Last week, Sprint’s very own Great Assistant Hayley, wrote a blog on what it takes to be a really great assistant. If you missed it, make sure you check it out here.

What became apparent after posting this was that there are a number of people out there who are on the same career path Hayley has been on for the past decade. However, many are still in the early stages of establishing their career and expanding their skill sets and want to know more about how to become a great assistant.

So once again, we’ve asked Hayley to share from her real life experience, how you can step up or begin an Office Support role with the view to becoming a Great Assistant? Here is what she had to say and her top tips:

STEP UP
• Don’t be afraid to get involved in tasks outside of your job description. I have loved learning about the recruitment industry and try to involve myself in every aspect of the business. Not only does this help you gain a better understanding of where you work but it also shows that you can go beyond the realm of your job title.

LISTEN UP
• Listen, listen, listen! Listen to the people around you, the conversations they have, the phone calls they make and the lingo they use. Always have your ears open. Some of the most valuable information you learn isn’t always directed at you, it’s directed at other people.

BE PROACTIVE
• Be proactive. On the days you aren’t so manic (they are rare I know!), look for ways to better the business you are part of. Make lists of ways to improve processes and try to come up with innovative ideas for marketing, customer service, etc. This keeps your role diverse and challenging as well as demonstrating to your employer that you have an invested interest in the business as a whole.

BE GRATEFUL
• Have a positive attitude and love what you do. I’m so fortunate to work with the most amazing team at Sprint People, who make coming to work everyday so enjoyable. I’m also a believer in the power of positivity and the effects that this attitude has, not only on yourself but also the people around you. Something as simple as a smile can really make someone’s day!

Remember that being an office assistant gives you the opportunity to work with some of the most interesting and successful business people. You will be privy to information that even the top executives are often not aware of. You are trusted, depended on and a valuable part of a team and a business. Learn from this and use it to your advantage to be the best you can be!

You will take leaps and bounds in your office support career as you demonstrate the above and remember to perfect the skills you need to be a great assistant.

If you have more questions about a career in office support, make sure you check out Sprint Coach – a collection of our most useful tips and hints for landing and holding on to your dream role. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch to see how we can help you.