Best Office Manager Resume Examples For 2024 (Template & Guide)

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Office Manager Resume: Choose a Format

The first step to creating a winning resume for an office manager is selecting a resume format that effectively highlights your skills and experiences.

There are three formats to consider using for your resume: chronological, functional or combination.

Chronological Resumes for Office Manager

A chronological resume presents your work history in reverse chronological order, emphasizing your career progression and stability. This format is ideal for experienced office managers with a solid employment history.

By listing your past roles and responsibilities chronologically, employers can quickly assess your career trajectory and the depth of your experience.

Additionally, this format is ATS-friendly, meaning it’s easily scanned by Applicant Tracking Systems, which employers commonly use to screen resumes.

However, a chronological resume may not be the best choice if you have employment gaps or frequently changed jobs, as it could draw attention to these aspects of your work history.

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Functional Resumes for Office Manager

Functional resumes focus on your skills and qualifications rather than your chronological work history. This format is particularly suitable for office managers with diverse job experience or just starting their careers.

By highlighting your most relevant qualifications for office manager roles, such as leadership, communication, and organizational skills, you can effectively demonstrate your fit for the position.

Functional resumes are also beneficial if you’re reentering the workforce after a hiatus or transitioning to a new industry. However, it’s essential to note that functional resumes are incompatible with Applicant Tracking Systems, which could hurt your chances of being noticed by potential employers.

Combination Resumes for Office Manager

A combination resume blends elements of chronological and functional formats, offering the flexibility to showcase your skills and work equally. This format is perfect for office managers with limited relevant experience who want to emphasize their transferable skills.

By providing a chronological overview of your work history and highlighting your key competencies, you can present a comprehensive picture of your qualifications to potential employers.

This approach allows you to leverage the benefits of both formats, providing context for your skills while also demonstrating your career progression. However, it’s essential to strike the right balance between the two sections to avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information.

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Choosing the Right Format

Deciding on the best format for your office manager resume can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure of your career trajectory or transitioning to a new role.

However, if you’re not sure which format is right for you– opting for a chronological resume format is often a safe and effective choice.

Even if you don’t have direct experience as an office manager, you can still tailor this format to showcase transferable skills and relevant accomplishments from previous roles.

For example, if you’ve worked as an administrative assistant, you can highlight your experience managing office operations, coordinating schedules, and handling administrative tasks.

You can also emphasize your proficiency in office software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, and your ability to communicate effectively with team members and clients.

By providing a chronological work history, you demonstrate your career progression and stability to employers, even if your previous roles were not directly related to office management.

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How to Write an Office Manager Resume

Once you have chosen a resume format, you can get to work on your resume content! Writing a resume is a relatively simple process.

We’ll walk you through crafting the five essential sections of an office manager’s resume:

• • • • • Contact information
        • Summary or Objective
        • Work History
        • Skills
        • Education

You can also provide additional sections of relevant qualifications, such as awards, industry affiliations, and certifications, if they help further showcase your abilities.

Keep reading this helpful guide to writing your resume to determine how to make the most of each section!

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Summary or Objective

When crafting your office manager resume, you have two options for the opening statement: a professional summary or an objective statement.

A professional summary is perfect for experienced office managers looking to showcase their accomplishments and career trajectories. It’s a concise overview of your skills, experiences, and achievements tailored to the specific requirements of the job.

For example, a professional summary for an office manager’s resume may say something like this:

“Results-driven office manager with over 5 years of experience optimizing office operations and driving efficiency. Proven track record of implementing cost-effective solutions and fostering a collaborative work environment.”

On the other hand, an objective statement is ideal for entry-level candidates or those transitioning into the office manager role. It focuses on your career goals and how you plan to contribute to the organization.

For example, an aspiring office manager might write an objective statement like this:

“Motivated office manager seeking to leverage extensive administrative experience in a dynamic corporate setting. Dedicated to streamlining processes and enhancing productivity to support organizational objectives.”

When deciding between a professional summary and an objective statement, consider your level of experience and the specific job you’re applying for. If you have a solid track record in office management, opt for a professional summary to highlight your achievements.

However, an objective statement can effectively communicate your aspirations and willingness to learn if you’re just starting out or changing careers. Choose the option that best reflects your qualifications and aligns with potential employers’ expectations.

No matter which one you choose, this section is an opportunity to tailor your resume to each job application. Use keywords from the job description to help your resume stand out to ATS and get your resume seen by recruiters.

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Work History

Your work history is where you can really shine on your office manager resume!

Here’s how to make it stand out and impress potential employers:

• • • • • Include Relevant Details: List your job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities. This will give employers a clear understanding of your professional background.

• • • • • Quantify Achievements: Use bullet points to showcase your accomplishments in each role. Did you streamline processes, improve efficiency, or save money? Quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.

• • • • • Tailor to the Job Description: Customize your work history to align with the job requirements you’re applying for. Highlight experiences and achievements that directly relate to the office manager role.

• • • • • Use Action Verbs: To make your work history more compelling, start each bullet point with a strong action verb. Verbs like “implemented,” “managed,” and “optimized” demonstrate your proactive approach to your work.

Here is an example of a well-written job entry on a resume for an office manager position:

Office Manager
XYZ Corporation, Dallas, TX March 2022- Present

• • • • • Implemented a new digital document management system, reducing paper usage by 50% and enhancing data accessibility for all staff members.

• • • • • Streamlined office procurement processes, resulting in a 20% decrease in supply costs while maintaining quality standards.

• • • • • Spearheaded employee wellness initiatives, leading to a 15% increase in employee satisfaction and productivity.

By detailing your work history with these tips in mind, you’ll create a compelling narrative of your professional experience as an office manager.

Remember to focus on your achievements and how you added value to your previous roles, and you’ll make a strong impression on potential employers.

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Skills

Next, you will create a dedicated skills section showcasing both hard and soft skills relevant to the office manager role.

Tailor your skills to match the job description, emphasizing your proficiency in computer skills like office management software, communication skills, and leadership abilities.

For inspiration, we have provided a list of the top five hard skills and soft skills for an office manager resume:

Top 5 Hard Skills for Office Manager Resumes

• • • • • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Mastery of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential for an office manager to handle administrative tasks efficiently. These skills allow you to create professional documents, analyze data effectively, and develop impactful presentations to support business operations.

• • • • • Budget Management: Office managers with expertise in budget management can effectively allocate resources, reduce unnecessary expenses, and ensure financial stability for the organization. Demonstrating proficiency in this skill showcases your ability to optimize office operations and contribute to cost-effectiveness.

• • • • • Project Coordination: Office managers often oversee multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong project coordination skills. Detailing your experience in coordinating projects will highlight your ability to manage timelines, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure timely completion while adhering to deadlines. This skill is crucial for maintaining productivity and achieving organizational goals.

• • • • • Database Management: Skilled database management is a vital technical skill for office managers to maintain accurate records and facilitate information retrieval efficiently. By showcasing expertise in database management, you demonstrate your ability to organize data effectively, streamline workflows, and support informed decision-making processes within the organization.

• • • • • Office Equipment Maintenance: Office managers proficient in office equipment maintenance are crucial in minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations. With knowledge of troubleshooting and maintaining office equipment, you can address technical issues promptly, enhance productivity, and contribute to a seamless working environment for staff members.

Top 5 Soft Skills for Office Manager Resumes

• • • • • Communication: Strong interpersonal skills are essential for office managers to communicate with stakeholders at all levels effectively. By showcasing excellent communication skills, you demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly, build positive relationships, and ensure effective collaboration.

• • • • • Time Management: Exceptional organizational abilities enable office managers to prioritize tasks and manage competing demands efficiently. By highlighting your time management skills, you showcase your ability to meet deadlines, optimize workflows, and maximize productivity in a fast-paced office environment.

• • • • • Leadership: Office managers with strong leadership skills can motivate teams to achieve operational excellence and drive organizational success. By highlighting proven leadership abilities, you showcase your ability to inspire and empower staff members, foster a positive work culture, and facilitate collaboration towards common goals.

• • • • • Problem-Solving: Resourceful problem-solving skills are invaluable for office managers to identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions. By highlighting your problem-solving abilities, you demonstrate your capacity to address challenges proactively, overcome obstacles, and drive continuous improvement within the organization.

• • • • • Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability are essential for office managers to navigate changing priorities and environments effectively. By showcasing your adaptability, you demonstrate your ability to embrace new challenges, adjust to evolving circumstances, and maintain a positive attitude toward change, ensuring resilience and success in dynamic work environments.

For example, a skills section for an office manager’s resume might look like this:

Skills

• • • • • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
        • Budget Management
        • Project Coordination
        • Database Management
        • Office Equipment Maintenance
        • Excellent Communication
        • Strong Time Management
        • Effective Leadership
        • Problem-Solving
        • Adaptability

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Education

When listing your educational background on an office manager resume, include relevant degrees, certifications, and professional development courses.

Format each entry with the institution’s name, location, and degree/certification earned. List the highest degree earned first to demonstrate that you meet the job requirements.

For example, the education section for your resume might look like this:

Bachelor of Business Administration
XYZ University, Houston, TX

You can also include any relevant coursework or additional training you have received. However, you can also create another section to draw attention to that information.

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Additional Sections

Once you have completed the above five key sections of your resume, if space allows, you can include additional sections to showcase your unique qualifications.

Consider enhancing your office manager resume with optional sections that provide additional insights into your qualifications and interests, such as:

• • • • • Professional Associations
        • Volunteer Experience
        • Language Proficiency
        • Certifications
        • Awards and Honors

These sections can help differentiate your resume and showcase your diverse skill set and interests.

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Top Certifications For Office Managers

Including relevant certifications on your office manager resume can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and enhance your qualifications. Consider obtaining certifications such as:

• • • • • Certified Office Manager (COM): Several organizations offer training and a recognized credential demonstrating proficiency in office management principles and practices.

• • • • • Certified Administrative Professional (CAP): Earning this credential will validate your advanced skills in administrative tasks and office operations.

• • • • • Project Management Professional (PMP): This certification is valuable for office managers involved in project coordination and resource management.

• • • • • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): This globally recognized certification demonstrates your expertise in using Microsoft Office applications, demonstrating your readiness for managing an office environment.

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Tips For Writing An Office Manager Resume

Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application by emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements of the office manager role. Highlight your proficiency in budget management, project coordination, and office equipment maintenance to showcase your suitability for the position.

Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers and measurable results to demonstrate the impact of your accomplishments. For example, quantify cost savings achieved through budget management initiatives or the percentage increase in office efficiency due to your project coordination efforts.

Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs to effectively convey your achievements and responsibilities. Words like “implemented,” “managed,” and “coordinated” demonstrate your proactive approach to office management and underscore your leadership abilities.

Proofread Carefully: Ensure your resume is free of grammar and spelling errors by proofreading it carefully. A polished and error-free document reflects positively on your attention to detail, a crucial quality for an office manager.

Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from peers or professionals to refine your resume further. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement, helping you present yourself to potential employers in the best possible light.

Highlight Soft Skills: In addition to technical abilities, emphasize soft skills such as communication, time management, and adaptability. These qualities are essential for effective office management and team leadership.

Include Relevant Certifications: If you have certifications relevant to office management, such as Certified Office Manager (COM) or Project Management Professional (PMP), be sure to include them in your resume. Certifications demonstrate your commitment to professional development and enhance your qualifications.

Showcase Leadership Experience: Highlight any leadership roles or responsibilities you’ve held, such as supervising staff or leading projects. Leadership experience demonstrates your ability to motivate teams and drive organizational success.

Provide a Professional Summary: Start your resume with a brief professional summary that encapsulates your career goals and key strengths as an office manager. This summary introduces your qualifications and sets the tone for the rest of your resume.

Tailor Your Skills Section: Customize your skills section to include skills mentioned in the job posting. Using language from the job description will help demonstrate your alignment with the role and help you stand out to the ATS.