Applying for Administration roles? Here’s how to get noticed

If you’re applying for an administration job in 2025, you’ll know that the competition is stiff. If the role is part-time, flexible or remote, it’s even likely to also be in high demand (sorry).

On average, we receive over 3,000 applications for these roles every week.

So, how do you make YOUR application jump out of the pack? We spoke with our recruiters for a behind-the-scenes look at the process involved with volume roles like administration, reception, office support, and even marketing roles, and asked what it is that makes a resume stand out and gets you an interview.

 

18 tips (from a recruiter) for making your job application stand out

  1. Keep it concise and targeted – one to two pages maximum, tailored specifically to the role. Generic CVs won’t cut through.
  2. Highlight transferable skills – for admin roles, employers want evidence of organisational ability, attention to detail, customer service, and software proficiency.
  3. Be specific with software abilities – have a dedicated software skills column listing all systems, office software and digital tools you’re confident with (e.g., MS Office, Xero, Salesforce, Canva, etc). Go a step further and self-rate these as basic, intermediate, advanced on each). You could also add examples in your job listings or how, when and how often you would use particular software.
  4. Show outcomes, not just duties – instead of listing tasks, include examples of achievements
  5. Include a link to your LinkedIn profile – make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and included in your resume. Have a professional photo and ensure the profile matches your resume with dates and titles.
  6. Optimise for AI and ATS – many companies now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) for managing job applications, particularly volume roles like these. Use keywords from the job description, avoid heavy formatting, and make sure the resume is machine-readable. A good tip is to keep it in Word format instead of PDF.
  7. Add a skills snapshot – A clear section listing core skills.
  8. Include an industry description on each job – often, companies are seeking people that have worked in the same or a similar industry to theirs. Some company names are often not obvious as to what they do. A quick way for hiring teams to put your resume at the top of the pile is by adding a very short industry description next to the name of the organisation, such as ‘Working Parents Connect – a boutique recruitment company specialising in remote and part time jobs across Australia.’
  9. Tailored cover letters still matter – a personalised cover letter can set a candidate apart in admin-heavy roles where resumes often look similar. Make it short and be sure to cover any gaps in your employment. It’s also worth including any notice period and availability to start a new role. If you are looking for part-time roles, ensure that you specify your required workdays and/or hours, or be clear on flexibility if you are open to when you can work.
  10. Showcase soft skills – communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are critical in admin. Including a short “Key Strengths” section with real-life examples helps.
  11. Professional presentation – a clean, modern resume design (no overuse of colours or graphics) signals professionalism and attention to detail.
  12. Demonstrate initiative – candidates who can show they’ve taken extra training (e.g., a short course in Excel, project management, or customer service) often stand out.
  13. Proofread – in admin roles, small errors are a red flag. Zero typos are non-negotiable – ask someone else to check it for you before you send.
  14. Tech skills are a differentiator – candidates with strong digital literacy (Excel, CRM systems, AI and project management tools) are more competitive.
  15. Hybrid workplace knowledge is valued – understanding how to support remote teams, manage digital workflows, and coordinate online tools is increasingly sought after.
  16. Customer service crossover – many admin roles now combine internal admin with client-facing tasks. Candidates who demonstrate both organisational and interpersonal strengths are in demand.
  17. Accounts crossover – smaller businesses often have varied roles where a range of duties are included. Some of these roles include basic bookkeeping or accounting administration. A course backed by real experience with XERO or MYOB can be advantageous for many admin-based roles.
  18. Career path appeal – employers prefer candidates who see admin as a professional pathway, not just a stop-gap role. Showing commitment to growth within business support roles builds confidence.

Our final piece of advise? Keep going! Get in touch with the recruiter directly, connect on LinkedIn and start a conversation about what you’re looking for and asking for suggestions on areas you ccan improve future applications if you weren’t sucessful.