How to be a good Executive Assistant

An Executive Assistant is an Administrative Assistant with more responsibilities and a higher role in the company, usually this figure will assist one or two people, typically the Presidents of the company.

Instructions

1. Image is very important in this figure, as usually you are representing one of the Executives of the company. Typically in this role you will wear suits but if in some cases it is a business casual environment make sure to always have your clothes in good taste and ironed.

2. Communication is also key, you need to know how to express yourself to your boss and people that you are talking to as well as have an immediate understanding of the needs of your executives.

3. Know how to keep calm, in a lot of cases your bosses will get frustrated for one thing or another and it is good to keep calm and know how to handle the situation, one of you has to think straight, and your boss will appreciate it, as you will become their rock.

4. Having good phone etiquette and courtesy is always a plus; you never know who is on the other side of the phone and always answer professionally and with a smile, as you can "hear" it on the other side.

5. Time Management, organizational skills and know how to prioritize are also essential in the job, as you will probably not have a lot of blank spots in your daily schedule. And therefore it is a good idea to keep your desk neat and orderly so you do not waste time looking for important papers.

6. Have more than one skill, typically having a good knowledge of computer skills such as Microsoft Office will be required but extras are always good, if you know more software like a travel one or a bookkeeping one will only come to your advantage. Also a lot of times it is required to know another language since bigger companies have offices all over the world. In fact, most likely that you will have to plan travel arrangements for your supervisor, so knowledge about the industry, airfares, hotels and taxis are always a plus.

7. Confidentiality is also an important part of the job, as you will come across a great deal of different information about the company, its finances and even information about other employees and managers, so it is important to keep it very professional and not divulge in office gossip because it may cost you your job.

8. Most of these skills are acquired with time and experience but before becoming an Executive Assistant you were probably an administrative assistant and you gained experience.