Compare courses from top Australian unis, TAFEs and other training organisations.

Logo

Explore Careers

Find A Course

Job Tips


Administrative Officer Resume: Example, Template + How to Write One in Australia

Administrative Officer Resume Guide: Get Hired Australia
Icon

Securing your next administrative officer position in Australia’s diverse business landscape can be challenging when your resume isn’t effectively showcasing your organisational skills and operational achievements to hiring managers and department heads. Whether you’re an experienced administrative professional seeking advancement to senior or specialist positions, someone transitioning from other support roles into administration, or a recent graduate looking to establish your career in business operations, creating a compelling administrative officer resume is essential for standing out in this foundational yet competitive field. With Australia’s administrative and business support sector continuing to evolve through digital transformation, remote work capabilities, and increased emphasis on strategic support functions, skilled administrative officers who can demonstrate efficiency, technology proficiency, and proactive problem-solving are highly sought after by employers across government agencies, corporate organisations, and professional services firms working with bodies like the Australian Institute of Administration and Australian Institute of Procurement.

This free sample resume for an administrative officer has an accompanying sample administrative officer cover letter and sample administrative officer job advertisement to help you put together a winning job application.

Administrative Officer Resume Examples and How to Write

This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything needed to create an outstanding administrative officer resume that resonates with Australian employers across diverse sectors and organisational structures. From understanding the specific requirements of different administrative environments to showcasing your organisational capabilities, communication skills, and process improvement achievements, you’ll discover how to transform your application from overlooked to interview-ready. We’ll explore essential sections, provide detailed examples, and share business operations insights that will help your resume capture the attention of managers, team leaders, and executives across Australia’s dynamic administrative and professional services landscape.

Administrative Officer Resume (Text Version)

Sarah Johnson
Senior Administrative Officer

Contact Information:
Phone: 0415 678 901
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnsonadmin
Location: Canberra, ACT

Professional Summary
Detail-oriented Senior Administrative Officer with 8+ years of experience supporting executive leadership and managing complex operational functions across government and corporate environments. Proven expertise in process improvement, stakeholder management, and project coordination with demonstrated success streamlining administrative procedures resulting in 30% efficiency gains and $150,000+ annual cost savings. Strong background in policy development, compliance management, and team supervision with comprehensive knowledge of government regulations and corporate governance requirements.

Professional Experience

Senior Administrative Officer | Department of Finance | March 2021 – Present
• Provide high-level administrative support to Deputy Secretary and executive team managing $2.5B+ annual budget and 500+ staff members
• Coordinate complex stakeholder meetings, parliamentary briefings, and ministerial correspondence with 100% accuracy and timeliness
• Lead process improvement initiatives reducing administrative processing time by 40% and eliminating duplicate workflows
• Manage confidential information, cabinet submissions, and sensitive government documentation ensuring strict compliance with security protocols
• Supervise team of 4 administrative assistants, providing training and performance management resulting in 95% staff retention rate

Administrative Officer | Australian Taxation Office | June 2018 – February 2021
• Supported senior management in policy implementation and operational planning for taxpayer services division
• Processed complex tax rulings, objections, and compliance matters involving high-value commercial entities
• Developed and maintained comprehensive database systems improving data accuracy by 25% and reducing processing errors
• Liaised with external stakeholders including tax practitioners, legal representatives, and business organisations
• Contributed to development of new administrative procedures adopted across 12 ATO service centres nationally

Executive Assistant | Telstra Corporation | January 2016 – May 2018
• Provided executive support to Chief Operating Officer and senior management team in fast-paced corporate environment
• Coordinated board meetings, shareholder communications, and regulatory reporting with zero errors or missed deadlines
• Managed executive calendars, travel arrangements, and expense reporting for multiple senior executives
• Implemented digital filing systems and workflow automation reducing administrative overhead by 35%
• Facilitated cross-departmental communication and project coordination involving 200+ employees across multiple locations

Administrative Assistant | University of Sydney | February 2014 – December 2015
• Supported academic faculty and student services operations in Business School serving 8,000+ students
• Managed student enquiries, course enrolments, and academic record maintenance with 98% accuracy rate
• Coordinated academic events, graduation ceremonies, and visiting scholar programs
• Maintained compliance with university policies and external accreditation requirements
• Developed student information resources and procedural guides improving service delivery efficiency

Education & Qualifications

Bachelor of Business Administration | Australian National University | 2013
• Major: Public Administration with Management specialisation
• Graduated with Distinction (GPA: 6.0/7.0)
• Relevant coursework: Public Policy, Organisational Behaviour, Project Management, Business Communication
• Dean’s List recipient (2012, 2013)

Diploma of Government | TAFE ACT | 2015
• Specialisation: Administrative Law and Government Procedures
• Completed part-time while working full-time
• High Distinction in Government Administration and Public Policy subjects

Skills

Administrative Skills: Executive support and calendar management, Document preparation and formatting, Meeting coordination and minute taking, Travel planning and expense management, Filing systems and record keeping, Policy development and implementation, Compliance monitoring and reporting, Stakeholder liaison and communication

Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, Word), SharePoint and document management systems, Customer relationship management (CRM) software, Project management tools (MS Project, Asana, Trello), Database management and data analysis, Government information systems (AUSTRAC, AusTender), Video conferencing platforms (Teams, Zoom), Adobe Acrobat and document creation

Communication & Leadership: Professional written and verbal communication, Presentation development and delivery, Team supervision and mentoring, Training program development, Conflict resolution and problem-solving, Cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness, Change management and process improvement

Professional Development & Certifications
• Certificate IV in Government Investigations – Australian Institute of Administrative Law (2023)
• Advanced Project Management – Australian Institute of Management (2022)
• Government Procurement Certification – Department of Finance (2021)
• Privacy and Information Management – Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (2020)
• Leadership Essentials Program – Australian Public Service Commission (2019)

Achievements & Recognition
• Excellence in Administrative Support Award – Department of Finance (2023)
• Process Innovation Award – Administrative Professionals Week (2022)
• Employee of the Quarter – Australian Taxation Office (Q3 2019, Q1 2020)
• Outstanding Service Recognition – Telstra Leadership Awards (2017)
• Academic Achievement Scholarship – Australian National University (2011-2013)

Process Improvement & Projects

Digital Transformation Project | Department of Finance | 2022-2023
• Led implementation of paperless meeting system reducing preparation time by 50% and saving $25,000 annually in printing costs
• Trained 150+ staff members on new digital processes achieving 98% user adoption within 6 months
• Developed standard operating procedures and user guides adopted across 5 government departments

Stakeholder Management System | ATO | 2019-2020
• Designed and implemented centralised stakeholder database improving relationship management for 2,000+ external contacts
• Reduced stakeholder response time by 60% through automated communication workflows
• Created reporting dashboards providing real-time insights for senior management decision-making

Professional Associations
• Australian Institute of Administration (AIA) – Professional Member
• Association of Administrative Professionals – Member
• Australian Public Service Professional Officers Association – Member
• Institute of Public Administration Australia – Associate Member

Languages
• English (Native)
• French (Conversational)
• Italian (Basic)

Community Involvement
• Volunteer Administrative Coordinator – Canberra Community Foundation (2020-Present)
• Secretary – Local Residents Association (2019-2022)
• Mentor – Australian Government Graduate Program (2021-Present)

What is The Best Format for an Administrative Officer Resume?

The reverse chronological format is highly recommended for administrative officer resumes in Australia, as it clearly demonstrates your career progression and increasing responsibility in administrative and support roles across different organisations and sectors. This format allows employers to assess your professional development and understand how your administrative skills have evolved from entry-level positions to senior support roles. Australian hiring managers prefer this format as it provides clear evidence of your experience growth and specialisation within administrative functions.

Use clean, professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12 point size for body text, with headings in 14-16 point size. Administrative roles require excellent attention to detail and professional presentation, so maintain 1-inch margins and ensure your document is perfectly formatted and error-free. Always submit your resume as a PDF file to preserve formatting, as managers often review resumes on different devices and need consistent presentation for evaluation.

Your administrative officer resume should include these essential sections:

Header: Include your full name, professional title, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and location. Administrative employers value easy contact and professional presentation.

Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your administrative experience, key competencies, and achievements that demonstrate your operational value to organisations.

Experience: Your administrative career history in reverse chronological order, emphasising process improvements, stakeholder management, and operational achievements.

Education: Your educational background, including business, administration, or relevant qualifications that support your administrative expertise.

Other sections: Additional relevant information such as technical skills, certifications, professional development, and achievements that enhance your administrative profile.

What Experience Should Be on Your Administrative Officer Resume?

Your experience section should showcase your administrative expertise, organisational capabilities, and track record of supporting business operations and senior management effectively. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve processes, manage stakeholders, coordinate projects, and contribute to operational efficiency across diverse administrative environments. Include specific examples of systems you’ve implemented, processes you’ve improved, or cost savings you’ve achieved through your administrative initiatives.

Emphasise experience that shows your knowledge of business operations, regulatory requirements, and modern administrative technologies relevant to your target sectors. Administrative employers value professionals who can demonstrate progression from basic support roles to strategic administrative positions, showing growth in responsibility, complexity of work, and organisational impact. Include any cross-functional collaboration, process automation, or stakeholder management that highlights your versatility and business acumen.

Correct Example:
Administrative Officer | NSW Department of Education | April 2020 – Present
• Support regional director and management team overseeing 150+ schools and 25,000+ students across metropolitan Sydney
• Coordinate complex policy implementation affecting 3,000+ teaching staff, achieving 100% compliance with new educational standards
• Manage ministerial correspondence and parliamentary questions with 100% accuracy and within required timeframes
• Lead digital transformation initiative reducing paper-based processes by 75% and saving $40,000 annually in administrative costs
Incorrect Example:
Admin Officer | Government Dept | 2020 – Present
• Did admin work for management
• Answered phones and emails
• Filed documents and reports
• Helped with various office tasks

Entry-Level Administrative Officer Resume Samples [Experience]

For entry-level positions, highlight your administrative support experience, internships, volunteer coordination, or any roles that demonstrate organisational skills, attention to detail, and professional communication abilities.

Correct Entry-Level Example:
Administrative Assistant | Melbourne City Council | January 2024 – Present
• Provide comprehensive administrative support to planning department serving 150,000+ residents
• Process development applications and planning permits with 98% accuracy rate and average 5-day turnaround
• Coordinate community consultation meetings and public information sessions for major infrastructure projects
• Maintain detailed records and databases ensuring compliance with local government legislation and privacy requirements
Incorrect Entry-Level Example:
Assistant | Council | 2024
• Helped with office work
• Did filing and data entry
• Attended meetings sometimes
• Learned about local government

How to Write the Education Section for Your Administrative Officer Resume

The education section is important for administrative officer positions, as it demonstrates your foundational knowledge in business operations, public administration, or related fields that support your administrative capabilities. Include your degree details, institution, graduation year, and academic achievements that show your analytical and organisational abilities. Australian administrative employers value qualifications in business, public administration, or management that provide theoretical foundations for practical administrative work.

Include details about relevant coursework, projects, or additional qualifications that complement your administrative expertise. If you’ve completed professional development courses, certificates in government administration, project management, or business operations, these additions significantly strengthen your administrative profile and demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement in administrative practice.

Administrative Officer Resume Example [Education]

Bachelor of Public Administration | Griffith University | 2020
• Graduated with Distinction (GPA: 6.3/7.0)
• Major: Public Policy and Administration
• Relevant coursework: Government Administration, Policy Analysis, Public Finance, Organisational Management
• Capstone Project: “Digital Service Delivery in Local Government” – achieved High Distinction
• Student Representative – Faculty Advisory Committee (2019-2020)

Certificate IV in Business Administration | TAFE QLD | 2021
• Completed part-time while working full-time
• Specialisation: Office Administration and Customer Service
• High Distinction in Business Communication and Records Management

How to Write the Skills Section for Your Administrative Officer Resume

The skills section should demonstrate your comprehensive administrative capabilities, combining technical proficiency with organisational and communication abilities. Include 14-18 skills that reflect both your administrative knowledge and professional competencies essential for successful business operations support. Balance hard technical skills related to software and systems with soft skills that show your ability to manage relationships, coordinate activities, and support organisational objectives effectively.

Focus on skills that align with modern administrative practice standards and the specific requirements of your target organisations. Administrative employers particularly value professionals who demonstrate proficiency in contemporary office technologies, understanding of business processes, and the ability to work independently while supporting multiple stakeholders and maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism.

Administrative Officer Resume Skills (Hard Skills)

• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Database management and data analysis
• Document management and version control
• Project coordination and scheduling tools
• Customer relationship management (CRM) systems
• Financial administration and budget tracking
• Policy development and procedural documentation
• Regulatory compliance and reporting
• Meeting coordination and minute taking
• Travel planning and expense management
• Records management and filing systems
• Government information systems and portals
• Video conferencing and remote collaboration tools
• Website content management and updates

Administrative Officer Resume Skills (Soft Skills)

• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Organisational planning and time management
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Interpersonal relationship management
• Discretion and confidentiality handling
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Leadership and team coordination
• Customer service orientation
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Initiative and proactive approach
• Stress management and resilience

How to pick the best Administrative Officer skills:

1. Review the position description and identify specific systems, processes, and competencies mentioned by the employer
2. Research the organisation’s structure and include relevant administrative specialisations and technical capabilities
3. Include skills that demonstrate your knowledge of relevant legislation, compliance requirements, and industry standards
4. Balance technical administrative skills with communication and stakeholder management capabilities
5. Highlight skills that show your ability to work across diverse organisational levels and functional areas
6. Include any specialised or emerging administrative technology skills that differentiate you in the competitive market

Administrative Officer Resume Examples [Skills]

Process Improvement: Led implementation of digital workflow system reducing processing time by 45% and eliminating paper-based procedures across department of 80+ staff
Stakeholder Management: Coordinated relationships with 200+ external stakeholders including government agencies, contractors, and community groups with 96% satisfaction rating
Executive Support: Provided comprehensive administrative support to C-suite executives managing calendars, communications, and confidential information with zero security breaches
Project Coordination: Successfully managed 15+ concurrent administrative projects with combined budget of $500,000, delivering all projects on time and within budget
Data Management: Maintained complex databases with 99.8% accuracy rate, providing real-time reporting and analysis for senior management decision-making

Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Administrative Officer Resume?

Additional sections can significantly enhance your administrative officer resume by demonstrating your professional engagement, continuous learning, and commitment to administrative excellence. These sections are particularly valuable in the competitive administrative field, where employers appreciate professionals who contribute to process improvements, participate in professional development, and maintain active involvement in administrative communities. Consider including professional certifications, process improvement projects, volunteer coordination experience, or professional associations that showcase your dedication to administrative best practices.

Choose bonus sections that directly strengthen your administrative credentials and demonstrate leadership, innovation, or specialised expertise in your field. For instance, involvement in process improvement initiatives, professional development activities, or volunteer administrative roles shows your commitment to advancing administrative practice and contributing to organisational effectiveness.

Administrative Officer Resume Examples [Other Sections]

Process Improvement Initiatives:
• “Paperless Office Implementation” – Led transition saving $30,000 annually in printing and storage costs (2023)
• “Stakeholder Communication System” – Designed automated workflow reducing response time by 60% (2022)
• “Meeting Efficiency Project” – Implemented new protocols reducing meeting time by 35% across organisation (2021)

Professional Development:
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt – Australian Institute of Management (2023)
• Digital Transformation in Government – Australian Public Service Academy (2022)
• Advanced Excel for Data Analysis – Microsoft Certified (2021)

Professional Service:
• Committee Member – Australian Institute of Administration ACT Branch (2022-Present)
• Mentor – Graduate Administrative Officer Program (2021-Present)
• Secretary – Professional Women’s Network Canberra (2020-2022)

Personal Interests:
• Reading business magazines
• Organising personal events
• Using productivity apps
• Watching documentary films

Tip: Include personal interests only if they demonstrate relevant organisational skills, leadership experience, or qualities applicable to administrative work (such as volunteer event coordination, community organisation involvement, or activities that showcase planning and organisational abilities). Professional achievements and administrative contributions are significantly more valuable than general recreational activities.

How to Write an Administrative Officer Resume Objective or Resume Summary

A compelling resume summary is essential for administrative officer positions as it immediately communicates your organisational expertise, process management capabilities, and track record of supporting business operations effectively. Your summary should be 3-4 lines that highlight your years of administrative experience, key competencies, and quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your value to potential employers. Focus on outcomes that show your ability to improve processes, support leadership, manage stakeholders, and contribute to organisational efficiency and effectiveness.

Key elements to include:

• Years of administrative experience and types of organisations you’ve supported
• Specific administrative competencies and process improvement achievements
• Leadership support experience and stakeholder management capabilities
• Technical skills and knowledge of relevant systems and procedures
• Professional qualities that make you an effective administrative professional

Administrative Officer Resume Summary Examples

Correct Example:
Results-oriented Senior Administrative Officer with 10+ years of experience supporting executive leadership and managing complex operational functions across government and corporate environments. Proven expertise in process improvement, stakeholder management, and project coordination with demonstrated success implementing digital transformation initiatives reducing administrative costs by 35% and improving service delivery efficiency. Expert in policy development, compliance management, and team supervision with comprehensive knowledge of government procedures and corporate governance requirements. Strong track record of managing confidential information, coordinating high-level meetings, and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration in fast-paced professional environments.
Incorrect Example:
Experienced administrative professional with good organisational skills and knowledge of office procedures. Hard-working person who enjoys helping others and solving problems. Team player with strong communication abilities who wants to contribute to successful business operations. Looking for challenging position where I can use my administrative experience to support management and colleagues.

For entry-level candidates, focus on your educational background, relevant experience, transferable skills, and enthusiasm for administrative work while showing awareness of professional administrative responsibilities and commitment to supporting organisational success.

Entry-Level Administrative Officer Resume Summary Examples

Correct Entry-Level Example:
Detail-oriented Business Administration graduate with solid foundation in organisational management, business processes, and professional communication developed through academic studies and practical work experience. Demonstrated administrative capabilities through internship and volunteer coordination roles involving event planning, database management, and stakeholder communication for groups of 100+ people. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and digital communication tools with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Eager to contribute organisational skills, fresh perspectives, and commitment to process excellence to dynamic administrative team while building expertise in business operations support.
Incorrect Entry-Level Example:
Recent graduate looking for first administrative job. Studied business administration and learned about office management. Good with computers and enjoy organising things. Want to work in professional environment and gain more experience in administration field.

How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Administrative Officer Resume

Maintaining consistency between your resume and LinkedIn profile is crucial in Australia’s administrative sector, where hiring managers, department heads, and recruitment agencies increasingly use LinkedIn to identify qualified administrative professionals for support roles and process improvement initiatives. Your LinkedIn profile should enhance your resume by providing additional context about your administrative philosophy, operational interests, and professional contributions to business efficiency and organisational effectiveness.

When updating your LinkedIn profile, ensure complete alignment with your resume regarding employment history, qualifications, and achievements. However, LinkedIn provides opportunities to elaborate on your administrative experiences, share insights about process improvements and organisational effectiveness, and connect with other professionals in Australia’s administrative and business operations community.

LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Administrative Officers

Your LinkedIn headline should incorporate keywords that administrative recruiters and hiring managers search for, while highlighting your specialisations, seniority level, and key competencies.

Effective LinkedIn Headlines for Administrative Officers:
• “Senior Administrative Officer | Government Operations | Process Improvement Specialist | Canberra”
• “Executive Support Professional | Project Coordination | Stakeholder Management | 8+ Years Experience”
• “Administrative Operations Manager | Digital Transformation | Policy Implementation | Corporate Governance”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Administrative Officer at Government Department”
• “Office Professional”
• “Business Support Worker”

LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences

While your resume summary focuses on quantifiable achievements and technical competencies, your LinkedIn summary can include your administrative philosophy, what drives your passion for organisational efficiency, and your vision for supporting business success through effective administrative management. Australian administrative employers value reliability and continuous improvement, so your LinkedIn summary can showcase your approach to process optimisation and professional development while maintaining the precision expected in administrative roles.

Your LinkedIn summary should be 4-5 paragraphs that expand on your resume with insights about your approach to administrative support, significant process improvements you’ve implemented, and your perspective on developments in business operations and digital transformation. Consider discussing your commitment to accuracy, stakeholder service, and contributing to organisational success through excellent administrative support.

Showcasing Administrative Officer Experience on LinkedIn

LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed explanations of your administrative achievements and process contributions. Use this space to provide context around complex administrative projects you’ve managed, system implementations you’ve led, or operational improvements you’ve delivered. You can elaborate on the methodologies you employed, stakeholder challenges you overcame, and the broader impact of your work on organisational efficiency and business outcomes.

Consider including details about process improvement initiatives, technology implementations, or stakeholder management successes that demonstrate your expertise and commitment to excellence in administrative operations and business support services.

LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Administrative Officers

Prioritise skills that reflect your administrative expertise and operational specialisations, seeking endorsements from supervisors, colleagues, and stakeholders who can validate your administrative capabilities. Focus on obtaining recommendations from managers, executives, or team members who can speak to your administrative competency, reliability, and contribution to organisational effectiveness. These testimonials provide powerful evidence of your administrative excellence and professional reputation.

Consider completing relevant LinkedIn Learning courses related to business operations, project management, or digital productivity tools that complement your administrative expertise and demonstrate commitment to staying current with administrative best practices and technological developments.

LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Administrative Officers

Optimise your profile for the Australian administrative market by following relevant organisations such as the Australian Institute of Administration, major government departments, and corporate organisations. Engage thoughtfully with content shared by administrative leaders, business operations experts, and professional associations, contributing insights that demonstrate your professional knowledge and understanding of administrative best practices.

Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as Australian administrative professionals, government administration networks, or business operations communities. Share insights about administrative innovations, process improvement approaches, or digital transformation initiatives that showcase your expertise while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and organisational confidentiality requirements.

Creating an exceptional administrative officer resume is fundamental to advancing your career in Australia’s diverse and evolving administrative landscape. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to demonstrate your organisational expertise, process improvement capabilities, and track record of supporting business operations that employers across government, corporate, and professional services sectors value most. Your resume should reflect not only your administrative skills but also your commitment to operational excellence, stakeholder service, and continuous improvement in the dynamic world of business administration.

Remember that your resume is most effective when combined with a comprehensive application strategy. Pair your polished resume with a professional administrative officer cover letter that articulates your administrative philosophy and specific interest in supporting the organisation’s operational objectives. Explore current opportunities through leading Australian administrative recruitment platforms like Seek, government job portals, and direct applications to target organisations. With dedication to continuous professional development, staying current with administrative technologies and best practices, and maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism, you’ll be well-positioned to build a distinguished career in Australia’s administrative sector, contributing to organisational success while achieving your professional aspirations through skilled business operations support and unwavering commitment to administrative excellence.

Subscribe to get this template for free!

Icon

Send me the PDF template

Icon

Send me the Word template