If you are an administrative support professional or one who hires, you will want to read this – Landing Point’s Corporate Services team specializes in placing administrative professionals at all levels and across all industries, and the team has gained valuable insight from admin professionals themselves and admin hiring managers as to how to navigate the career path going forward.
Based on our conversations, three top skills have emerged as critical for administrative professionals to have and use daily in order to thrive in the new world of remote or hybrid work environments:
Proactive
In today’s evolving workplace, many administrative professionals are seeing traditional responsibilities shift—such as less focus on travel coordination or expense management—and an emphasis on supporting digital tools, updating databases, and ensuring seamless communication. Those who proactively seek new ways to add value are the ones who stand out and advance. For example, taking ownership of all virtual meeting scheduling, joining calls to capture notes and provide detailed follow-up, or stepping into subject-matter support aligned with their manager’s work—such as research or project coordination—are powerful ways admins can expand their impact.
Tech-Savvy
Being tech-savvy is essential for administrative professionals in today’s workplace. Beyond day-to-day support, admins can add significant value by mastering productivity tools, exploring new software that streamlines processes, and becoming the go-to expert for technologies that make the team more efficient—whether that’s scheduling platforms, project management tools, or other systems that improve workflow.
Forward, Big Picture Thinking
Forward-thinking administrative professionals don’t wait for work to come to them—they actively look for ways to add value beyond day-to-day tasks. To stand out and grow in their roles, admins combine meticulous attention to detail with strategic, big-picture thinking about how to make their manager’s work and life easier. This could mean finding innovative ways for executives to impress clients, streamlining processes, or reimagining traditional approaches. By anticipating needs and creating new solutions, admins become indispensable partners.
Administrative professionals who embrace these three skills position themselves as indispensable partners within their organizations. By continuously seeking ways to add value, mastering the tools that keep teams efficient, and thinking strategically about the bigger picture, admins not only support their managers but also advance their own careers. In a dynamic and ever-evolving workplace, these qualities distinguish top performers and ensure long-term success.