4. Basic Understanding of Computer Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
In today’s tech-savvy business world, it is critical that administrative assistants have a good understanding of the computer. They need to know: (1) how to perform diagnostic checks, (2) run virus protection software, (3) install plug and play hardware, (4) run backup program, (5) navigate through menus, (6) use help menus, and (7) to properly clean monitor, keyboard, and tower. These basic computer skills are critical to maximizing the performance of the machine, as well as protecting it from viruses and damage due to dust and improper handling.
Training for these skills can be handled by reading the user manuals, going to seminars, and through apprenticeship training with another employees who already have these skills.
5. Basic Knowledge of Employment Law
Administrative assistants handle a lot of sensitive documents like payroll, employee records, contracts, and tax forms. In order to make sure that tax forms are filed correctly and on time, and to make sure that employee issues are handled in a legally appropriate manner, it is important that the company’s administrative assistant be trained in basic employment law. The topics that they should study include employment tax laws, privacy issues, and sexual harassment issues.
Most of the information that an administrative assistant will need to learn can be downloaded from governmental websites for free. For example employment law training material for small businesses can be downloaded from the Small Business Administration and from the Department of Internal Revenue Service.
In addition to downloading free reference materials, charts, and forms that an administrative assistant will need, the government also offers free seminars several times a year that cover these important topics. In addition to the free seminars, if money is available for training, the administrative assistant can also be sent to a seminar given by a private organization. These fee seminars usually provide the participants with training and reference materials that can be kept and used on the job. These tools are great for quick reference during the year on what to do and when. They are also helpful if other company employees have questions about an employment law issue.
You should be aware that the skills in this category will need to be updated annually, and in some cases several times a year. This is especially true of tax requirement changes that sometimes happen several times a year depending on legislative changes that are made.