what is an administrator?
As an admin, you perform various administrative functions in an organisation. For instance, you design office workflows and support the office managers and department heads with running work activities. You also maintain communication with internal and external parties in a company. Since you are the first point of contact for visitors, you need exceptional people skills to assist customers, vendors and clients.
Regardless of the industry or employer, an administrator acts as an organisational backbone. You ensure various departments, processes, and employees are all working in unison. You facilitate the flow of information so that all parties are on the same page regarding company projects and goals.
As an administrator, you can work in most business sectors, from retail to transport, hospitals, universities and schools. Your job is to supervise the administrative staff and ensure they carry out their duties well. While your day-to-day functions depend on the industry you work for, typical tasks include organising data and generating reports. Your customer-facing duties, such as processing customer orders and handling complaints, are also vital for the company's success.
The role of administrator suits people with a systematic approach to processes. Highly organised and detail-oriented individuals are also a perfect fit as you will be working independently, and your work should be error-free.
Would working as an administrator suit your systematic approach to issues? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an administrator role.
average salary of an administrator
According to ONS, an administrator takes home a median salary of £22,500 per year. Newly trained administrators have minimal experience and attract a salary of £21,000 annually. As a senior administrator, your earnings are over £27,992 per year. Some experienced administrators earn over £35,000 annually.
Apart from the base salary, administrators enjoy various benefits like house and transport allowances. Some companies provide medical insurance and pension contributions. Employers often offer overtime pay and annual bonuses.
what factors affect the salary of an administrator?
Your salary depends on the hours you work and company policy. However, some factors can increase your salary prospects. For instance, if you have additional educational qualifications and experience, your compensation package is higher than a trainee's or an apprentice's. Your skills and competencies also affect your earnings. Administrators need technical skills, and if you have experience working with various software and computer systems, you are likely to receive better pay.
Your area of specialisation can also influence your salary. For instance, your compensation package if you only perform clerical tasks is lower than someone who performs more complex administrative duties or system management functions. That's why a system administrator earns more than an office administrator. Your location impacts your earnings due to the fluctuating cost of living and demand for administrators. You are likely to earn more in Birmingham or London than in smaller towns in the UK.
types of administrators
Some types of administrators include:
- office administrator: as an office administrator, you are responsible for the effective and smooth running of an office. You perform clerical and administrative functions like preparing reports and operating a switchboard. Apart from general office duties, you also speak with clients and visitors.
- school administrator: your job is to monitor the operations of a primary or secondary school. You file documents from various departments in the school and ensure accurate record-keeping.
- university administrator: you can work for the central administration or specific university departments. You are the contact point for staff and students. Your role often involves bookkeeping and taking care of the university finances.
- systems and network administrators: you maintain the computer infrastructure, from configuration to ensuring correct operation. You monitor the networks and test them for weakness. You also install and implement updates to the systems.
working as an administrator
Working as an administrator requires exceptional organisational skills to ensure the smooth running of an office. Unlike assistants who can work remotely, you need to be physically present to accomplish your duties. Some of the roles and work environments of administrators are outlined below:
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administrator job description
The daily tasks of an administrator include:
- preparing and organising information: as an admin, you store information from your employer. You create documents, organise them in files and ensure they are stored according to company policy. You deal with information in digital and paper form, organising them properly for easy retrieval.
- answering phone calls and emails: as an administrator, you operate the switchboard. That means you answer phone calls and respond to queries from clients and customers. You record the calls for follow-ups and deal with complaints. You also respond to emails and questions directed to the company through social media and live chats.
- welcoming visitors: as an admin, you welcome visitors at the reception and direct them to various departments. You greet customers and clients and help them receive the services they need. You deal with their complaints and help them make appointments for the next meeting.
- organising logistics: when company staff have an event that requires travelling, your job is to plan the logistics. You arrange transport and ensure everyone has accommodation. Sometimes, you plan the work schedule for department heads when they have a function outside the company.
- ordering office supplies: as an administrator, you supervise office functions, including janitorial duties. That means you restock cleaning supplies and toiletries. If the company doesn't have a procurement office, you make the orders and receive items from suppliers. You also ensure the office has enough stationery.
- organising post and deliveries: if the company needs to send correspondence, you prepare the letters and ensure they are delivered on time. You also receive correspondence and organise them before sending them to the respective departments.
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work environment
Administrators work in retail, management, hospitality and academic institutions. Some admins also work in the construction industry., organising paperwork for building firms. Administrators work from a desk in an office environment. Most admins travel for meetings, conferences, expos and other indoor events. However, they don't supervise outdoor projects. Administrators spend a lot of time behind their desks or moving within the organisation, conducting various tasks. They review reports, spend part of their day on the phone and interact with other employees, clients and customers. While you can accomplish some of your tasks remotely, it's impossible to supervise office workers without going to the office.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry, your colleagues include sales directors, administrative assistants and secretaries. You may also work with office managers and project managers, as well as other specialists that could include civil engineers, construction managers, executive assistants and marketing managers.
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work schedule
As an administrator, you typically work 38 to 40 hours a week. Your work hours run from 9 am to 5 pm in full-time positions. Part-time admins work a maximum of 30 hours a week. In some industries, you work in shifts. For instance, hospital administrators need to be available 24/7.
Administrators need to be prepared to work beyond normal business hours, including weekends. Some administrators are expected to work unsociable hours, such as working overnight or on bank holidays, especially if they work in a public capacity, such as in hospitals.
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job outlook
As an administrator, you work in an entry-level position that provides multiple growth opportunities. Your experience in the role builds your management skills and prepares you for managerial roles like office manager or general manager. You can also specialise in specific industries and improve your skills to become a project manager, human resource manager or sales manager.
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advantages of finding an administrator job through randstad
Finding your administrator job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an administrator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the educational qualifications of an administrator include:
- college and training: to become an administrator, you should pursue business administration and IT courses. You can find a college and training provider that provides a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in business administration. For the Level 2 course, you need 2 GCSEs with grades 9 to 3, while Level 3 courses require 4 to 5 GCSEs with grades 9 to 4.
- apprenticeship and traineeship: you can join a traineeship that provides training in business administration for two weeks to six months. Alternatively, join an apprenticeship programme that takes three years and provides on-the-job training and coursework. When you complete the intermediate apprenticeship, you can proceed to the advanced apprenticeship and become an administrator.
skills and competencies
Here's a closer look at the skills of administrators:
- work standards: administrators have to demonstrate high standards and morals. They must be articulate and endorse the employer's culture and philosophy. As an administrator, you have to exude integrity, respect and diplomacy.
- decision making and organisational strategy: administrators use the best strategies to maximise overall unit, department and company health. They encourage success in everyone by communicating well-defined objectives.
- diversity: administrators need to treat all people equally and know how to best utilise them based on their unique talents, skills and experiences.
- collaboration: a good administrator encourages teamwork across all levels and departments. Workplaces need a collaborative culture, and good administrators can facilitate that.
- willingness to learn: administrators don't need to know everything, but morale is boosted if everyone in the organisation believes you care and have an open mind. Operate under the assumption that everyone is both a student and teacher.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an administrator
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is the administrator position a stressful job?
It can be. An administrator juggles workload and deals with any crises that crop up daily. Administrators need to be cool and collected, versatile and organised. They need to be prepared to mediate disputes and ensure the company guidelines are adhered to.
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what computer skills are needed?
No matter where you look in the workforce today, you are expected to have a handle on administrative technology. You won't necessarily need to know the latest tech, but you will need to demonstrate you can learn.
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what skills does a good administrator need?
An administrator needs to know how to act autonomously. They must make decisions and act quickly. Among other skills, they need to manage databases, strategise enterprise resource planning and have a strong focus on outcomes.
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what does an administrator do?
You may be asking, "what do administrators do?". The answer is you provide office support to the administrative team and ensure the smooth running of business functions.
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what is an administrator job description?
An administrator job description in the UK involves a fair amount of oral and written communication, responding to email and telephone enquiries and more. People often overlook or fail to acknowledge the importance of a great administrator in a company as the employee has a demanding position that is essential to the success day-to-day running of the business.
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how do I apply for an administrator vacancy?
Applying for an administrator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our administrator job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
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how to be a good administrator?
Good administrators need to support others, enable them to do their jobs, and ensure that the office runs smoothly. They have to be proactive and forward-thinking to make an impact at work. Another effective way to shine in an admin position is to demonstrate a positive, motivated attitude. A great way to do this is to make time to focus on personal development.
