Virtual Construction Assistants is always on the hunt for the best and most talented construction administrative assistants we can find. Many don’t realize that the administrative assistant role requires a wide range of skills and characteristics that are key to their success and the success of the company they work for. While the perception of an executive assistant is someone who manages a calendar and orders office supplies, the reality is these employees are integral to the business operations and work cross-functionally in various ways.
We help companies find the best hires for their business needs. As we scour the industry for the best talent out there, here are some essential construction administrative assistant skills that we look for.
Administrative assistants must be able to multitask and juggle multiple priorities and projects simultaneously. That’s why organizational skills are crucial for a construction administrative assistant to exhibit. They should be able to keep track of deadlines, stay informed on project updates and manage the needs of clients and colleagues. Administrative assistants should be able to do all of this while maintaining a cool, calm, and collected composure.
As a virtual construction assistant, communication is the bedrock of your work. Without being in a traditional office setting, it’s expected for virtual employees to be quick to respond and on top of communication – both digitally and verbally. From promptly responding to emails or being able to meet on a video call, communication is key to ensuring the business runs smoothly. Also, grammar and tone are key when communicating in a digital workforce.
One of the most common tasks construction administrative assistants are asked to manage on a daily basis. We often look for employees who can swiftly enter data accurately and do basic analysis of trends or common themes. These common tasks can include things like budget keeping, time card management, or assessing inventory. These time-intensive tasks are great to pass off to an admin, allowing executives more free time to focus on strategy.
Construction administrative assistants are often tasked with solving organizational or project-specific problems that other team members don’t have the bandwidth for. That’s why the ability to problem solve and be assertive to work around these issues is an essential skill we look for in our talent. Administrative assistants should be prepared to think creatively and without much direction to tackle any problems without the direction of their managers.
In a virtual work setting, employees need to be well-versed not only in the technology their company uses but also in the best way to use the software to streamline their work. For construction administrative assistants, this is especially true, as many of our clients use specialized software to manage projects. It’s important to not only be comfortable using technology but also to be confident in any new tools or technology. With all the work being done online, the more tech-savvy an admin is, the more in-demand they are.
Do you need someone to manage your social media or send out email newsletters? There’s an admin for that! Many administrative assistants today have the basic marketing skills necessary to execute marketing campaigns for your business and can save you time in the process. A marketing background in your administrative assistant is especially great if you have a smaller business and need marketing support but don’t need a full-time marketing employee. Instead, a construction virtual assistant can help you accomplish these tasks while growing your brand.
A construction administrative assistant is usually at the crossroads of several departments, ensuring everyone communicates and progress is made. That’s why your administrative assistant must exhibit top-notch interpersonal skills. As they build relationships, they should become a trusted resource within the company, and feel comfortable working with a wide variety of people. Additionally, administrative assistants should also be a driver of the company’s culture. Their people skills can help build a respected, well-rounded, and positive culture — even in a virtual work environment.
Whether it’s a decreased budget or only a few minutes between meetings, being resourceful is an essential skill for administrative assistants to have. They should know how to make the best out of any situation and approach their work with a solutions-driven attitude. As they encounter problems, they can exhibit resourcefulness by creatively solving any issues without needing direction.
You often don’t realize the importance of being detail-oriented until a mistake happens. These minor mistakes can have big consequences in business, whether it’s a typo or sending the wrong file to the wrong person. They’re expected to not only catch their own mistakes but should also be prepared to prevent mistakes from their executives as well. Administrative assistants must be able to move fast and without error. This type of precision is what differentiates an okay employee from a great employee.
If you’re looking for a construction administrative assistant, or you want to become one, consider the importance of these essential skills. While you can teach some of these skills, a lot of them are inherent to an individual’s personality and work style. Being a construction administrative assistant is different than the same position elsewhere. Thats why these essential skills are expected of our hires.
Like the best admins, our team at Virtual Construction Assistants can help make your life easier. Let us find you the top talent for your company, saving you time and money in the process. Contact our team today so we can put our expertise to work for you.
