First-Line Supervisors of Office & Administrative Support Workers

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In accounting firms, at customer service desks, and offices of all kinds, supervisors oversee and coordinate the work of clerical and administrative support workers. These supervisors provide their employees with guidance and assist in resolving customer complaints. They interview and select new administrative employees, and make sure staff are trained, know appropriate procedures, and understand the organization’s policies. Office supervisors review records and reports to monitor production, payroll, shipping, or other areas under their supervision. They spend much of the day in communication with staff, customers, and managers at their organizations. Interpersonal skills are key, as are organizational skills to coordinate their sometimes large groups of employees, and critical thinking skills to resolve operations or customer service issues. Office worker supervisors typically work 40 hours a week, though longer schedules are not uncommon. Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, or administrative skill training--along with previous experience.