The Executive Assistant supports the most senior executive, particularly in corporations. She performs administrative duties, makes travel arrangements, screens incoming calls, plans meetings, takes minutes, maintains schedules, understands the governance and by-laws of the corporation and is able to apply specific industry knowledge to her tasks. She will have advanced computer skills and be able to train the staff she supervises. The Executive Assistant position calls for flexibility, project coordination, excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work well with all levels of management, staff and outside clients and vendors. She will require the ability to work well and efficiently without supervision and maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

What makes an Executive Assistant an Excellent Executive Assistant is a great attitude. When you break it down into the simplest of terms, it is her job to make her boss look good.

Educational and Experience

Preference is a minimum of a high school graduate with at least 5 years of secretarial and/or clerical work experience. Certification or a business degree is sometimes expected. Courses in business and management may help in securing employment. In some cases a great deal of experience, particularly within the same company, can be substituted for educational requirements.

Skills required

• Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal - with a solid understanding of the local language(s); usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Knowledgeable and proficient use of personal computer with practical experience with up to date office programs and operating systems.
  
• Able to prioritize and work under pressure to meet deadlines without immediate and constant supervision with a high level of accuracy.
• Stress and time management skills.
• Must be friendly, personable and able to build harmonious working relationships with clients, co-workers and the general public.
  
• A proven ability to exercise good judgment in recognizing the scope of authority.
• Protecting confidential information is a high priority.
• Provide support and provide resources to make effective decisions.
• Arrange for payment of honorariums.
• Arrange venues for committee meetings.
• Maintain records of decisions and ensure Action Items are scheduled for follow up.
• Research and assist with the preparation of motions, policies and procedures.
• Review and edit reports to the Board, prepare correspondence and packaged information for Board meetings.
• Schedule Board meetings and prepare agendas.
• Attend board meetings, record minutes and submit minutes for approval.

Personal Attributes

• Be honest and trustworthy
• Be respectful and professional
  
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Be flexible
• Demonstrate sound work ethics

Physical Demands

You can expect at times, to spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers, which can cause muscle strain and from time to time may be expected to do some lifting of supplies and materials.

Environmental Conditions

In most cases your work station will be located in a busy, open area office where you can expect to face constant interruptions.  You must meet with others on a regular basis.

Mental Demands

There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress. You must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.

It really makes no difference what choices you have made and in which career you work. Your attitude is what distinguishes you and elevates you from being good to being exceptional. A willing attitude and a desire for continual improvement, both personally and professionally, always shines through.

Take pride in doing a job well. When you can do that with assurance and confidence, rest assured your boss will always look good, and you can smile that little smile of satisfaction knowing you had a great part in making that happen.

The Canadian Management Centre offers Free resources as well as the training required for certification.

The Association of Administrative Assistants provides a professional educational program

The International Association of Administrative Professionals provides opportunity for education and leadership development.

The Educational Portal provides research and educational opportunities in many fields.

If you are looking to develop your skills or further your career choice as an Executive Assistant or Senior Administration Assistant, consider joining an association that will provide you will certification.

Even if you graduated with a business degree, upgrading your skills is a constant requirement with the development of new technology and provides you with an opportunity for continuous improvement.

Training and classes with Administrative Professional Associations will advance your skills and elevate your opportunities and salary expectations.

At the Canadian Management Centre, in addition to certified courses and training, you can find some great free resources including:

• Articles
• Upcoming and Archived Webcasts,
• White Papers,
• Downloads and Templates,
• Podcasts
• Self Assessment Quizzes.

How is a Career Salary Calculated?

There are many individual factors to be considered when determining the salary of any position;

• What is the national average for that position
• Location (larger cities generally pay a higher salary - due in large part the the higher cost of living)
• Good job performance - A great resume will draw attention to this
• Level of education
• Years of Experience

You don't often hear the question, "How much do you make?" because it is considered a taboo subject and most people are uncomfortable discussing it with others. Also, there will always be people in any career choice who make more or less than someone else.

An effective way to learn the average pay scales is to check out one or more career salary calculators on the Internet. A google search will find dozens of options.  Many job seeking sites also provide their own, but I personally think it's a good idea to find a site devoted exclusively to salaries. Here is an example, and with a little research you can find many others: PayScale Calculator

Check out your local area for seminars on things like Meeting Planning and Time Management. Review the local College or Distance Learning opportunities.

Become involved in Social Networks that can assist you with certain aspects of your job.

• Linked In has many groups that might be beneficial.

i-Meet - The Social Network for People Who Plan Meetings & Events.

• Social Networking for Administrative/Executive Assistants

Office Arrow

• Collect information through monthly magazines for Meeting and Event Planners

The Planner
Meetings

Consider this alternative if you are seeking an assistant or looking for work as an assistant. Here are some great Hubs on the subject.

How to become a Virtual Assistant

How to Set Your Virtual Assistant Professional Rates

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Feel free to use that option, and ask your question. I will be able to respond to the question or answer with a Hub.

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