2 min read
Executive Assistants, could you do more?
And no, I’m not talking workload. I’m talking about increasing the strategic value of your work. Gone are the days when...
Executive Assistants
Everything you need to know.
From why to hire an Executive Assistant, to how the EA role is evolving and how to attract and retain the best Executive Assistant talent for your business.
Free Download
The Evolving Role of the Executive Assistant
What does the future of the Executive Assistant role look like? We cover our predictions, including what employers are looking for in their ideal EA.
As a team, we have nearly fifty years experience recruiting Executive Assistants across the UK and overseas.
Businesses and individuals alike have found that hiring an Executive Assistant can have a number of benefits; however, finding an Executive Assistant to be an extension of you, fit into your business seamlessly and start adding value from day one can be challenging.
Below we share all of our expertise when it comes to hiring an Executive Assistant.
What is an Executive Assistant?
An Executive Assistant (EA) plays a crucial role in supporting high-level managers and executives. While traditionally defined as someone who assists with administrative tasks such as managing appointments, correspondence, and schedules, the Executive Assistant role has evolved significantly. In today’s fast-paced business world, hiring an Executive Assistant can be a pivotal decision that impacts the success of both the executive team and the entire organisation.
Businesses that understand the value of their EAs see them as more than just administrative support. A skilled EA can manage complex tasks, oversee projects, and even represent their executive in meetings. If you're looking to hire an Executive Assistant, it's essential to recognise the depth of their role and how they can contribute strategically to your business.
The Difference Between a Personal Assistant and an Executive Assistant
While the terms Personal Assistant and Executive Assistant are often used interchangeably, the roles are distinct. A Personal Assistant typically handles transactional and administrative support, such as diary management and booking travel. Their role is essential for reducing the administrative burden on the executives they support.
On the other hand, an Executive Assistant takes on broader responsibilities, often managing key business functions like budgets, project management, and even overseeing other administrative staff. EAs are proactive, constantly thinking ahead and solving problems before they arise. If you're considering hiring an Executive Assistant, look for someone who can be a true partner to your executive, helping drive business success through strategic involvement.
The Benefits of Hiring an Executive Assistant
Hiring an Executive Assistant can have a transformative impact on your business. EAs hold a unique position within an organisation, serving as communication hubs and strategic partners. Their deep understanding of both daily operations and long-term objectives allows them to contribute far beyond traditional administrative duties. When you hire an Executive Assistant, you're bringing in someone who can proactively identify business opportunities, enhance productivity, and drive the company’s strategic initiatives.
One of the key benefits of hiring an EA is the significant amount of time they give back to the executive team. A highly skilled EA can return up to 80% of an executive’s time, enabling leaders to focus on revenue-generating initiatives, business growth, and innovation. For example, something as simple as implementing an email triage system can reduce the time executives spend on emails from 58% to just 12%, freeing up valuable time to focus on core business priorities. This makes hiring an Executive Assistant not only a strategic investment but also a clear opportunity for maximising return on investment (ROI).
Moreover, EAs are increasingly stepping into strategic roles within businesses, acting as true business partners. In the modern workplace, high-calibre Executive Assistants contribute to company culture, oversee employee well-being initiatives, manage key projects, and even provide thought leadership to executives and their teams. The role has evolved far beyond traditional administrative tasks like diary management and event planning, and EAs are now seen as crucial to business success. In fact, some businesses recognise the value of their EAs with six-figure salaries, bonuses, and equity.
By investing in an Executive Assistant, you’re not just filling a support role, you’re gaining a trusted partner who is aligned with your company’s strategy and fully committed to helping you achieve your goals. The future of the EA profession is firmly established as a key driver of organisational success. As Heather Baker, founder of Baker Thompson Associates, aptly put it: "The manager and the assistant do the same job, they have the same objectives, they simply carry out different tasks to achieve those objectives." The right EA can indeed be a leader in their own right, ensuring that your business runs smoothly, efficiently, and strategically.
Hiring an Executive Assistant is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for any business looking to optimise its operations and achieve long-term success.
Why Hiring an Executive Assistant is Key to Business Success
Hiring the right Executive Assistant can transform how your business operates. A talented EA is more than just a support role. They are an extension of the executive team, capable of making informed decisions and providing leadership when needed. Many modern EAs oversee entire projects, manage multiple stakeholders, and ensure that day-to-day operations align with the company's strategic goals.
Jeremy Burrows, EA to the CEO of Capacity, coined the term ‘leader assistant,’ emphasising the leadership role that many EAs take on within their organisations. These Executive Assistants are not just reactive but are forward-thinking, helping executives stay on track with their goals.
The Evolving Role of an Executive Assistant
The role of an Executive Assistant has evolved dramatically in recent years, especially with the rise of digital tools and remote work. As technology has streamlined many traditional administrative tasks, businesses now seek EAs who can step into more strategic roles. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for Executive Assistants who can adapt to changing business models has only increased.
If you're hiring an Executive Assistant today, you may need someone who can handle both remote and in-office responsibilities, manage digital communications, and take ownership of critical projects. More clients now ask for EAs who can go beyond traditional expectations, working closely with executives to ensure business objectives are met.
Key Qualities to Look for When Hiring an Executive Assistant
When you're hiring an Executive Assistant, look for candidates who have:
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Proactive problem-solving skills: A great EA is always one step ahead, anticipating challenges and finding solutions before they arise.
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Leadership capabilities: Many EAs take on leadership roles, managing teams and key projects.
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Strong communication skills: EAs often act as the primary point of contact between executives and other departments, clients, and partners.
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Adaptability: The best Executive Assistants can handle both remote and in-office work environments, especially in today’s flexible work culture.
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Attention to detail: From managing schedules to overseeing sensitive business data, an EA must be detail oriented.
Free Download
The Evolving Role of The Executive Assistant
What will the future of the EA role look like? Our most extensive whitepaper to date explores how the role has evolved and what the future holds for the profession.
How to Recruit an Executive Assistant: A Guide To Hiring Success
If you're looking to hire an Executive Assistant or need advice on EA recruitment, it's essential to understand what top candidates are seeking in their next role. To attract the best Executive Assistants, you must consider salary, benefits, remote working options, company culture, and opportunities for growth. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to successfully recruit an Executive Assistant and find the perfect EA for your business.
What Do Executive Assistants Want?
When embarking on executive assistant recruitment, it’s crucial to research what EAs expect from potential employers. Knowing what motivates EAs will allow you to stand out from competitors and ensure that the role you're offering is appealing to top-tier candidates.
Competitive Salary and Benefits
One of the most critical factors to consider when you hire an Executive Assistant is compensation. According to our research, two-thirds of EAs would consider leaving their current job for a 5% pay rise. Moreover, over 54% said a discretionary annual bonus would make them stay in a role longer. Offering competitive salaries and bonuses is essential for attracting and retaining high-calibre EAs. Be sure to offer benefits such as flexible work options and regular salary reviews to stay competitive in the EA recruitment market.
Flexible and Remote Working
With the rise of remote working, Executive Assistants are increasingly seeking roles that offer flexibility. If you’re considering hiring an EA, offering a hybrid working setup could make your business more attractive. Remote working promotes work-life balance, boosts productivity, and helps reduce turnover.
Company Culture
Culture is a key factor that Executive Assistants consider before accepting a role. A healthy, inclusive company culture attracts high-quality candidates and ensures that they stay longer. To entice the best EAs, clearly communicate your company's values and work environment. Highlight your culture in job descriptions, on your website, and across social media to ensure you attract the right Executive Assistant for your business.
Training and Development
One of the top reasons Executive Assistants leave a role is the lack of training and development opportunities. It's essential to recognise that career progression for an EA isn't just about title changes; it's about the ability to continuously upskill, similar to other leadership roles. Many EAs report feeling isolated, particularly if they're the only EA in the business. A great way to address this and create a more supportive environment is by investing in their training. To meet this need, we offer a free LS EA/PA mentoring programme and recently launched eavolve, a Lily Shippen company, in September 2024, providing tailored training and development for the executive assistant industry. Top EAs actively seek employers who invest in their growth. Our research shows that many Executive Assistants feel their current employers don’t provide enough opportunities for upskilling. By offering professional development, you’ll not only attract top talent but also set your business apart from competitors. Be sure to highlight these benefits in your job descriptions to strengthen your Executive Assistant recruitment process.
Starting the Search: Executive Assistant Recruitment Tips
Once you've decided to hire an Executive Assistant, it's time to consider how to market the position. A well-crafted, competitive job description is key to enticing the best EAs. It should include a clear summary of the role, the responsibilities, and required qualifications. Additionally, make sure you are transparent about the salary range, as roles without advertised salaries typically receive fewer applications.
Write an Effective Job Advert
When crafting a job description for an Executive Assistant, focus on the following:
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Introduction to the Role: Start with a concise overview, specifying if the EA will support a founder, CEO, or senior executive. If you're looking to hire an EA to founders, clearly mention that.
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Responsibilities: List the key duties the EA will be expected to perform, from administrative tasks to project management.
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Required Qualifications: Be clear about the skills and experience you expect, whether it’s experience supporting at board level or expertise in certain software programs.
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Salary and Benefits: Clearly state the salary or range and any benefits, including bonuses, flexible work options, and training opportunities. Transparency about compensation can improve your EA recruitment
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Company Culture: At the end of the job description, include a brief overview of your company's culture, values, and what makes your business stand out. This helps candidates gauge whether they would fit into your organisation.
Executive Assistant Recruitment Process
After publishing your job description and attracting candidates, it’s important to implement a structured recruitment process. Here's a step-by-step guide to hire an Executive Assistant successfully:
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Initial CV Review: Highlight specific areas of the candidate's CV to discuss during the interview, such as who they supported, their achievements, and any relevant experience.
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Cultural Fit: During the interview, ask questions about the candidate’s working style and their ideal company environment. For example, ask them to describe their preferred working setup and what they enjoyed most in their previous roles.
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Scenario-Based Questions: Ask candidates how they handled specific challenges, such as managing demanding executives or juggling conflicting priorities. This will provide insight into their problem-solving abilities and how they approach challenges in an EA role.
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Testing: Consider incorporating psychometric testing, which can be particularly effective when an EA is supporting a single executive. It's crucial that the strengths, weaknesses, and personality of both the EA and the executive complement one another, so having both individuals complete the testing ensures a strong match. While prioritisation tests are less common now as the EA role has advanced, many companies find that including a presentation during the interview process works well to assess a candidate's communication and organisational skills.
If you're working with a recruitment agency specialising in Executive Assistant recruitment, they can offer insights into the candidate market. Be sure to partner with an EA recruitment agency that understands your business needs and can help you find the perfect EA.
Check References
It’s always important to check references, and recruiting an Executive Assistant, either on a temporary or full-time basis, is no exception; we highly recommend that you always do this. A temporary Executive Assistant recruitment agency will usually complete the reference checking process on your behalf since they are liable for the temporary Executive Assistant. However, if you are recruiting a permanent Executive Assistant, it is usually your responsibility as an employer to check the references, as you would for any other employee.
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Free Download
The Evolving Role of The Executive Assistant
What will the future of the EA role look like? Our most extensive whitepaper to date explores how the role has evolved and what the future holds for the profession.
Why Choose a Specialist EA Recruitment Agency?
Finding the right Executive Assistant recruitment agency is crucial to securing top talent. A specialist agency understands the unique demands of the EA role, which can vary significantly across companies. They offer expertise in sourcing candidates with the right skills, experience, and personality to complement the executive they’ll support. By partnering with a recruitment agency that focuses on Executive Assistants, you'll gain access to a pre-vetted pool of high-calibre candidates and benefit from market insights that can streamline your hiring process.
Specialist Executive Assistant recruitment agencies have a deep understanding of the EA role and its requirements, ensuring that your business gets the right match. These agencies often have a comprehensive database of candidates who have been thoroughly vetted, making the hiring process faster and more efficient. They also provide tailored advice on the current EA market, including salary expectations and skill trends, ensuring that your offer remains competitive.
When selecting a recruitment agency, check for Google or Feefo reviews and testimonials from previous clients and candidates. This provides valuable insights into the agency’s reputation and the quality of service they provide. An agency with a track record of successful EA placements, supported by strong reviews, is likely to deliver the results you need.
Understanding an agency’s values can give you a clearer sense of how they operate and what they prioritise. Check their website for a mission statement and values that align with your own. Also, a strong social media presence, including regular engagement with the EA community and valuable content, can indicate an agency’s dedication to the profession and its commitment to providing high-quality service.
Don't hesitate to ask peers within your network for recommendations on recruitment agencies. Personal referrals can often be the most reliable source of insight into an agency’s effectiveness and reputation. At Lily Shippen, 83% of our business comes from client referrals, demonstrating the importance of trust and proven success in the EA recruitment industry.
Finally, schedule an introductory meeting with your shortlisted agencies. This gives them a chance to showcase their expertise and the value they can bring to your recruitment process. At Lily Shippen, we prioritise meeting our clients to gain a deeper understanding of their needs, ensuring that we find the perfect EA to fit both the role and company culture.
Whether you're based in London, Manchester, or further afield, partnering with an Executive Assistant recruitment agency that understands the local market can be the key to finding exceptional talent. With our extensive networks and decades of experience, we help businesses secure top-tier EAs on a temporary, contract, or permanent basis.
Using a specialist recruitment agency ensures a more efficient and effective Executive Assistant search. By partnering with an experienced agency, you’ll attract the best candidates while saving valuable time and effort in the hiring process.
Why partner with Lily Shippen?
Our multi-award-winning team specialises in connecting exceptional executive and business support talent with companies across the UK and internationally. Recognised as one of the top recruitment agencies, we are proud to hold Feefo’s Gold Trusted Service status, a testament to our consistent five-star client and candidate reviews.
With established teams in both Manchester and London, we excel at sourcing top-tier Executive Assistant (EA) talent across the UK, internationally, and virtually. Our commitment to delivering the highest level of service ensures that both clients and candidates receive tailored solutions that maximise potential and deliver long-term value. Alongside recruitment, we offer training and qualifications to help your EAs upskill and stay ahead in their careers.
As a boutique, specialist agency, our recruitment process is driven by deep industry knowledge. We possess an unrivalled understanding of the Executive Assistant profession, ensuring that we act as an extension of your business. By meeting with every EA we work with, we ensure a precise match to your company’s unique requirements.
Whether you need to recruit a virtual, temporary, full-time, part-time, or permanent Executive Assistant, our expert team has the solutions to meet your needs.
