An office manager plays a vital role in supervising the seamless functioning of an organisation’s administrative tasks. They’re responsible for managing office operations, coordinating staff, handling budgets and ensuring efficiency in day-to-day activities. 

Office managers are indispensable in creating a productive work environment and supporting the overall success of the company. A well-crafted CV that showcases your leadership skills can be the key to unlocking new professional opportunities and advancing your career in office management.

It’s important to recognise that the role of an office manager can vary depending on the size of the business. The office manager title is used broadly, and the role varies according to company size and scope. 

Whether overseeing a small team in a startup or managing complex operations in a large corporation, office managers remain essential in creating a productive work environment and supporting the overall success of the company.

In this article, we’ll explore the vital role of an office manager in overseeing the seamless functioning of an organisation’s administrative tasks. We’ll take a look at the day-to-day responsibilities of an office manager and provide tips and examples of how to write a stand-out CV for an office manager position. 

What does an office manager do?

The office manager’s role is multi-faceted and their contribution is pivotal in maintaining the smooth functioning of the organisation. Their ability to manage various tasks efficiently, foster a positive work environment and support employees in their day-to-day activities significantly impacts the overall success and effectiveness of the company.

Let’s take a look at some of the daily responsibilities of an office manager: 

Coordinating staff

Office managers play a pivotal role in coordinating staff activities. They handle employee schedules, ensuring adequate coverage and proper allocation of tasks. They facilitate effective communication within the organisation, promoting seamless collaboration between different teams and departments.

In addition to managing schedules and task allocation, office managers also have a significant impact on team morale. They understand the importance of fostering a positive work environment and promoting employee satisfaction. 

By promoting open communication and encouraging team members to collaborate seamlessly, office managers create a sense of unity and camaraderie within the organisation.

Financial management

Financial management is another crucial aspect of an office manager’s role. They may handle budgets, monitor expenses and identify areas where cost-cutting measures can be implemented without compromising the quality of work.

Facilities management

Office managers can be responsible for overseeing office space and facilities. They ensure that the workspace is well-organised, comfortable and conducive to productivity. This involves managing office layouts, seating arrangements and optimising the use of available space.

Recruitment

Office managers also play a key role in handling human resources-related tasks. They may assist in recruitment processes, onboarding new employees and coordinating training sessions to enhance the skills of the workforce.

Event management

In times of office events or conferences, office managers can take charge of organising such gatherings. They ensure that all logistical aspects, such as venue arrangements, catering and scheduling, are meticulously planned to facilitate successful outcomes and high participant satisfaction.

Managing supplies

In smaller organisations,  part of their responsibilities involves managing office supplies and ensuring that stationery and necessary equipment are well-stocked and readily available for employees. This ensures that the office operates smoothly without any disruptions due to inadequate supplies.

What’s the best format for an Office Manager’s CV?

Choosing the right format for your CV is essential in presenting your qualifications and experiences clearly and professionally and showing off your leadership skills. 

Here are some tips for formatting an office manager’s CV effectively:

Office Manager CV profile

The CV profile, also known as a personal statement or professional summary, is a concise and impactful section at the beginning of your CV that serves as an introduction to potential employers. It is a brief paragraph that showcases your key attributes, skills and achievements as an office manager. Think of it as your opportunity to make a strong first impression and entice hiring managers to read your CV in detail.

In the CV profile section, you have the chance to present yourself as a competent and experienced office manager, highlighting the qualities that set you apart from other candidates. It is essential to focus on your management and leadership skills, problem-solving abilities and specific accomplishments that demonstrate your value and expertise in office management.

Customising your CV profile to align with the specific job you’re applying for is crucial in making it relevant and targeted. By tailoring your profile to match the requirements of the position, you can show potential employers that you possess the right skills and experience needed to excel in the role of an office manager.

A well-crafted CV profile can significantly impact the impression your CV makes on recruiters and hiring managers. It acts as a compelling elevator pitch that summarises your suitability for the job and encourages employers to delve deeper into the rest of your CV.

Office Manager CV profile: weak example

Office manager with some experience leading administrative teams. Skilled in handling office operations and coordinating schedules. Good communication and problem-solving skills. Looking for a job that fits my qualifications.

In this bad example, the CV profile lacks specific accomplishments or quantifiable achievements. The language used is vague and doesn’t highlight the candidate’s strengths effectively. The profile fails to make a compelling case for the candidate’s suitability for the office manager role and may not capture the attention of potential employers.

Office Manager CV profile: strong example

Here is an example of a well-written Office Manager CV Profile: 

Dedicated and results-driven office manager with over 7 years of experience leading administrative teams. Proven track record in streamlining office operations, optimising workflow and implementing cost-effective solutions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering a positive work environment and enhancing team productivity. Adept at handling budgets, coordinating schedules and resolving complex issues.

CV contact details

The CV contact details section is a critical aspect of an office manager’s CV, as it provides potential employers with essential information to reach out to you for further communication and potential job opportunities. Including accurate and up-to-date contact information is crucial in ensuring that employers can easily and conveniently reach out to you for interviews, further inquiries or to extend a job offer. 

Ensure that the contact information is error-free and easily readable, as any mistakes or unclear details may hinder your chances of being contacted for job opportunities.

Here’s what you should include in the CV contact details section:

Full name 

Start by providing your full name in a clear and professional format. Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations, as it is essential to present yourself formally to potential employers.

  • Bad Example: Christi “Admin-Wizard” Smith
  • Good Example: Christina Smith

Phone number

Provide a reliable and active phone number where potential employers can contact you. It is advisable to include a mobile number that you frequently use and can readily answer. Ensure to include the dialling code for your specific location. 

  • Bad Example: 555-1234
  • Good Example: (555) 555-1234

Email address

Include a professional email address that you check regularly. The email address should ideally be a combination of your name and some numbers or other relevant information. Avoid using informal or unprofessional email addresses.

  • Bad Example: tinkerbell_girl@email.com
  • Good Example: christina_smith@email.com

Education

The education section in an office manager’s CV provides an overview of the candidate’s academic qualifications and any relevant certifications or training they have acquired. This section allows potential employers to assess the candidate’s educational background, which may be essential for certain office management positions.

When listing your education in an office manager CV, be clear and specific about the degrees or certifications you have earned, including the institution’s name, location and the period of study. 

Emphasise any courses or training directly related to office management to demonstrate your relevant qualifications to potential employers. A well-structured and detailed education section can positively impact the overall impression of your CV and increase your chances of being considered for the position of office manager.

Education: weak example

In this bad example, the candidate has provided minimal information without specifying the degree type. The vague description of the “Bachelor’s Degree” and “Online Office Management Course” lacks crucial details that could help potential employers understand the candidate’s educational background better. 

This lack of specificity may raise questions about the candidate’s qualifications and may not present them as a strong candidate for an office manager role.

Education: strong example

In this example, the candidate has provided clear and relevant educational information. They have listed their Bachelor of Business Administration degree, specifying the university’s name and period of study. 

They have also included certification from an online institute, providing details of the year of completion. The information is concise and well-organised, making it easy for potential employers to understand the candidate’s educational qualifications related to office management.

Career history

The career history section of an office manager’s CV is a crucial part where candidates highlight their work experience in previous office manager roles. This section allows potential employers to assess the candidate’s practical experience and achievements in office management, providing insight into their capabilities and suitability for the role.

When presenting your career history, be specific and provide quantifiable achievements and responsibilities. Highlight instances where you demonstrated leadership, problem-solving and other relevant skills. 

Career history: weak example

  • Office Manager | XYZ Company | 2016 – 2019
  • Managed office operations and supervised staff.
  • Handled administrative tasks and resolved issues.

In this bad example, the candidate has provided minimal information in a general and vague manner. The bullet points lack specific details about the candidate’s accomplishments or the challenges they faced. 

The lack of quantifiable achievements and specific responsibilities may not effectively showcase the candidate’s office management skills, making it challenging for potential employers to assess their suitability for an office manager role.

Career history: strong example

Office Manager | ABC Enterprises | London, United Kingdom | 2018 – Present

  • Successfully led a team of 12 administrative professionals, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
  • Implemented efficient office procedures, resulting in a 20% reduction in administrative errors and improved overall efficiency.
  • Streamlined office supply management, reducing costs by 15% while maintaining adequate inventory levels.
  • Spearheaded the integration of a new office management software, improving communication and task delegation among teams.
  • Resolved complex office-related issues, ensuring smooth daily operations and seamless workflow.

In this good example, the candidate has provided a detailed and quantifiable account of their work experience as an office manager. They have included the job title, company name, location and employment period. 

The bullet points effectively showcase the candidate’s leadership abilities, problem-solving skills and specific achievements, such as cost reduction and process improvement. This demonstrates the candidate’s proficiency in office management and their positive impact on the organisation.

Core skills

The core skills section of an office manager’s CV is a critical part where candidates showcase their essential competencies that align with the requirements of the office manager role. This section provides potential employers with a quick overview of the candidate’s key strengths and abilities, helping them assess whether the candidate possesses the necessary skills to excel in the position.

When listing core skills, be specific and provide relevant details or examples to support each skill. Emphasise how each skill has contributed to your previous roles or achievements. A well-crafted core skills section can significantly enhance the overall impression of your CV and demonstrate your qualifications as a competent office manager candidate.

Core skills: weak example

  • Organisational Abilities: Good at managing things.
  • Communication Skills: Good at talking.
  • Budget Management: Some experience with handling budgets.
  • Team Leadership: Led a team before.
  • Proficiency in Office Software: Familiar with Microsoft Office.

In this bad example, the candidate has provided vague and overly general descriptions of their core skills. The skills lack specific details and fail to highlight the candidate’s level of proficiency or any relevant achievements. 

This makes it difficult for potential employers to assess the candidate’s suitability for an office manager role based on these generic descriptions.

Core skills: strong example

  • Organisational Abilities: Proven track record in effectively managing office operations, coordinating schedules and handling multiple tasks to ensure smooth workflow and efficiency.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, fostering clear and effective communication within the team and with clients and stakeholders.
  • Budget Management: Adept at handling budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities and optimising expenditure while ensuring quality service delivery.
  • Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, fostering a positive work environment and achieving team objectives with high levels of collaboration and productivity.
  • Proficiency in Office Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant office management software, streamlining administrative tasks and improving productivity.

In this good example, the candidate has provided a comprehensive list of core skills relevant to the office manager role. Each skill is accompanied by a brief description of the candidate’s proficiency in that area, demonstrating their expertise in office management. 

The skills are well-organised and directly aligned with the responsibilities of an office manager, making it easy for potential employers to identify the candidate’s strengths in key areas.

Conclusion

A well-put-together office manager CV is the key to presenting yourself as a competent and experienced professional. It highlights your leadership skills, problem-solving abilities and accomplishments to stand out among other applicants. 

By customising your CV to align with the specific job you’re applying for, you can increase your chances of impressing potential employers and securing your dream office manager role.

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career as an office manager, Joss Search can help you find business support-related job opportunities that match your skills and aspirations. Contact Joss Search today to explore your potential for a rewarding and fulfilling career as an office manager. Let us assist you in making your mark as a competent leader and valuable asset to any organisation.