Executive Assistants are often described as the CEO’s secret weapon. And, with top earner’s salaries reaching £100,000+, there is certainly more to the job than planning and organising. They are likely to work with a company’s top executives or senior management. This could be right up to the Chairman, CEO and CFO. EAs take on more responsibilities and duties than a Personal Assistant. Moreover, they'll have greater decision-making authority within a company.
Executive Assistant's Job
Successful Executive Assistants can make enormous contributions to the productivity at all levels of the organisation that they work for. An Executive Assistant's job is to be an effective gate-keeper. They will need to to save their boss time, to always be one step ahead and prepared for every eventuality. This includes; having documents ready for board meetings, organising diaries and travel, making decisions in their boss’ absence and keeping projects on track. On top of that Executive Assistants will keep their boss from being distracted by filtering telephone calls, emails and internal workplace queries. They manage information flow, deal with basic financial management and attend meetings and take minutes. Tasks relating to private or family life and personal errands may also be required.
What skills does an EA need?
This is a role that can be incredibly diverse and exciting. It is one that constantly changes and challenges so an Executive Assistant needs to keep up. Top Executive Assistants will be up- to-date with current affairs, new technologies and all areas relating to the company they work for. While insider knowledge of the business and the personalities that work there will be invaluable to an Executive Assistant.
Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills play a huge part in succeeding as an Executive Assistant. It is are important to be able to accurately ‘read’ and deal with complex situations. They often stay with a company for many years, because they build a strong relationship with their boss, who will trust them to make decisions and act on their behalf. It’s imperative that high-flying Executive Assistants understand the unspoken needs and personalities of the people or person they work with. EA's may need to confidently ‘push back’ and ask questions to get the job done efficiently and accurately.
Belinda Lighton, Managing Director of Knightsbridge Recruitment, says: "The importance and relevance of the role of an EA should not be underestimated. Often the power behind the throne, an outstanding EA is not only an ambassador for their boss but a trusted confidant, who knows more about the company than virtually anyone else. It’s their strategic thinking, crisis mitigation, clever plate spinning, exceptional communication skills, ironclad discretion and making the seemingly impossible, possible that sets them apart."
Hiring an Executive Assistant
Finding the right Executive Assistant can be a challenge, which is why Knightsbridge Recruitment’s process is so careful and rigorous. Our recruitment consultants ensure they match a candidate’s skills and talents to the requirements of the position. This extends far beyond the CV and experience. Personal chemistry, ambition, interests and company culture are just as important when it comes to finding the right ‘fit’. Nothing is more important than the ‘right fit’.
Similar Jobs
- Chief of Staff
- Business Assistant
Browse our current job roles >
If you’re looking to hire a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, Private PA, Virtual or Online Assistant or Office Staff please contact one of our recruitment consultants on 020 7468 0400 or email us.
This article is written by Jemima Boost
Jemima is a Newcastle University graduate, working as a freelance copywriter and editor. She is also a trained counsellor, working closely with people who suffer from anxiety.
In collaboration with Belinda Lighton
With over 30 years at the helm of Knightsbridge Recruitment, Belinda Lighton brings unusual depth of experience in placing high-performing and talented PAs and EAs across a wide range of industries. Her understanding of the evolving demands of executive support roles allows her to offer strategic insight and practical guidance, drawn from decades of hands-on leadership at one of London’s most respected and longstanding boutique recruitment consultancies specialising in PAs, EAs and office support staff.
Recent Posts
The Digital Tightrope: From Slack Slang to Emoji Overload – What EAs and PAs should avoid doing at Work
Why Tone Matters – Especially for PAs and EAs Most people have experienced a moment at work, where someone sends …
Read More
...From Shoreditch to Mayfair: Dressing for PA and EA job interviews in London
When style meets strategy. In the world of Personal and Executive Assistants, how you present yourself can say just as …
Read More
...Why AI Interviews Can’t Replace Human Judgement in Hiring PAs and EAs
When The Shoe Doesn’t Fit: The True Cost of Rushed Recruitment Every year, without fail, summer seems to catch people …
Read More
...Looking for a job ?
EXECUTIVE BUSINESS EA to WORLD-CLASS CEO
£80,000-£120,000 DOE
West End
31/07/2025
An exceptional opportunity for a proven top-tier EA.
This is not your typical EA role. You will be the strategic right hand to a globally respected UHNW CEO - someone operating at the very highest lev...
Executive Assistant – Private Office | Property, Travel & Lifestyle Management
up to £80,000 DOE
London
22/08/2025
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a highly capable, intellectually sharp Executive Assistant to join a prestigious private office in a broad-ranging support role. This unique position blends e...
EA to C-Suite - Fast Paced, Forward Thinking, People-First Culture
£55,000 - £65,000 DOE
London
22/08/2025
Are you an experienced Executive Assistant (EA) looking for your next challenge in a fast-paced, professional environment? A rare and exciting opportunity has opened at a highly respected boutique fir...
Personal Assistant for Philanthropic UHNW Family Office
£45,000 to £60,000 DOE
West London
15/08/2025
A very collaborative and friendly Family Office based in West London is looking for a numerate Personal Assistant for their exceptionally appreciative and personable Chief of Staff, and to support the...
Graduate Opportunity – Front of House & Business Admin at Top-Tier Finance Company
Up to £45,000 DOE
London
22/08/2025
Are you a motivated graduate ready to launch your career with one of the world’s most prestigious financial institutions? A globally renowned investment firm based in Central London is hiring a Front ...