How to Get a Job as an Executive Assistant

Executive assistants usually work for very high level executives within a company. Depending on the executive that you are working for, your job duties as an executive assistant can vary greatly. You may be planning travel one day, hosting a meeting the next, preparing a presentation, or shopping for a present for your bosses wife. Being an assistant to an executive can be fun and stressful all at once. Here's how to get a job as an executive assistant.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Professional Clothing

Instructions

1. 

   The first thing that you are going to need if you want to get a job as an executive assistant is experience or education, preferably both. Executives don't have time to train their assistants, so they want someone who is confident and knows what they are doing from day 1. If you have never served as an assistant before, start by looking for a job as an administrative assistant. Also, consider taking some business administration courses, which will better prepare you for a position as an executive assistant.

2. 

   Next, you are going to need to create a killer resume that is going to get noticed. Make sure that you read the job posting carefully and know learn everything that you possibly can about the executive that you are applying to work for. Tailor your resume and your cover letter for each position that you'll be applying for.

3. 

   When you get an interview, make sure that you are dressed extremely professionally. Remember that if the executive hires you, he/she will expect you to represent him! That means that everything about your appearance should be as perfect as possible - including your hair, outfit, nails, shoes, etc.

4. You will probably have to get through at least one round of interviews, maybe more, before you are ever interviewed by the person that you'd actually be working for. It's important that you impress these people if you want to make it through to the next round of interviews. It's also wise to learn as much as you can about the person that you'd be working with during these interviews. This will help you to prepare for your interview with the executive.

5. 

   When you interview, make sure that you are prepared to point out your skills as they relate to what the executive that you are interviewing is looking for.

6. Executives often expect their assistants to be able to anticipate their needs and to meet them without having to be asked. It is extremely important during your interview that you show your ability to do this during your interview.

7. 

   Follow up on your interview with a thank-you letter that's tailored directly to the person that you interviewed with. If he/she talked about his needs and expectations, make sure that you address how you'll meet those in your follow up letter.

8. Don't get frustrated if you don't get hired by the first company that you apply or interview with. A lot of hiring an executive assistant has to do with personality - it's going to work out best for everyone if you end up working with someone who you will get along with.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your network as you look for a job as an executive assistant.