The skill every EA should be including on their resume

Whether you’re an Executive Assistant actively looking for a new role or just open to new opportunities, it’s important to keep your resume and LinkedIn profile up-to-date with the skills and traits potential employees are searching for.

Whilst it may seem organisations prioritise different skillsets, there are many traits which all companies are begging for.

We analysed a cross-section of job ads from across public and private sectors to identify the most common traits executives were looking for in their assistants.

So what’s the trait in highest demand?

A positive, can-do attitude. 

Most, if not all, job ads said they were searching for applicants who were proactive with willingness to learn and perform well in high-pressure situations. They had their eyes peeled for an EA who could foster positivity throughout the office, take pride in their work and collaborate easily with other staff members.

Being technologically savvy came in next with desired proficiency in Word, Excel, Microsoft 365 and Adobe. A keen eye for detail and proof-reading was also highly regarded.

Other notable skills include minute taking, organisation, diary management and stakeholder relations.

See below the full list of skills to incorporate in your resume:

·         Ability to take control and thrive in high pressure situations

·         Excellent communication and time management skills

·         High attention to detail

·         Able to exercise a high level of discretion, confidentiality and sometimes political sensitivity in liaising with internal and external stakeholders

·         A positive, can-do attitude

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills

·         Flexibility and a proven willingness and ability to learn

·         Good computer skills, especially in data entry, Microsoft Excel, Word & Powerpoint is essential

·         Prior minute taking experience

·         Highly competent & organized

·         Proven experience arranging travel, diary and events management at an executive level

·         Be a strong, credible advocate for the company with all stakeholders

·         Identifies more and less critical activities and operates accordingly

·         A team player but also able to work on own initiative

·         Ability to build rapport and operate at all levels of the business

Someone just viewed your LinkedIn profile- make sure they’re impressed with what they see.

Written by: Claire Dowler

Claire Dowler is a Senior Conference Producer with Akolade. She recently graduated with a double degree: a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Media and Communications Studies majoring in International Communication. Claire minored in sarcasm and puns.

A ballroom-dancer who collects salt and pepper shakers and volunteers for animal rescue, you might say Claire has eclectic interests.