At a glance
Pay shows the low (10th percentile) to high (90th percentile) Canada-wide wages for Administrative assistants, from Job Bank (2023–2024), as yearly amounts for full-time work. Pay varies by province, city and experience. See wages in your area on Job Bank
What you'll do
- Answer phones and emails and greet visitors
- Manage calendars, book meetings and arrange travel
- Prepare documents, presentations and correspondence
- Keep files and records organized and up to date
- Order supplies and help with invoices and data entry
How to get there
- Many employers hire people with a high school diploma and strong computer skills.
- A one-year office administration certificate or diploma from a Canadian college makes you job-ready.
- Learn Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace well; free online courses and library programs can help.
Your bilingual advantage
Speaking two languages makes you stand out in Administrative Assistant jobs. Here's where it helps most and how to prove it.
Where bilingual skills are in demand
- Quebec, where French is the language of work and English or other languages often help with clients outside the province
- New Brunswick, Canada's only officially bilingual province
- Ottawa–Gatineau and the federal public service, where many positions are designated bilingual
- National companies serving customers across Canada, and employers serving newcomer communities in other languages
Prove your level
Employers trust a recognized result more than "fluent". For French, common tests include the DELF and DALF diplomas and the TEF and TCF tests. Federal public service jobs use their own Second Language Evaluation (levels A, B and C). Describe your level for speaking, reading and writing separately.
Expect part of the interview in each language
Bilingual employers often switch languages during the interview or give a short written task. Practise answering the questions on this page in both languages.
What employers look for
Usually required
- Strong organization and attention to detail
- Good written and spoken English
- Experience with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
- A friendly, professional manner on the phone and in person
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Gives you an edge
- An office administration diploma or certificate
- French or another language our clients speak
How to stand out
List your software skills and typing speed.
Show reliability and organization with examples, even from volunteering or school.
A second language, especially French, opens more jobs.
See a full Bilingual Administrative Assistant résumé example, or get our Bilingual Resume Template.
Interview questions to prepare for
Employers hiring for this job often ask questions like these. Prepare a short, specific example for each.
- How do you keep track of many tasks and deadlines?
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake in your work. How did you fix it?
- How would you handle an upset caller who wants to speak to the owner right away?
- Which software do you use most, and what do you like about it?
- How do you handle confidential information?
Where it can lead
Your rights and tips as a job seeker in Canada
Know the pay before you apply
In British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, public job postings must include the pay or pay range. In Ontario, so must postings from employers with 25 or more employees made since January 1, 2026. Use the pay on this page to judge whether an offer is fair.
New to Canada?
In Ontario, employers with 25 or more employees can't ask for Canadian experience in a job posting or application form. For regulated jobs, such as engineering, teaching or a skilled trade, contact the provincial regulator early to have your credentials assessed.
You're protected from discrimination
Human rights laws mean employers can't make hiring decisions based on your age, sex, gender identity, race, religion, disability, or family or marital status. You can ask for accommodation during the hiring process, for example for an interview.
Hear back after interviews
In Ontario, employers with 25 or more employees must tell you within 45 days of your last interview whether a hiring decision has been made for a publicly advertised job.
Never pay to get a job
Real employers don't charge you to apply, to be trained or to be hired, and they don't ask for banking details before an offer. Only share your Social Insurance Number (SIN) after you're hired. Stay safe from job scams
Starting out young?
Each province sets its own minimum working age and limits on hours for young workers. See the rules by province
General information, checked on October 3, 2026. It isn't legal advice; rules depend on your province or territory.
Find your next Administrative Assistant job
Create a free profile, add your résumé and apply to bilingual jobs across Canada.
