Knowing if you're meeting all expectations of your duties as an administrative assistant alleviates stress going into the review. A positive performance review is important for job security, pay raises and promotion. Examples of review topics include time management, interpersonal skills and task execution. Most performance reviews rate sections on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 indicating exceptional performance.
Time Management
As an administrative assistant, you are responsible for managing both your day and your supervisor's. You might even maintain a calendar for several managers in one department. As such, completing your tasks efficiently while meeting the ever-changing demands of those you serve is a key indicator of skill. You must not only keep your days organized, but also maintain the calendar of those you serve while not overwhelming them with appointments that could prevent them from performing other required duties. You also maintain timelines for task due dates, advising all parties as deadlines approach to ensure nothing is overlooked or missed.
Interpersonal Skills
As the administrative assistant, you are often the key cog in a machine of managers, clients and subordinates. You are also the gatekeeper for telemarketing and sales calls. Knowing whether to defer a conversation to your supervisor or handle it yourself is an attribute. You need to stay cool under pressure and not lose patience. Essentially, you control the chaos, and do it with a smile and friendly tone. People trust you with information and insights to keep the office machine working smoothly and efficiently. You should be able to easily make judgement calls on things, removing the burden of unnecessary tasks from management or supervisors.
Task Execution and Skills
Working in an office requires varying types of skills. You must, at the very least, be proficient with computer skills and basic programs used daily in the office. From email to spreadsheets, you must quickly navigate and organize data that comes to you. Organization also goes beyond computer skills, and includes managing the overwhelming influx of mail, reports and client intake data. Managing data effectively and collating information into digestible reports to disseminate are key contributors to advanced administrative assistant success.
How to Interpret Your Review
The goal of any review is to seek areas of improvement. Unless you are seriously under-performing in all areas, your job is still secure. Look at the review results with an open mind to learn how to improve in your areas of weakness. Keep in mind that your supervisor may not be comparing you only to metrics or other staff's performance. You may be the best employee, but he might still grade things in a way to find areas to set goals and improve.
