What does it take to work in the administrative area?  

An administrative technician has a vital function in any company. Their role as support in the daily running of the various departments of a company makes this one of the most abundant job offers on any job site.

But what does it take to work in the administrative area?

First, you need to study so that you can specialize in the administrative area. The required schooling for this type of work in Portugal is the High School Diploma. In terms of skills, it is important that in addition to Portuguese, you also have a good command of at least a second foreign language such as English, as well as a good command of Office, namely of programs such as Excel and PowerPoint. Professional training is another option for those who intend to work in this area. There are countless professional courses that provide trainees with the necessary skills to work in this professional activity. From private entities to courses administered by the IEFP – Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional, there are various options available. 

Higher education in the Secretarial area is another option that allows a career in the administrative field, as this is one of the areas with great professional output in Portugal, given the need of the business world for this type of professional. In addition to being more employable, this academic degree allows you to work in large companies and to earn more attractive salaries.

What does an administrative assistant do?

An administrative assistant oversees numerous tasks that may range from answering telephone calls, organizing dossiers and documents, organizing meeting spaces, sending correspondence, issuing invoices and receipts, scheduling meetings, organizing meetings and events, organizing databases, presenting reports, among others. Your functions may vary a lot according to your specific area of activity, the size of the company you are working for, your area of training and your academic degree. Within the administrative area we can distinguish different areas of work in which professionals should have some specific skills and knowledge:

·        Clinical Administrative

·        Financial Administrative

·        Human Resources Administrator

·        Legal Administrative 

What do I need to have to work in the administrative area?

As we have already mentioned, the administrative area is present in all companies. And it is also true that there has been an increase in the demand for administrative professionals by companies in Portugal. However, the truth is that it is not always easy to find a job in a world which is always so competitive and where, sometimes, it seems that there is also too much on offer. So, what do I need to stand out from the other candidates and be able to work in the administrative area?

We believe that training is important. But the skills that we add to our training also matter. If you want to work in a finance or accounting company, invest in training in that area. Explore other skills such as Excel, for example. Why not take a crash course on the subject and enrich your CV? It is important to recycle knowledge and acquire new skills to explore the wide range of professional possibilities that you can find within the administrative area, in Portugal. If you want to direct your search for a job in the financial administrative area, Kelly can help you. Just check the available opportunities here and we will contact you.