Many people struggle with defining what is an Executive Assistant Job. Executive Assistant jobs are one of the most senior and prestigious roles for Administrative professionals. It is a more senior role than other related careers e.g. PA jobs.

Executive Assistant Career Skills

Executive Assistants often provide business support to senior executives or directors of companies and organisations. They tend to make far more decisions, work proactively and essentially have the confidence to function independently and assertively at the executive level.

Executive Assistants need far more business and managerial skills. This is required to provide effective support in order to work in partnership with their Executive manager. Here are some of the skills commonly needed:

  • The ability to prioritise
  • Awareness of the organisation’s bigger picture objectives
  • Proactivity
  • Excellent Organisational skills
  • Decision making
  • Confidence to work effectively in the Executive area
  • Managerial-level communication skills
  • Business Skills, which could include knowledge/experience of:
    • Projects
    • Organising Events
    • Finance
    • HR
    • Social Media / Digital Marketing
    • Health and Safety
    • And much more

Executive Assistant roles are increasingly becoming involved in Business support and less in administrative support. Nevertheless, strong administrative skills are still required. Here are some of the core administrative skills:

  • Time Management
  • Meeting deadlines
  • Advanced Microsoft Office Skills
    • PowerPoint
    • Excel
    • Word
    • Outlook
    • Office 365
    • Sharepoint
  • Fast Learner
  • Strong digital literacy / IT literacy
  • Problem Solver
  • Critical thinker
  • Minute Taking
  • Diary and Travel Management
  • Excellent Written Business Communication
  • Organising meetings
  • Dealing with Expenses, Budgets and Financial issues
  • Client Care Skills

People skills are vital in this client-facing career. Many organisations are keen that their Executive Assistant should be an excellent networker and able to manage relationships, as they will act as a point of contact for a wide range of customers and also, senior management.

Executive AssistantsIdeally, they need to have the confidence to influence others and work on their own initiative, but should equally, be comfortable working as a part of the team.

What is an Executive Assistant Job

Executive Assistant jobs are becoming increasingly interesting and are changing constantly. In a recent interview with an experienced  Executive Assistant trainer, she stated that there is a growing requirement for Executive Assistants to have a broader range of business skills. This is because many Executive managers are keen to have Executive Assistants who can provide support in a broader range of areas.

This means that Executive Assistant jobs are increasingly challenging and offer the opportunity to get exposure to more interesting areas. This has led to more people seeking Executive Assistant careers and are attracted by increasingly attractive salaries and benefit packages. Please CLICK HERE to see the salary survey data we have collated.