How to List Executive Assistant Skills on a Resume: Best Skills and Examples

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Resumes give hiring managers a concise overview of an applicant’s job history and skills. Executive assistants often gain a range of skills in their positions that they can transfer to new jobs. Concisely describing executive assistant skills on a resume can be essential to receive a new job. This article explains what executive assistant resume skills are, why they are important, the best executive assistant skills to include on your resume and tips for improving your executive assistant skills.

What are executive assistant resume skills?

Executive assistant resume skills are the strengths executive assistants gain from their jobs that they list on their resumes. Executive assistants’ job duties and skills will depend heavily on the type of industry and company for which they work. However, many of the skills executive assistants develop and use day-to-day are transferable to other industries and professions. 

Why executive assistant resume skills are important

A well-written resume is one of the key elements that can benefit your job search. When writing your resume, you want it to bring attention to your skills, including your work style, self-motivation and work ethic. With only a few moments to capture an employer’s attention, building an effective executive administrative assistant resume is an important step in advancing your career.

How to list executive assistant skills on your resume

Follow these steps to list skills on your executive assistant resume:

1. First, read the job posting to determine your relevant skills

Review the job posting for the position you are applying to and identify keywords in the duties, responsibilities and required experience sections. Highlight or list keywords from the job description that are a good match for your executive assistant skills.

2. Second, list your applicable skills in a separate ‘Skills’ section on your resume

Create a section of your resume dedicated to listing your skills. Use this section to list specific executive assistant skills that match the job description keywords and demonstrate you are a good fit for the position.

3. Third, highlight specific examples of your executive assistant skills within your work experience

When listing experience from previous employment, include details that demonstrate your best skills and achievements. Use the keywords you highlighted in the job description as well as similar phrasing to describe your experience. For example, if you want to showcase communication as a relevant skill, include job duties in your work history that demonstrate this skill.

Structuring your skills and experience this way will help an employer to understand your skills quickly and clearly.

How to write a resume summary or objective for an executive assistant

Follow these steps to highlight your executive assistant skills at the top of your resume within your summary or objective:

1. First, pinpoint the required skills

In your resume summary or objective, you will want to show how you can be an asset in the position for which you are applying. List character traits that are relevant to the position to show how your qualifications align with the company’s mission. 

Example: ‘Staying organized in a fast-paced environment is a strength I can bring to the role of executive assistant.’

2. Next, introduce your best qualifications

You’ll want to introduce yourself by mentioning your experience that is most relevant to the job. For example, when applying for an executive assistant position, you can list clerical experience you might have had while working in a pediatric office during your job.

Example: ‘Organized and efficient medical assistant with six years of experience in office management and physician support.’

3. Third, include your skills that align with the job description

Capture the attention of the hiring manager by showing what you can uniquely offer to the team as a whole. This is where you’ll want to mention your biggest accomplishments and area of expertise.

Example: ‘From balancing schedules to planning corporate events, I’m uniquely skilled in managing all aspects of a front office.’

4. Finally, provide examples

Whenever possible, use numbers in your writing. Quantifying your achievements demonstrates the impact and value you can bring to the job. 

Example: ‘Resourceful executive assistant and skilled time manager with experience supporting four executives and booking their monthly travel schedules.’

Related: Executive Assistant Resume Examples

Best executive assistant skills to add to a resume

Here are the most sought-after skills that employers look for when hiring an executive assistant:

Communication skills

Most executive assistant positions are front-facing and many also involve inter-office communication. Executive assistants must be excellent communicators with colleagues as well as customers or other external stakeholders.

Time management skills

Executive assistants often manage executive calendars. They must know how to manage their own time and how to do it well for someone else. From meetings to appointments to holidays, it’s the job of the executive assistant to keep a close watch on all relevant calendars. 

Trustworthiness 

Executive assistants often organize and manage confidential company information. Gaining the trust of the employer is vital for success. Establish this trust early on in the interview process by mentioning how you’ve handled confidential information in the past.

Multitasking skills

Executive assistants manage a variety of tasks daily. They must be able to manage their workload, remain organized and be aware of all ongoing projects. 

How to improve executive assistant soft skills

Here’s how you can improve soft skills so you can present yourself as the best candidate for an executive assistant role: 

1. First, be intentional and aware

Improve your communication skills by practicing awareness. Listen closely to what others are saying and repeat back to them what you heard. Demonstrate interest by nodding your head and smiling. Mirror the body language and verbal tones of those with whom you converse. 

2. Then, practice mental organization

Mental organization is the ability to remember unrelated information at the same time. This is a challenging skill for some people, but you can improve it through practice. Since executive assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks on the job, mental organization is an integral skill. Begin by making a written list of items you want to remember, like upcoming meetings, emails to which you need to respond and supplies that must be ordered. Practice recalling the list without looking at the written items. 

3. Lastly, prioritize confidentiality

By knowing the details of confidentiality agreements, you can ensure that you’re not going to disclose private information inadvertently. As an executive assistant, you’ll be involved in managing a lot of confidential information and documents, so it’s important to know how to handle it. This might take a little bit of research and training, but it’s worth the time and effort to make sure you maintain confidentiality agreements.

While skills such as typing and filing are important for anyone who wants to pursue a career as an executive assistant, the best candidates for the job also demonstrate excellent soft skills.