what's coming.
Due to current circumstances, we're at a crossroads of exoduses and entrances. This has given employers a refreshing new way of seeing the value of administrators.
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evolution of leadership
Be prepared for the coming evolution of leadership. Ask yourself what will be the best ways to nurture a vital and active vision of leadership. What will you bring to the table in terms of versatility, creativity, problem solving & solutions and developing and implementing ideas?
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the need for good administrators
Are you ready to show hiring managers, headhunters and more that you are the future of administration? Make a checklist, study your CV and experience and see what you can do to improve your potential.
Trust that, no matter what in this world happens and how it changes the global workforce, employers will always need good administrators.
