Administrative and program support assistants keep a government office running: the paperwork, the records, the calendars, the timekeeping, and the front desk. It's one of the most common ways into government work, at the federal, state, and local level alike, and it's a strong fit if you've done office, clerical, or reception work anywhere. Below is a complete starting point you can copy and adjust.

Where these jobs are posted

On USAJOBS, look for titles like Program Support Assistant, Administrative Support Assistant, Office Automation Assistant, and Secretary. Many fall under series 0303 (Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant) or 0318 (Secretary), and entry levels often start around GS-4 to GS-6. State and local governments post similar jobs under titles like Administrative Support Assistant, Clerical Assistant, or Office Assistant. Search your state personnel site and your city or county's jobs page.

What screeners look for

Government office jobs are graded on accuracy and following procedure more than personality. A screener wants to see that you've handled records, prepared documents, entered data correctly, and protected sensitive information. Typing speed and specific software matter, so name them. If the posting mentions a skill like timekeeping or purchase requests and you've done it, make sure those exact words appear on your resume.

Resume summary

Organized administrative support assistant experienced in keeping an office's records, schedules, and paperwork accurate and on time. Comfortable following written procedures, protecting sensitive information, and serving the public courteously. Looking to bring dependable support and attention to detail to a program support role.

Skills to list

  • Records management and filing
  • Correspondence and form preparation
  • Calendar and travel scheduling
  • Timekeeping and leave records
  • Purchase requests and supply tracking
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Handling personal and sensitive information
  • Following written procedures and regulations
  • Front desk and phone coverage
  • Typing and proofreading

Experience bullet points

  • Prepared, proofread, and routed letters, memos, and forms for supervisor signature
  • Maintained paper and electronic files according to the office's records schedule
  • Scheduled meetings, reserved rooms, and kept calendars current for a team of managers
  • Entered employee time and leave into the timekeeping system each pay period
  • Tracked office supply orders and purchase requests from request through delivery
  • Answered phones and greeted visitors, directing questions to the correct staff member
  • Protected personal information by following privacy rules for handling and storing records
  • Compiled data from spreadsheets into weekly status reports for program managers
  • Updated office procedures and checklists when processes changed
  • Trained new staff on filing systems, forms, and office routines

Sample federal job entry

Federal resumes need the series and grade for federal jobs, month/year dates, and hours per week. If your experience is from a private company, you still need the dates and hours. Just leave off the series and grade.

Office Assistant, Family Medical Practice, Birmingham, AL. 06/2020 to 02/2024, 40 hours per week. Scheduled appointments and meetings for 9 providers; maintained 3,000+ patient files under privacy rules; entered staff time each pay period; ordered and tracked office supplies within a monthly budget.

Tips for this role

  • Count your volume. "Processed about 60 documents a week" or "supported 12 staff" shows the level of work, which federal grading depends on.
  • Name the systems. If you've used a timekeeping, scheduling, or records system, name it. Government offices use specific software, and familiar names help.
  • Show you can be trusted with records. Mention privacy training, confidential records, or security procedures you followed.
  • Check the typing requirement. Some office jobs require a typing test or a certified typing speed. If the posting mentions one, be ready.

Build your resume free

Open the 360 Quick Resume builder, choose Government Employees, then pick Administrative / Program Support Assistant. This summary, skills list, and these bullet points load in for you to edit. The builder also adds an hours-per-week field for each job, which federal resumes require. Download as PDF, Word, or plain text, free.

Before you apply, read our full guide on how to write a government resume, including the federal two-page rule and how state merit systems work.

More government resume examples