Executive assistants play a crucial role in supporting leadership and ensuring organizational success. But if you’re considering this career, you may have questions about exactly what it takes to succeed. Let’s dive into the required skills that every executive assistant needs.
Organization
As an executive assistant, you’ll wear many hats. The executive you support likely has a lot of things going on. It will be up to you to keep them all organized. You’ll need highly advanced organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and top-level spreadsheet and database management abilities to ensure that nothing is overlooked.
Communication
Top executive assistants are masters of communication. You’ll likely spend much of your day interacting with staff members and clients from a wide array of backgrounds, as well as with your boss. The ability to put forth ideas, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and coherent manner that meets the needs of the target audience, will help you rise to the top of your field.
Technical Savviness
Technology has become a vital part of everyday life, and executive assistants should be ready to make the most of it. Strong computer skills, a working knowledge of the various technical tools your boss relies on, and the ability to troubleshoot basic errors are absolutely essential. As your supervisor’s right-hand person, try to anticipate potential technical issues and ward them off as quickly as possible.
Time Management
Not only will your own day be heavily scheduled, but you’ll also be responsible for keeping your boss on track. An innate sense of how long different duties generally take can help you create more realistic executive schedules. You should also know how to prioritize and delegate to ensure that neither you nor your supervisor end up overloaded. Of course, things can and will go wrong…in which case it will be up to you to fall back on your excellent communication skills to smooth things over.
Ready for your next role?
Cardinal Staffing has been matching candidates across Ohio and Michigan with just the right light industrial, administrative, and professional positions for nearly 30 years. With deep roots in these areas, we’re experts on the local job markets. Contact us to learn more or start searching for your next position today!
