What does an Executive Assistant do?
Executive Assistants’ job duties often involve supporting leadership teams with administrative and organizational skills. They can improve efficiency by handling day-to-day tasks and freeing executive leadership up for strategic decision-making. They also typically prioritize the most important communications or tasks to support seamless workflows for those they support.
Executive Assistant skills and qualifications
Skills you might prioritize in your search for Executive Assistant candidates include:
- Advanced organizational skills to manage time, coordinate calendars, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
- Excellent written communication skills for drafting emails and other documents on behalf of their employers
- The ability to be discrete to safeguard sensitive or confidential information about their employer and business processes
- Technical calendar management skills to operate automated scheduling and calendar and task-management software
Executive Assistant experience requirements
The experience you require for an Executive Assistant position depends on your preferences. Since this position isn’t typically an entry-level role, you may want candidates with administrative skills, especially if your company prefers skills-first hiring.
You might also consider requiring several years of experience in office management and administrative support roles. If you’re hiring an Executive Assistant to support a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a major corporation, you may want someone with experience supporting high-level C-suite professionals.
Executive Assistant education and training requirements
This position doesn’t require formal education. However, some employers might prefer candidates with a relevant associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Employers might also look for Executive Assistant candidates who hold certifications. A Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification or an Advanced Certificate for the Executive Assistant (ACEA) designation can help showcase a candidate’s relevant skills and knowledge.
Executive Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Executive Assistant is $65,884 per year. Salaries vary depending on the state or region where the position is located, the size of the organization and the level of responsibility required.
Executive Assistant salary expectations
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Common salary:
68879.36 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
18000.00 -153000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
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Executive Assistant job description FAQs
What’s the difference between an Executive Assistant and an Administrative Assistant?
An Executive Assistant typically provides support to executive leadership. Administrative Assistants may offer support to entire offices, teams or middle management.
What traits make a successful Executive Assistant?
Organization, professionalism and an independent work ethic can make for an excellent Executive Assistant. Because these professionals often need to address and overcome challenges, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills can also be beneficial.
How could an Executive Assistant add to your organizational structure?
Businesses have flexibility when including Executive Assistants on their organizational charts. You might operate with a one-to-one system where each Executive has an Assistant. Alternatively, you might have one or several Executive Assistants to support the entire leadership team. It depends on your business goals, needs and work environment.
Can Executive Assistants work remotely?
Due to the administrative nature of Executive Assistants’ job duties, the position can be fully remote. Consider whether your open position is best suited for a hybrid, in-person or remote arrangement.
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