Administrator
Run an organised and efficient office so your colleagues can get their work done.
Also known as: office junior, office administrator, clerk, clerical officer, clerical assistant, administrative officer, administrative assistant
About the job
What it's like
You would run an organised and efficient office so your colleagues can get their work done.
You could work anywhere from a small business to a large employer such as the Civil Service or NHS.
Depending on the size of your department, you would:
Deal with post and emails
Make sure that there is enough stationery
Answer the telephone and pass on calls and messages
Do reception duties such as greeting and looking after visitors
Type and set up documents such as letters and reports
Keep computer records up to date
Organise records and files
Use office equipment such as printers and photocopiers
Arrange meetings and events
Make travel arrangements for staff
You'd need good skills in typing, spelling and grammar.
Hours
In most full-time jobs you would work between 35 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Flexible hours, part-time work and temporary work are widely available.
Environment
You would work in an office and spend a lot of your time using a computer.
Explore more information about this job
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- administrative support
- invoicing
- data entry
- office supply management
- office procedures
- cash handling
- office administration
- travel arrangements
- office management
- medical records
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- time management
- developing a plan
- sorting
- attention to detail
- observation
- written communication
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Administration and Information Technology
Business
Business in Practice
Business Management
English
Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no fixed entry routes to this job but some people will:
Do a course in administration or business studies such as a National Certificate (SCQF level 4/5/6), a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8)
Or complete a Modern Apprenticeship in Business and Administration
You can enter some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF level 4-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a Modern Apprenticeship depends on the employer; some may require National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
Qualifications and experience that show your employability, business and ICT skills such as Skills for Work Financial Services (SCQF Level 5).
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