Administrative Assistant

The different parts of the administrative assistant CV

A well-crafted Administrative Assistant CV is essential for standing out in today’s competitive job market. This profession requires a blend of organizational efficiency, communication skills, and the ability to handle multiple administrative tasks with precision. A strong CV should reflect both your technical abilities and your professional demeanor. Each section of your resume must highlight your experience, personality, and potential to contribute to office operations. In particular, employers will look for signs of reliability, adaptability, and discretion. The standard structure of a CV for this role typically includes the following: the About section, Skills, Languages, Interests, Professional Experience, and Education. Together, these sections create a full picture of who you are and what you offer.

The about section

The about section, also known as the personal profile or professional summary, is your opportunity to make a quick impact. This short paragraph, located at the top of your CV, introduces you to potential employers. It should summarize your years of experience, key skills, and career goals, all tailored to the job you’re applying for. Recruiters often decide whether to keep reading based on this initial section.

The skills section

The skills section is where you can showcase your core competencies. Administrative Assistants need to be masters of both technical tools and soft skills. This section should include a balanced mix of both, organized in a clear bullet-point format to ensure readability.

By focusing on job-specific phrases, you help your CV pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) and reach human eyes.

The languages section

In today’s globalized world, knowing additional languages can be a great asset—especially if you’re applying to an international company or in a multicultural environment. This section should be clearly labeled and include the language and your proficiency level.

Mention any language certifications such as TOEFL, IELTS, or DELF, if relevant. Including language skills shows that you can communicate effectively with a diverse team or clientele and may even open the door to expanded responsibilities.

The interests section

The interests section can reveal aspects of your personality that a recruiter might find relevant to the company culture or the role itself. This part should be short but meaningful, helping to humanize your profile and potentially spark a conversation in the interview. Avoid listing very generic or passive interests, and instead opt for hobbies that show initiative, responsibility, or creativity.

These examples show engagement, time management, and a sense of social responsibility, all of which are attractive qualities in an administrative role.

The professional experience section

The professional experience section is the most critical part of your Administrative Assistant CV. This section should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each position, include your job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Then use bullet points to describe your key responsibilities and achievements. Use active verbs and try to quantify your impact when possible.

This section should demonstrate your value to previous employers and convince the reader you’re ready to bring the same value to their team.

The education section

Education is especially important for entry-level applicants, but even experienced professionals should clearly state their educational background. List your degrees, diplomas, or certifications, starting with the most recent. Include the institution name, location, title of the diploma, and dates attended. If relevant, mention any coursework or projects that tie into the administrative field.

This section shows that you have both a formal education and a willingness to keep up with evolving technology in the administrative field.

Is it better to use bullet points or paragraphs?

When writing a CV, especially for an Administrative Assistant position, it’s generally better to use bullet points rather than long paragraphs. Bullet points make your achievements and responsibilities clear, concise, and easy to scan. Recruiters often spend only a few seconds reviewing each CV, so highlighting key tasks like schedule management, document preparation, or client communication in bullet form improves readability. Paragraphs can appear dense and may hide your most important skills. Use bullet points under each job title to showcase achievements, while keeping a short summary paragraph at the top to present your profile.

How do I format multiple job experiences in the same field?

If you have held several roles in the same field, such as different Administrative Assistant positions, you should list each job separately, starting with the most recent. Under each role, use bullet points to describe your key responsibilities and accomplishments, focusing on how your experience evolved over time. Emphasize any new skills, increased responsibility, or progression in your career. Use consistent formatting: include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Grouping similar positions shows stability, and clear formatting demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail—two critical traits for administrative roles.

How many years of experience should I include?

Typically, you should include the last 10 years of relevant experience in your Administrative Assistant CV. Focus on roles that highlight your administrative skills, such as office coordination, client support, or calendar management. If you have over 10 years of experience, you can briefly mention older positions in a “Previous Experience” section without detailed bullet points. The goal is to keep your CV focused, concise, and relevant. Highlight the most recent and impactful roles, especially those involving responsibility, software skills, or team support. Employers are most interested in your recent contributions and current competence.

What is the best format for an Administrative Assistant resume?

The best format for an Administrative Assistant resume is the reverse-chronological format. This means listing your most recent job first and working backward. It allows recruiters to see your career progression and most current skills quickly. Use clear headings for sections like Professional Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, and Languages. Keep the design clean, with readable fonts and proper spacing. Use bullet points to present responsibilities, and bold key terms like data entry, meeting coordination, or Microsoft Office proficiency. Avoid clutter and focus on a layout that shows you are organized, just like the role requires.