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Creating the perfect executive assistant CV can be a daunting prospect, as it will inevitably need to cover a lot of ground. Fortunately, we’re here to help you identify the core skills that recruiters are looking for, from schedule management to word-per-minute typing speed.
Executive assistants are integral to a successful business. From supervising budgets to diary management, a good executive assistant will take on a wide range of duties. If you want to learn how to provide key administrative support to senior management figures, read our UK executive assistant CV sample and follow our expert skills advice.
Executive assistant CV templates
Top tips for your executive assistant CV
When it comes to hiring an executive assistant, employers only want the best of the best. With these tips, we’ll help you build an executive assistant CV that stands out from the rest.
Focus on what makes you stand out
Give your executive assistant CV an edge by mentioning any specialisms that could help you stand out from the pack. For example, if you speak another language, that might be useful in international companies. Or if you have experience in social media management, that could be appealing to modern executives building their profile.
Keep it organised and structured
Executive assistant responsibilities vary from company to company, but there is one that will appear in every job description – organisation. Your CV is your first chance to show to any potential employers that you can keep your work neat, tidy, and well-structured. Stick to an easy-to-read design with headings and lists, and be sure to run a spellcheck to eliminate any accidental errors.
Carefully tailor your CV to every advert
There simply isn’t a one-size-fits-all CV that covers all the executive assistant duties displayed in every advert. More so than with other positions, each company will have its own business-specific job requirements when looking for a successful executive assistant. That’s why you need to make sure you do a deep dive into every company you apply for and tailor your CV accordingly.
Your personal statement should shine
Fact: the key word in “personal statement” is “personal”. This is even truer when it comes to an executive assistant role, a highly competitive position where most applicants will have the required skills and qualifications. Your personal statement is your best shot at standing out from the rest, so avoid clichés and let your personality shine through.
What are the best executive assistant job qualifications?
The most sought-after executive assistant job qualifications include Maths, English, QuickBooks training and Microsoft Office certificates. You can also boost your chances of success with a diploma or degree in administration or a related subject.
Executive assistant skills to include in your CV
Being in charge of executive assistant duties requires an extremely varied skillset. These are the skills needed for an executive assistant who wants to perform at a top level:
Essential executive assistant job skills
- Organisation
- Time management
- Impeccable attention to detail
- Professional discretion
- Good under pressure
- Scheduling
Complementary executive assistant skills and expertise:
- Resourcefulness
- Clear communication
- IT savviness
- Patience
- Multi-tasking
- Decision-making
Stand out with your personal statement
When it comes to applying for an executive assistant role, your personal statement is your best chance to show why you deserve the job. That’s why you mustn’t forget to mention any specialism that might differentiate you from the other applicants. You must also make sure that your personal statement caters to the kind of business that you are applying for. This will serve to prove the kind of impeccable attention to detail that employers seek.
Top FAQs about your executive assistant CV
What is an executive assistant?
In a few words, executive assistants are the seams that tie everything together in a company. An executive assistant works alongside a company’s senior management staff to ensure the smooth running of the business’ administrative and organisational processes. Effectively professional schedulers and problem solvers, executive assistants are the reliable right hand that every senior executive needs to succeed.
What does an executive assistant do?
An executive assistant is the jack-of-all-trades that every functional company requires. That means that candidates will need an exceedingly varied range of skills to even be considered for the position. Executive assistant job responsibilities include managing schedules, arranging meetings and writing itineraries. From booking travel to drafting correspondence, the perfect executive assistant will successfully face a new challenge every day. They must exude confidence, showing no hesitation when communicating clearly and deciding which tasks need prioritising. Executive assistants don’t get to delegate, so they will also need to be adept decision-makers capable of taking responsibility for their actions.
Why be an executive assistant?
To start with, an executive assistant role will never be boring, as the work will be quite varied from one day to the next. This is a high-stakes position where every single day makes a difference, perfect for fierce self-motivators on the lookout for constant challenges. It’s also an extremely rewarding role, both on a financial and personal level. On top of the salary perks, working as an executive assistant fosters creativity and boosts self-confidence. Because their actions have a direct effect on the performance of senior staff, a strong executive assistant takes pride in doing a commendable job.
What is the salary of an executive assistant?
As usual, high stakes come with high rewards. In the UK, the average executive assistant is compensated for their high responsibilities with a national average salary of around £37,000.
What are the top qualities of an executive assistant?
The key skills for an executive assistant are all about organisation and time management. A strong executive assistant should be a resourceful and adaptable person, capable of making life easier for senior staff. Sought-after qualities for this role also include keeping calm under pressure, excelling at multitasking and paying attention to detail.
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Put together the best executive assistant CV
Our work here is done – now it’s your time to create your executive assistant CV. Just like a good executive assistant, our online builder will iron out your application and improve your chances of being successful. Starting with a customisable CV template, you can show why you – and only you – possess all the executive assistant skills in the book.
