If you're looking for a new career working in an office setting, this guide to administrative assistant jobs in Houston can help you find the ideal position in Texas.

What educational background do you need to land a job in Houston?

Administrative assistants are hired based on their skills and experience more than their educational background. Generally speaking, only a high school diploma is needed, although there are clerical programs at many technical colleges that teach the office skills needed to succeed.

Having good computer, social and office management skills will be the most important thing to demonstrate when interviewing for this type of position. Holding a degree higher than an associate degree may be viewed as being overqualified unless the position is to serve an executive at a large organization. Continuing education can be helpful to keep up with new technologies and office management techniques.

How can I land an administrative assistant job in Houston?

This is a field that's flexible about your level of education, but having a certificate, an associate degree or even a bachelor's degree for advanced positions is a plus. Employers are mainly interested in your skills, so tailoring your resume to emphasize your practical qualifications is important. Be sure to create a resume that targets the position for which you are applying, and write a cover letter that highlights why your background and experience will make you the best candidate.

When you interview for a position in this field, presenting a professional image and demeanor is paramount. Employers will want clear evidence that you are a professional regardless of your education, and the best opportunity to do that is at the interview. Research the dress that will be expected if you are beginning a professional career, and rehearse answers to common questions that you can expect before the interview.

Another good strategy is to network with professional organizations in Houston, like the International Association of Administrative Professionals. These connections can help you get recommendations for positions that open up that fit your skill set.

What are common jobs in this area?

Entry-level administrative assistant positions typically require less experience and fewer critical duties in an office setting. Examples are assistants who work in small offices performing receptionist, clerical and office supply duties. These positions typically don't require college degrees, valuing skills and experience over formal education. They pay between $20,000-$45,000 a year.

Mid-level and senior administrative assistant positions consist of more specialized work for senior executives in large organizations or require more experience with technology. These positions usually will not require college degrees, but relevant education helps if your experience is not as strong as the employer prefers. These positions can pay between $30,000-$90,000 a year.

In the Houston area, look for entry-level positions at small offices and nonprofits that need an assistant to cover clerical and receptionist duties. When you have more experience or better education, you can find administrative assistant positions with large employers that have managers who need assistants to help with day-to-day operations.

What are the biggest industries for this field in Houston?

Administrative assistants fill a number of roles from basic office support for small businesses to personal assistants to C-suite executives at major corporations. In recent years, senior positions have become increasingly technical for upper-management assistants who are web-savvy and well-connected within their employer's industry. These trends are likely to continue, making the administrative assistant a viable career path for professionals looking for higher salaries than were traditionally available for this role.

In the Houston area, large tech-savvy companies like Chevron and National Oilwell Varco are the best market for senior-level administrative assistant opportunities. For entry-level positions, small offices and nonprofits in the area are the best places to start.

What kind of shifts can I work in this field in Houston?

These positions are in office settings during normal business hours (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Entry-level positions may be part-time when working for small businesses or nonprofit offices that aren't busy. Such positions are often filling gaps in labor or schedules that other workers in the office aren't able to cover. Positions with larger companies, however, are typically full-time.

External resources

Besides this guide to administrative assistant jobs in Houston, you can learn more about a potential career as an administrative assistant via online resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Professional organizations and associations, like the American Society of Administrative Professionals and International Association of Administrative Professionals, are also good sources of information about networking and preparing for a career in this field.