Admin Assistant Job Guide: Skills, Growth Opportunities & Career Tips

Thinking about becoming an admin assistant in Malaysia? From skills to salary expectations and career growth opportunities, here’s everything you need to know to succeed in this versatile role.

By Matt Khoo on 2025-04-09 at 6:16 AM

Updated on 2025-04-09 at 6:16 AM

Admin assistants are the unsung heroes of the workplace.

Behind every smooth-running office is an admin professional making sure everything stays organised and on track. While the role may seem entry-level on paper, it’s one of the most versatile and career-developing positions you can start with—especially if you’re exploring clerical or corporate support functions in Malaysia.

Here’s your complete guide to what the job involves, the skills you’ll need, and how you can grow from an admin assistant role into a long-term career.

What Does an Admin Assistant Do?

An administrative assistant supports the day-to-day operations of a company or department. The tasks can vary depending on the industry or team size, but generally include:

  • Managing schedules and meetings
  • Handling calls and correspondence
  • Filing documents and organising records
  • Assisting with reports, presentations, and data entry
  • Coordinating internal or external communications
  • Supporting office procurement or basic HR admin

Admin assistants often work closely with HR, operations, finance, and other departments—making them a key connector in any organisation.

Skills You Need to Succeed

You don’t need a specific degree to get started, but you will need a combination of soft skills and technical know-how:

Essential Skills:

  • Time management and organisation – Keeping schedules, documents, and tasks in order.
  • Written and verbal communication – Clear communication is key, whether in emails or reports.
  • Attention to detail – A small typo in a spreadsheet or email can lead to big problems.
  • Software skills – Comfort with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and sometimes tools like SAP or CRM systems.
  • Problem-solving and adaptability – You’ll often need to manage last-minute changes or unexpected requests.

Bonus: Want to show your value early on? Brush up on these essential soft skills that employers look for across roles.

Career Growth: Where Can This Role Take You?

Many people see admin roles as a starting point—and for good reason. Once you master the foundations, you can branch out into specialised roles like:

  • Office Manager – Oversee office operations and junior admin staff.
  • HR Executive – If you work closely with people ops, you can transition into HR.
  • Executive Assistant – Support top management with high-level administrative duties.
  • Project Coordinator – If you assist on campaigns or team initiatives, this is a natural next step.
  • Finance or Procurement Support – If you manage invoices, budgets, or purchase orders.

It’s all about being proactive, upskilling, and showing that you’re ready to take on more responsibility.

Looking for career direction? Try the Hiredly Work Personality Test to discover your best-fit roles and company culture.

Admin Assistant Salary in Malaysia

Entry-level admin assistant salaries typically start around RM2,000 – RM2,500, depending on company size and location. With experience, you could earn:

  • RM2,800 – RM3,500 for mid-level admin roles
  • RM4,000+ for Executive Assistants or Office Managers in larger organisations

Want more salary insights? Here’s a look at what makes a “good salary” in Malaysia.

Tips to Get Hired as an Admin Assistant

  • Customise your resume – Emphasise organisation, multitasking, and office tech skills.
  • Highlight transferable experience – Any past customer service, event coordination, or data entry jobs count.
  • Practice your communication – You’ll often be tested on how you write and speak, not just what’s on your resume.
  • Dress professionally for interviews – First impressions matter, especially for client-facing roles.
    Check out our interview dress guide for tips.

A career as an admin assistant offers more than meets the eye—it’s a strategic starting point to explore different departments, build your professional reputation, and grow into bigger roles over time. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or making a career switch, admin roles are a great entryway into the corporate world. Explore jobs on Hiredly, join the Young Talent Community to connect with peers, and don’t forget to try the Hiredly Work Personality Test to find where you’ll thrive best.

By Matt Khoo on 2025-04-09 at 6:16 AM