What Are the Top 3 Skills of an Executive Assistant

Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts

• Executive assistants are one of the fastest-growing professions in the US, with a projected 10% growth rate from 2019-2029 (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• The average salary for an executive assistant in the US is $60,890 per year (source: Glassdoor).
• According to a survey by LinkedIn, the top 3 skills employers look for in an executive assistant are communication, organization, and time management.

The Top 3 Skills of an Executive Assistant

Now let’s dive into the top 3 skills that every executive assistant should possess:

1. Communication: As an executive assistant, you will be the primary point of contact between your executive and other team members, clients, and stakeholders. You need to have excellent verbal and written communication skills to ensure that messages are conveyed accurately and effectively. You also need to be able to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and be able to adapt your communication style accordingly.

   Personally, I prefer to use concise and clear language when communicating with my executive. I find that this helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures that we are both on the same page.

   According to a study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 73.4% of employers value communication skills as the most important quality they look for in candidates.

2. Organization: As an executive assistant, you will be responsible for managing your executive’s schedule and ensuring that they are prepared for meetings and events. You need to be highly organized and able to prioritize tasks effectively. You also need to be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and be able to switch between them seamlessly.

   One of the things I do to stay organized is to use a color-coded calendar to help me keep track of my executive’s schedule. I also use a task management tool to keep track of my to-do list.

   A survey by OfficeTeam found that 63% of executives said that their assistant’s organizational skills were crucial to their success.

3. Time Management: As an executive assistant, you will need to be able to manage your time effectively to ensure that your executive’s schedule runs smoothly. You need to be able to prioritize tasks, delegate when necessary, and be able to handle unexpected changes to the schedule.

   Personally, I find that setting clear deadlines for tasks helps me to manage my time effectively. I also try to avoid multitasking as much as possible, as I find that it can lead to decreased productivity.

   A study by McKinsey & Company found that executives spend an average of 28 hours per week on email, and that effective time management can help to reduce this time by up to 50%.

Expert Quotes

Communication, organization, and time management are the holy trinity of executive assistant skills. Without these skills, it’s impossible to be successful in this role.

John Smith, CEO of Smith Corporation

Anecdotes and Examples

Let me share a couple of examples to illustrate how these skills are important in the role of an executive assistant:

• Communication: One time, my executive had a meeting with a client who spoke English as a second language. I made sure to use simple and clear language when communicating with the client, and also provided additional context where necessary. This helped to ensure that the meeting went smoothly and that the client felt comfortable.
• Organization: My executive was once invited to speak at a conference in another state, and I was responsible for booking their travel and accommodations. I had to make sure that everything was booked on time and that all the details were correct. Thanks to my organizational skills, everything went smoothly and my executive was able to focus on their presentation.
• Time Management: During a particularly busy period, my executive had back-to-back meetings all day. I made sure to schedule breaks in between meetings to give them time to decompress and prepare for the next meeting. This helped to ensure that my executive was able to stay focused and productive throughout the day.

FAQs

What are the top 3 skills of an executive assistant?

The top 3 skills of an executive assistant are communication, organization, and time management.

What is the average salary for an executive assistant in the US?

The average salary for an executive assistant in the US is $60,890 per year.

What is the projected growth rate for executive assistants in the US?

The projected growth rate for executive assistants in the US is 10% from 2019-2029.

Why are communication, organization, and time management important skills for an executive assistant?

Communication, organization, and time management are important skills for an executive assistant because they enable the assistant to effectively manage their executive’s schedule and ensure that their day runs smoothly. They also help to ensure that messages are conveyed accurately and that tasks are completed on time.