How to Get a Job as an Office Manager

If you are considering a career in office management, many administrative clerical jobs serve as excellent preparation. Administrative workers generally handle a high level of organizational projects, employee communication, and other detail-oriented tasks, each of which prepares you for office management. Many administrative jobs, however, do not cover the full scope of office management responsibilities; a typical office manager job description usually includes requirements like inventory management, staffing, budgeting, payroll, facility management tasks, employee mediation, and communication.

In many companies, there is no typical progression to an office management job. As a result, it can be confusing to determine whether or not you are suited for an open position. By reading the office manager job description and comparing it to your experience, you can identify weak areas and build the necessary skills for success. In general, however, office managers must enjoy organizing, numbers, and people. Office managers must also be adaptable, as they will likely have an ever-changing list of responsibilities. With a combination of these skills and responsibilities, office managers earn an average of $43,873 annually in the US.

Before you begin applying for jobs, consider the most common office management tasks and identify any that are not covered by your past administrative experience. Then, go through each office manager job description and do the same. While you are writing your resume and cover letter, use other experiences to fill in the blanks. For example, if you've never worked with an office budget, you might instead mention your years as a church treasurer in your cover letter. If you don't have experience supervising employees, mention in your resume how you managed a team of volunteers on a Habitat for Humanity project. By highlighting your relevant experience, even when it doesn't come from administrative clerical jobs, you can convince an employer that you're suited for an office manager position.

In many cases, your current company is the best place to look for an office manager job; your familiarity with the employees and office procedures gives you a considerable advantage over other applicants. Talk to your supervisor, explain your ambitions, and inquire about any jobs that might be coming up; as an added benefit, this step will demonstrate your company loyalty. If a position is opening up, treat the application process with the same care that you would with any other company. Check out the office manager job description from the last round of hiring and prepare your resume and cover letter accordingly.

If you plan to look for jobs at other companies, start by networking. An employer places a high level of trust in the office manager; by making an effort to meet professionals in your area, you can create personal connections and increase your chances of success. According to Career Communication Strategies, you can also use social media to assist in networking and job searching. Sites like Facebook and LinkedIn enable you to research companies, see if your target employer has posted an office manager job description, identify key players, and locate networking events.

For many administrative professionals, finding a new job can be a stressful process. When you take the time to research a company, attend networking events, and match your skills to the office manager job description, the job hunt can be more pleasant and effective. You can start today by visiting Nexxt, starting a search for office manager positions, and adding your city and state to find opportunities near you.

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