Executive Assistant Jobs
As an Executive Assistant (EA) recruitment agency we have an excellent reputation for placing the best EAs in the most successful, diverse and cutting-edge companies in London. With over 40 years’ experience, we have learnt all there is to know about being an EA. Read on for our insights:
What Do Executive Assistants (EAs) Do?
Executive Assistants typically provide high-level business support to the likes of CEOs, managing directors, directors, entrepreneurs and HNWIs. The types of companies we work with tend to be fast-paced, exciting and hugely successful. This means that as an EA, you will have a lot of responsibility and need to be quick-thinking and intelligent.
You would mostly be in charge of diary management and scheduling travel and itineraries. But EAs also attend key meetings, where they’ll take minutes and in some cases run ad-hoc projects. There is often a lot of scope for career progression and it’s not unusual for an EA to become a director of the company they work for.
In some ways the role of an EA is similar to that of a PA, although they tend to hold more influence over the business than perhaps a PA would. Crossover includes the likes of taking telephone calls, drafting correspondence and communications, organising travel, attending meetings and general diary management. However, Executive Assistants might also oversee budgets, represent their boss at meetings and act as an ambassador for the company or individual.
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Executive Assistant's Job Description
An Executive Assistant’s job can be very demanding. It would suit someone who is a team-player and problem-solver with a fantastic attitude and work-ethic. You need to have a calm manner but be quick, quietly confident, upbeat, assertive and always willing to go that extra mile.
The job is likely to be broad and change on an almost-daily basis. It requires a lot of accurate prioritisation and ‘plate spinning’. However, as a guide, the key responsibilities of an Executive Assistant often include:
- General calendar and diary management
- Answering and directing telephone calls
- Managing email inboxes and sending responses
- Organising schedules, meetings and appointments
- Arranging travel and booking accommodation
- Preparing letters, invoices, statements and other documents
- Liaising with clients, colleagues and other EAs or PAs
- Arranging gifts for clients and members of the team
- Greeting visitors and clients
- Managing business projects
- Attending meetings with your boss and taking minutes
- Holding meetings and reporting back with actions
- Helping with interviews, hiring and training staff
- Maintaining budgets and expenses
- Arranging dinners, social events and company teambuilding events
- Researching new business ventures or project ideas
- Ad hoc personal errands and organisation
Qualifications
Although there is no set route to becoming an Executive Assistant, employers often look for candidates who are educated to degree level. Importance is also placed on the type of experience that EA candidates have built up over their career or while studying. Those looking for their first Executive Assistant job will need to show that they have relevant experience or useful transferable skills.
However, the most senior figureheads in business mostly want someone with a minimum of five years’ of EA/PA experience. At Knightsbridge Recruitment, we always look for people who will be the ‘right fit’ for a company over anything else.
Skills
Intelligence, attitude, drive and personality are really key when it comes to placing candidates successfully in jobs where they will be happy and thrive. You will be acting as an ambassador for your boss and the Company so the ‘right fit’ is vitally important for all parties. With that in mind, below are some key skills an EA should have:
- Intelligence
- Flexible attitude
- Charm and confidence
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines calmly
- Polite and well-presented
- Meticulous and accurate with everything they do
- Strong communication skills
- Discreet and trustworthy
- Able to solve problems and multi-task.
- Comfortable working in and possibly managing a team
- Confident in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and MS Outlook.
Work experience
Previous experience working in an office environment, performing administrative duties and providing support to management will help when applying for EA Jobs. Having interesting hobbies and demonstrating ambition and drive is also important.
How much do Executive Assistants Earn?
From
£35,000
To
£120,000++
Salaries can vary significantly between industries and the complexity and seniority of the job. In addition to your salary, you might also get an end of year bonus, which can be very generous – up to 100% in some businesses. Equally, some Executive Assistant jobs come with additional benefits like a company pension scheme, private health insurance, training and personal development, gym membership, bike to work schemes and flexible working. You may also have the opportunity to travel.
Working hours
Most jobs will generally be from 9am - 6pm, but EAs who are paid high salaries may be expected to work longer hours. Some employers will expect EAs to be on call 24/7 and work overtime particularly when big deals are being closed. Hours will vary from industry to industry. Part-time work, flexible hours and remote work are all possible too.
Industries we recruit for
If you are looking to hire a PA, please contact one of our recruitment consultants