An executive assistant is a step up from your basic administrative assistant. The ability to multitask and communicate effectively cannot be overstated. While administrative assistants are expected to be a skilled jack-of-all-trades, executive assistants should be a master-of-all-trades. So what exactly is it that executive assistants do?
Support Higher Level Employees
Administrative assistant perform general clerical duties and help out co-workers around the office. Executive assistants are usually exclusive to one co-worker who is high up on the corporate ladder. They often are assistants to CEOs, CFOs, or other top employees. The number of employees the executive assistant supports is based on the size of the company. Larger companies will generally employ one executive assistant per high-level executive, and smaller companies might spread the job across two or more executives. If you thrive in a fast-paced work environment and upper-level support, contact Symphony Placements today to start building a resume and get your name out there.
Provide More In-Depth Support
In addition to providing support to higher level employees, the executive assistant also provides a deeper level of support. An executive assistant is responsible for managing calendars and travel arrangements, coordinating and occasionally leading meetings, and handling financial matters on behalf of the executive he or she supports. Executive assistants are expected to juggle basic clerical tasks in addition to more comprehensive skills in finances and scheduling. For this reason, executive assistants need to be able to do everything an administrative assistant can do and more.
Effectively Manage Projects and People
Executive assistants must also have a talent for some aspects of management. Often times, they will be asked to conduct research and manage company projects. This requires a great deal of organization and a knack for communication. Project management calls for someone who is able to adeptly delegate directives to a small group of people and supervise follow-through. In addition to managing projects, executive assistants must be able to thoroughly research various topics, keep research organized, and generate comprehensive reports.
Essentially, executive assistants are there to make their executive’s day easier. They take care of any and all tasks a busy C-suite employee doesn’t have time to handle, and they do it well. If you think you have the skills to be an executive assistant, contact Symphony Placements today to search for available positions.
