A great way for young people to find themselves a job with a steady income is to work their way up from an entry-level position within an office. Such roles include that of an office assistant. This role, while entry level, essentially acts as a support for the various departments, ensuring the office runs smoothly.
Some of the tasks undertaken by an office assistant include ensuring that all paperwork is handled with appropriate care and attention and is filed appropriately, answering the phones, preparing and opening mail and running general errands for more senior members of staff.
Office assistants are generally entry-level employees who have joined the workforce after a period of absence, or those who have rejected further education in order to join the workforce. While the roles vary significantly from company to company, the average wage for an office assistant is approximately £9,000 to £12,000 a year.

An Office Assistant performs ad hoc or administrative functions. They work with business, operations, or office managers. They oversee office communications, and petty cash. Office Assistants do filling, typing, drafting, and answering phone calls. They receive walk-in guests, schedule appointments, answer emails, and may perform the duties of a receptionist.
The responsibilities of an Office Assistant include:
• Handling business correspondence
• Distributing office communiqués
• Taking messages and transferring calls
• Faxing, scanning and copying documents
• Drafting internal memos
• Ordering office supplies and stationery
• Handling petty cash
• Performing administrative functions for operations team
• Reporting to administrative or office manager
• Taking notes or minutes at meetings
• Coordinating with team leaders in arranging meetings
• Compiling contact lists

• Microsoft Office applications
• Written, telephone and electronic communication
• Organization
• Self development and learning
• Integrity and reliability
• Attendance and punctuality
• Professionalism
• Confidence and demeanor
• Attention to detail
• Report writing
• Record keeping
• Bilingual

Having a Business or Management Degree is advisable for Office Assistants. They should be able to use all the equipments in an office including printers, scanners, copiers, PDAs, phones, projectors, computers, and laptops. Office Assistants without a first degree should possess good telephone, customer relations, and organizational skills. NVQ, SVQ, GSCE, CLAIT, or ECDL qualifications are also acceptable in entry-level positions.