As companies reset budgets, launch new projects, and rebuild momentum after the holidays, Q1 becomes one of the busiest periods for administrative professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of administrative services and facilities managers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, as organizations prioritize positions that strengthen operations, communication, and workflow efficiency.¹
For job seekers, that means opportunity, but also competition. Preparing now means you’ll be ready when opportunities appear—with a resume that stands out.
Below is a practical guide to help administrative candidates enter Q1 with confidence, relevant skills, and a resume that reflects today’s hiring expectations.
Why Q1 Is a Key Time for Admin Roles
Before diving into the preparation steps, it’s important to understand why Q1 is such a high-impact season for administrative hiring. This context helps you tailor your approach and position yourself for early success.
New budgets = New hiring priorities
Many organizations delay hiring late in the year while finalizing budgets. Once January arrives, approved headcount moves quickly. A recent nationwide employer survey found that 63 percent of companies plan to add new permanent positions during the first half of the year.² This creates a surge of early-year openings ideal for administrative candidates.
Workload spikes after the holidays
Teams return in January with scheduling clean-ups, vendor requests, meeting planning, and operational resets. Administrative professionals often become organizational anchors during this period, helping departments get back on track.
Early-year hiring moves quickly
January and February tend to bring faster timelines. Employers want candidates who are ready to interview, respond, and start without delays. Preparing now means you’ll catch opportunities the moment they appear, not after they’ve closed.
Update Your Skills and Resume
With Q1 momentum building early, the next step is making sure your resume and skills are ready for fast-moving hiring cycles. A polished, results-driven presentation helps you rise to the top of competitive applicant pools.
Refresh your resume for administrative roles
Employers don’t just want a list of responsibilities, they want clear impact. Deloitte notes that quantifying achievements helps hiring teams quickly understand your effectiveness.³ Consider including metrics such as:
- “Coordinated 20+ recurring meetings per week”
- “Provided administrative support for a 15-person department”
- “Managed scheduling and communication for cross-team initiatives”
These details show that you understand the scale and complexity of the work.
Highlight adaptability and problem-solving
In fast-moving office environments, adaptability is a top differentiator. Gallup research shows that employees who demonstrate flexibility are more often viewed as high performers.⁴
Show this through examples like:
- Handling overlapping deadlines
- Managing last-minute meeting changes
- Coordinating information across teams
Practical examples help hiring managers picture you in the role.
Polish your professional materials
For administrative professionals, often the first point of contact for teams or visitors, small details matter. Before Q1, take time to:
- Update LinkedIn to match your resume
- Add a professional profile photo
- Check that your voicemail greeting is clear
- Refresh your email signature
These touchpoints reflect your level of professionalism.
Strengthen technical skills
While you don’t need deep technical expertise, employers expect steady confidence using everyday tools. Review or practice:
- Microsoft Excel: basic formulas, sorting/filtering, data entry
- Microsoft Word: formatting, templates, document cleanup
- Email + Calendar tools: Outlook, Google Calendar, scheduling features
- Communication platforms: Zoom, Teams, Slack
A short refresher course, even an hour or two, can sharpen your accuracy and speed.
Master digital organization and file management
With many workplaces operating hybrid, digital organization is essential. Show familiarity with:
- Clean file structures
- Consistent naming conventions
- Version control
- Document tracking
Mentioning these skills signals that you can support modern office environments.
Emphasize soft skills that stand out
Administrative roles depend heavily on:
- Communication
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Professionalism
- Attention to detail
Use specific achievements to demonstrate these strengths, for example, reorganizing a workflow or coordinating a last-minute event.
Read more: The Overlooked Soft Skills That Can Make or Break Warehouse & Office Employee Performance
How Masis Supports Admin Professionals
Entering Q1 with a staffing partner who understands the administrative job market gives you a clearer path to success.
Personalized Career Guidance
We work with you to strengthen your resume, highlight transferable skills, and position you for roles that match your experience level and career goals.
Access to Q1 Opportunities
Masis connects administrative professionals with employers actively hiring for:
- Office support and coordination
- Executive assistance
- Customer service and reception
- Data entry and clerical roles
- Administrative operations
Interview Preparation and Support
We prepare you for what employers are looking for, help you articulate your strengths, and support you through the interview process.
Smooth Onboarding and Training
Once you’re placed, we ensure you have the tools, training, and support needed to succeed from day one.
Ongoing Career Development
Our relationship doesn’t end when you start work. We provide check-ins, mentorship, and support to help you build a lasting administrative career.
Whether you’re looking to grow your career, gain experience, or re-enter the workforce, Masis provides support at every step of your administrative job search.
Check out the Masis candidate journey!
Prepare for Q1 with Masis Staffing.
Admin hiring ramps up quickly early in the year, and the most prepared candidates get noticed first. Masis Staffing helps administrative professionals strengthen their resumes, understand what employers want, and land roles that support real career growth.
Reach out today—we’ll help you get Q1-ready and confidently take the next step in your admin career.
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References
- “Administrative Services and Facilities Managers.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28 Aug. 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm
- Half, Robert. “Hiring Plans on the Rise: More than 6 in 10 U.S. Companies Plan to Add New Positions in the First Half of 2025.” PR Newswire, 12 Dec. 2024, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hiring-plans-on-the-rise-more-than-6-in-10-us-companies-plan-to-add-new-positions-in-the-first-half-of-2025-302329637.html
- “How to make your resume shine.” Deloitte, https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/careers/join-deloitte-recruiting-tips-developing-great-resume.html 1 Dec. 2025
- “Adaptability: Go With the Flow and Embrace Change.” Gallup, 10 Mar. 2025, https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/657230/adaptability-go-with-flow-embrace-change.aspx.
