When applying to administrative positions, you’ll likely encounter a number of common “soft skills” in the requirements section of the job postings. Communication skills and organizational skills, for example, are among some of the most frequently listed, and these skills can be found on job listings ranging from entry-level clerical positions to Executive Assistants. But do you know what these requirements really entail? Many may take them for granted as characteristics they already possess, but there’s more to them than having good grammar and knowing how to file in alphanumeric order.

Here are some such requirements you might come across and what they really mean:

Detail-oriented
If you’re applying for an administrative position, detail-orientation is a must, whether it’s listed in the requirements or not. This includes not only precision with projects such as filing and data entry, but also with scheduling, making travel arrangements, and preparing paperwork. The uses for a strengthened attention to detail in an office are endless, so it’s an exceptionally helpful skill to have!

Detail-oriented professionals are often invested in seeing a project through from start to finish and understanding every step of the way thoroughly. They generally understand, or seek to gain knowledge of, the task’s role in the bigger picture.

Communication skills and interpersonal skills
Communication skills are vital to any office support role. They include excellent grammar and language fluency, but are not limited to the mechanics of communication—in fact, the communication skills most employers look for are the abilities to communicate professionally, quickly, and efficiently. For example, a professional with strong communication skills will be able to settle an issue via email or the phone in a professional manner while ensuring that all parties are on the same page.

Similar to communication skills, interpersonal skills describe the way a professional interacts with his or her colleagues, employer, and customers/clients. These are the types of soft skills that are hard to measure and often include such intangible characteristics as friendliness, cordiality, and an ability to connect to others on a more personal—though still professional—level.

Highly organized
Most candidates know the basics of organization, but “highly organized” doesn’t only mean being able to maintain a tidy environment and organize files. A truly organized individual will know how to prioritize tasks in terms of importance, complexity, and time, and will be able to pull up information or materials without excessive searching. Organizational skills also apply to more abstract ideas, such as being able to handle interruptions, multitask, and switch between projects without losing your place.

Administrative skills
This term is more general and includes a range of skills including those listed above. Having strong administrative skills generally means being able to combine your attention to detail with communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills to excel in the broad scope of office work, including common administrative tasks like phone management, scheduling, meeting and greeting customers and clients, and data entry. Usually, software skills such as proficiency with Microsoft Office also fall under the broad umbrella of “administrative skills.”