Administrative Assistant Resume Keywords for ATS

ATS systems for Administrative Assistant roles prioritise candidates who demonstrate proficiency in office software, diary management, and communication coordination. Successful CVs mirror the language used in job descriptions—terms like 'minute taking', 'expense processing', and specific software names (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint)—and quantify administrative impact wherever possible.

ATS keywords for a Administrative Assistant Resume

Use these as a checklist — include the ones that genuinely apply to you, matched to the wording of the job you are targeting.

Core skills

Diary managementMinute takingExpense processingTravel coordinationDocument preparationData entryFiling systemsReception dutiesCorrespondence managementMeeting coordinationInvoice processingRecords management

Tools & software

Microsoft Office SuiteMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordMicrosoft PowerPointSharePointSAPSageZoomMicrosoft TeamsDocuSign

Soft skills

Attention to detailTime managementOrganisational skillsCommunication skillsDiscretionMultitaskingProblem-solving

Certifications & qualifications

NVQ Level 2/3 Business AdministrationGCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above)OCR Text ProcessingECDL (European Computer Driving Licence)Pitman Training Diploma

How to get a Administrative Assistant Resume past the ATS

Include exact software version names where relevant (e.g., 'Microsoft Office 365' or 'Sage 50') as ATS may search for specific versions
Use both 'diary management' and 'calendar management' as different employers use different terminology for the same function
Spell out acronyms on first use then include the acronym in brackets (e.g., 'Purchase Order (PO) processing') to capture both search terms
List administrative tasks using the exact verbs from job postings: 'coordinated', 'processed', 'maintained', 'scheduled', 'prepared'
Include any sector-specific experience (e.g., 'legal secretary', 'medical receptionist', 'executive assistant') as these trigger targeted ATS filters

Before & after: Administrative Assistant Resume bullets

Before: Responsible for managing calendars and organising meetings for the team

After: Managed diary coordination for 5 senior managers using Microsoft Outlook, scheduling 40+ meetings monthly and reducing scheduling conflicts by 30%

Before: Handled office administration and paperwork

After: Processed 200+ invoices monthly using Sage 50, maintained filing systems for 3 departments, and prepared correspondence with 99% accuracy

Before: Took notes during meetings and typed them up

After: Produced accurate minute taking for 15+ board meetings quarterly, distributing documentation via SharePoint within 24 hours of each meeting

Administrative Assistant Resume keywords — FAQ

What keywords should a Administrative Assistant put on their Resume?

A Administrative Assistant Resume should include core skills such as Diary management, Minute taking, Expense processing, Travel coordination, Document preparation, Data entry, and name specific tools like Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint. Always match the exact terms used in the job description you are applying to.

How do I make my Administrative Assistant Resume ATS-friendly?

Use a plain-text skills section, mirror the keywords from the job posting word-for-word, spell out acronyms once alongside their short form, and quantify your achievements. Include exact software version names where relevant (e.g., 'Microsoft Office 365' or 'Sage 50') as ATS may search for specific versions

What skills do employers look for in a Administrative Assistant?

Beyond technical skills, employers screen for Attention to detail, Time management, Organisational skills, Communication skills. Relevant qualifications include NVQ Level 2/3 Business Administration, GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above), OCR Text Processing.