Executive Assistant 

How did you get your current job?
The former CEO became aware of my availability from a Board member – I had recently been laid off due to restructuring at a private funeral home that I had served as the Director of Community Outreach. It was a perfect fit. as we knew eachother from church and my children’s school for several years.

What was the application process?
Submitted resume in person, met with CEO, hired immediately

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
I interviewed once with the CEO (direct supervisor for the position) and was hired immediately

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
Salary expectations, would I become bored with the position

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
Yes, I was amply prepared for my position and it continually evolves with my skill set. I am currently attempting to attend specialized computer training to enable me to provide the organization with enhanced dashboarding for strategic planning.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
I trained for 1 week with my predecessor. She was gravely ill, and did not have the capacity to provide much real training. However, I was very familiar with the majority of the initial duties so the learning curve was minimal. She stepped through the daily tasks and expectations of the CEO. We reviewed the monthly calendar and prepared meeting materials. I was toured at our facilities and introduced to all the staff and board members. The CEO worked with me to train on his expectations and preferences. I learned his “voice” for preparation of communications and composition of materials for him.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
My degree provided me with a well rounded liberal arts background as well as specialized in-field learning in management and buiness marketing/communication. This has given me confidence in my work and I project that daily when assigned a wide variety of tasks well beyond the scope of a traditional administrative or executive assistant. I have brought a well-rounded skill set to the table to allow my posiiton to reflect my personality and interests as well as what the organization needs.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
I actually interned as a high school student as a secretary for IBM – so that first employment experience was an integral part of my pursuit of administrative professional positions.

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
Prepare a well constructed and honest resume. Obtain training for top notch computer and technology skills. Training in project management and communication skills valuable. Be prepared to enjoy a very fast paced environment with multiple demands routinely changing throughout the day. Be flexible and open to changing roles and demands as strategic plan and mission evolve. Multi-tasking is critical.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
Obtain training for top notch computer and technology skills. Training in project management, organization and communication skills valuable. Special events and/or meeting planning skills.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
Associate’s Degree at minimum but Bachelor’s Degree demonstrates the educational resources and commitment necessary to be succesful in this high-demand position

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
Be organized, Stay On Top of your Game, Fight for training, don’t be afraid to ask questions or for relevant assistance. Try to avoid being pigeon-holed as the secretary making coffee. Seek out new projects and opportunities to collaborate with higher ranking staff.