Job Search & Hiring
How To Become an Office Manager
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | Jan 1, 2024
Are you thinking of becoming a Office Manager or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Office Manager, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Office Manager job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Office Manager
Companies rely on office managers to keep their offices running efficiently while fostering a positive work environment. Successful office managers have excellent organization, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. As an office manager, you'll be in constant communication with every office team member, so a willingness to listen and the ability to demonstrate empathy are also vital qualities. Having a mentor in the field can give you insight into a day in the life of an office manager. They can also guide you through the following steps that you need to take to become an office manager.
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Pursue a relevant degree.
While you should at least have completed your high school diploma or equivalent before you apply for an office manager position, keep in mind that most employers prefer office management candidates who hold a bachelor's degree. If you have a degree in business administration, human resources management, or information management, you'll stand out among other potential hires. -
Join a temp agency.
As you complete your degree, consider joining a temp agency to gain the practical experience employers are looking for in a potential office manager. Not only will you hone your clerical skills, but you'll also become acclimated to working in an office environment. Plus, it isn't unusual for a temporary office job to become a permanent position with the chance to work your way up within a company. Even if a temp job doesn't turn into something permanent, it will allow you to grow your professional network. -
Apply for an internship.
Another way to get your foot in the door is to apply for an office management internship. As an intern, you'll have the opportunity to shadow an experienced office manager and assist them with various tasks. Depending on what type of office you're working in, your responsibilities could include everything from helping draft office policies to monitoring business plan performance. Completing an internship is another excellent way to gain practical experience while developing your professional network. -
Apply for office manager jobs.
After completing your degree and gaining experience through temp agency work or an internship, it's time to start applying for office manager positions. Remember, it's a competitive field, so don't get discouraged if you're not hired right away. Also, if you don't have much experience compared to other candidates, consider applying for office assistant positions and work your way up from there. -
Continue to develop your career skills.
Keep in mind that after landing a job as an office manager, there's still room to grow within your field. Consider earning a certification, such as the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential from the International Association of Administrative Professionals. The in-depth CAP exam and certification help office managers build their skills and prove to employers that they know how to implement them.
Glassdoor Team
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