what is an executive assistant?
An executive assistant is a clerical professional who assists high-level workers within a business. In this role, you work closely with the executives you serve and get to know their personal preferences. What sets you apart from secretaries or administrative assistants is the people you report to. Executive assistants work alongside C-suite professionals, such as chief executive officers (CEOs), chairpersons or board members.
As an executive assistant, revising an executive's speeches, receiving phone calls and preparing publicity material is part of your daily tasks. Your work enables your superiors to focus on the core requirements of their job rather than day-to-day management tasks.
Although you hold a subordinate role, you are in the position to advise your executive on important issues. Your direct access to internal policies and memos gives you valuable insights. You're in a position to manage team leaders, guide board members and keep your executive updated with new data.
As an executive assistant, you require various administrative skills to handle your tasks. For instance, time management and multitasking skills help you handle many duties and meet deadlines. You need composure and should be headstrong in handling situations.
Would working as an executive assistant suit your time management and multitasking skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an executive assistant role.
executive assistant jobsaverage executive assistant salary
According to the Economic Research Institute, your compensation package as an executive assistant fluctuates based on numerous factors, including experience, the scope of the role and educational qualifications. The average earnings of an executive assistant in Greece is €34,000 per year, equivalent to an hourly rate of €17. When you are new to the role or have minimal experience, you start with a salary of €24,000 annually. With experience and a high level of education, you can take home over €41,000 per year.
what factors affect the salary of an executive assistant?
Your earnings as an executive assistant depend on education and experience. When you have minimal education, you are likely to earn less compared to executive assistants with higher education. Additional qualifications and training improve your expertise, and you can handle complex duties in the company. Your experience also influences your earnings. You perform basic administrative tasks in an entry-level position, but with experience, you take on more complex duties, like recruitment and stakeholder interaction.
The size of the company and the seniority of the executive also influence your earnings. You are likely to earn more when working with senior-level executives, such as CEOs or managing directors. Working in a big organisation improves your earning prospects due to the scope of responsibilities and the complexity of your role.
types of executive assistants
Executive assistants work in various industries and have multiple areas of specialisation. These include:
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C-suite executive assistants
As a C-suite executive assistant, you work with the top-level executives of a company, like CEOs and Chief Operations Officers (COOs). Your job is to manage the work schedule of senior executives by coordinating high-level meetings and serving as a liaison. You handle confidential matters in the company, which requires integrity and discretion.
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legal executive assistants
As a legal executive assistant, you work in law firms or the legal departments of large companies, supporting legal executives or lawyers. Your duties involve coordinating court filings, assisting in case preparations, and managing legal documents.
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personal executive assistants
As a personal executive assistant, you work directly with high-profile individuals. Your duties involve managing their schedules and personal tasks. You oversee household matters, coordinate travel and organise personal events.
working as an executive assistant
As an executive assistant, you work in a fast-paced environment that requires flexibility and organisation to keep up with demands. Here is an overview of the tasks and typical work schedule of an executive assistant:
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what does an executive assistant do?
Key tasks of an executive assistant include:
- Managing an executive's calendar and schedule: you are the gatekeeper who strategically manages the CEO's time. You plan their schedule based on their goals and priorities. You also handle meeting requests and create a working calendar to ensure the senior manager has time for all appointments.
- Receiving phone calls and managing emails: you manage all communication with the senior executive. That includes picking up phone calls on their behalf and organising their email. You also organise their correspondence in order of priority.
- Planning and facilitating meetings: your core responsibility involves planning and facilitating meetings, from client appointments to upper management meetings. You set up in-person or virtual meetings by finding the appropriate time for all parties and preparing the executive for the meetings. During meetings, you record the proceedings and transcribe them for parties who were unable to attend.
- Coordinating travel: as an executive assistant, you plan all travel for senior-level managers. You ensure a pleasant travel experience by organising flights, transportation and accommodation. You also prepare the itinerary and plan your schedule if you accompany the executive.
- Preparing documents: as an executive assistant, you draft, proofread and edit documents. You prepare the documents and reports for presentations in board meetings and ensure correspondence is sent out on time. Your job is to ensure everything is well-prepared and aligns with the executive's preferences and requirements.
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work environment of an executive assistant
As an executive assistant, you work primarily in an office environment. You have the freedom to work alone, but being cooperative and collaborative with other office staff is part of your job. Your usual workplace depends on your executive's location. The travel plans you organise enable you to see the world. You may also work remotely or from home. Expect to interact with all executive staff members, serving as the go-to person from whom they derive information. Since you work alongside top-level executives, you maintain strict professionalism and always wear business attire.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the company you work for, you are likely to interact with personal assistants, administrative assistants and receptionists. You also work with finance managers, marketing managers and operations managers. Since you work with senior-level executives, you interact with chief executive officers, managing directors and sales directors.
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executive assistant work schedule
The executive members of your company work full-time. Your schedule will be adaptable to the needs of the executive. However, you work a maximum of 40 hours a week. You have weekends off if your staff can meet the routine needs of your office. As an executive assistant, your job requires added flexibility.
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career opportunities as an executive assistant
The career outlook for executive assistants is good due to the competitive nature of corporate and executive workloads. Top-level executives find it easier to maximise their productivity with someone helping them handle the smaller tasks. Your earnings also increase over time. The longer you hold a position as an executive assistant, the more money you will be able to demand. In your career, you have the potential to work with a single person or lead an entire group.
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advantages of finding a job as an executive assistant through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- a range of jobs in your area
executive assistant skills and education
To become an executive assistant in Greece, you should possess the following qualifications:
- Education: pursue a university degree in a relevant field to become an executive assistant. For instance, you require a background in psychology, marketing or sales to work with marketing executives. In the finance industry, you may need a bachelor's degree in finance. Additionally, some employers require professional credentials, such as a membership with SOEL (the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Greece).
- Work experience: you require extensive work experience in your field of interest to become an executive assistant. Having additional credentials, like CompTIA PROJECT+ or PRINCE2, will improve your knowledge in managing projects and programmes.
competencies and characteristics of executive assistants
Some of the qualities of an executive assistant include:
- Time management skills: as an executive assistant, time management and organisation skills are critical. These skills allow you to support your employer by organising their calendars, work schedules and travels. You need time management skills to create and keep deadlines, set milestones, and prioritise tasks.
- Communication skills: as an executive assistant, you require strong verbal and written communication skills. These skills are valuable for proofreading documents and writing correspondence. Communication skills are crucial for phone etiquette as you speak with many clients.
- Adaptability: the work of an executive assistant is dynamic and requires flexibility to adapt to various situations. Your adaptability also helps you handle diverse projects.
- Computer skills: with the time constraints associated with your role, you need computer skills to use the latest technology. You require exceptional skills in using Microsoft Office applications and other office management software.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an executive assistant.
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what is the main role of an executive assistant?
As an executive assistant, you handle office-management duties on behalf of senior-level executives. Your duties involve organising events and managing executives' calendars or work schedules. You also manage appointments, screen visitors, and attend meetings on behalf of the executives. Other duties include hiring and training clerical workers and administrative assistants.
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how do you become an executive assistant?
To become an executive assistant, complete a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance or marketing. You should learn how to use common office programs and best business practices for office settings. You also require extensive experience to work as an executive assistant.
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what do CEOs look for in executive assistants?
CEOs look for proactive people with good instincts when hiring executive assistants. To be a good executive assistant, you should be a natural decision-maker, display good judgement, and have the ability to think on your feet under pressure. You also require analytical skills to assess risks and determine a sound course of action.
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is an executive assistant the same as an administrative assistant?
The main difference between executive and administrative assistants is the level of responsibility and the leaders they work for. An administrative assistant typically works with departmental managers and office managers, but an executive assistant works with senior-level executives.
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is an executive assistant a good career?
Working as an executive assistant is a rewarding career with great growth opportunities and you can move to senior management roles.
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how do I find a job as an executive assistant?
Finding a job near you as an executive assistant is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Then log in or register an account to send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
