How an assistant job can boost your career
WANT to move on up but not quite ready for a top job? Then step into an assistant role.
From to Executive Assistants to Admin Assistants to Celebrity Assistants, being a right-hand man or woman will boost your CV and employability in any industry.
The role is unique as it gives you a chance to learn the ropes, without being put under the same pressure as your boss.
So assist yourself in finding your next role by reading our Sun Jobs top tips.
You’re the assistant, not second best
The job title ‘assistant’ means you’re helping your boss, not that you are second best.
Use your time to work like you’re in the main role already gaining relevant professional qualifications, taking on extra responsibilities and demonstrating you can cope with a promotion when the time comes.
Be wise with your time
An assistant role puts you in the best possible position for learning on the job.
You’ll have access to everything your team or boss does but you won’t be the one – yet – making the big decisions.
Be smart, get involved with every project which will teach you extra skills and increase your own visibility.
3.Build your network
Assistants have access to everyone their boss works with.
As part of your role, you’ll meet people from across the company and your industry.
Use this time to build up your network and find people who can help you further your ambitions.
Stick or twist?
An assistant role can provide a good lifelong career – you have enough to make your job interesting but not the full-om pressure of a management role.
Consider if you want to stay at this level or move up to management. Assistant roles can be the springboard to top jobs.
If climbing the career ladder appeals, take relevant courses, assess the management skills you’ll need and let your HR department know you want to be considered for any internal vacancies.
More employment stories
Step up and take the seat next to your new boss. Here are the best new assistant positions on Sun Jobs this week.
Admin Assistant, Astrea Academy Trust, Doncaster
Educate yourself on the benefits of this brilliant school role.
The Job: Astrea Academy Trust has an opportunity for an Admin Assistant to join the team at Kingfisher Primary Academy in Doncaster.
What You’ll Do: The Admin Assistant will provide high-quality business support administration, ensuring the smooth running of the school, in line with the priorities of the Operations Manager, including taking responsibility for managing student information on the school MIS.
You’ll Need: The ideal candidate will have experience in a busy administrative role, preferably working with a variety of IT systems from word processing to spreadsheet management and database operation. Knowledge of school systems and GDPR principles would be an advantage.
Apply Now: See further details of this Admin Assistant role, along with other opportunities at Astrea Academy Trust, here.
Trade Counter Assistant, Headlam Group PLC, London
Trade up to this top-notch trade counter job.
The Job: Headlam Group PLC, Europe’s largest floor covering distributor, is hiring a Trade Counter Assistant.
What You’ll Do: As Trade Counter Assistant, you’ll provide support to the Trade Counter Manager in the day-to-day running of the trade counter, dealing with customers and suppliers both face to face and on the phone.
You’ll be responsible for contributing to sales targets and KPIs, ensuring customers are served efficiently and correctly, and conducting inventory checks, as well as placing stock orders and replenishing shelf stock.
You’ll Need: The right person for this role will have past experience working in a trade, warehouse or retail operations environment; good verbal communication skills; attention to detail; and excellent computer and keyboard skills. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
Apply Now: See further details of this Trade Counter Assistant role, along with other opportunities at Headlam Group PLC, here.
Care Assistant, Harrier House Care Home, Nottingham
Show your care with this assistant role for someone very special.
The Job: Harrier House Care Home is looking for a Care Assistant, with both part- and full-time hours available across day and night shifts.
What You’ll Do: As Care Assistant, you’ll be an important part of each resident’s day-to-day life.
You will offer both emotional and physical support to residents while assisting with meal times, personal care, leisure activities and more.
You’ll receive thorough induction with one of Harrier House Care Home’s experienced mentors, and training will be provided before you begin, with further training and development taking place throughout your career.
You’ll Need: The most important attributes necessary for this role are a positive and caring attitude, and while previous care experience is desirable, it’s not a requirement. Good literacy, numeracy and communication skills would be ideal.
Apply Now: See further details of this Care Assistant role, along with other opportunities at Harrier House Care Home, here.
Discover thousands of open vacancies for jobs all across the UK now on The Sun Job Board.