Tips to Support Eas in Career Development

Are you an Executive Assistant navigating the job market right now? As someone who's helped EAs through career transitions and worked alongside top executives, I know firsthand how competitive this space can be. But with the right strategy, you can stand out and land that role that truly leverages your organisational superpowers. Here's my expert checklist to supercharge your job search—tailored specifically for EAs. Print it out, pin it up, and check off as you go: ✅ Polish Your Professional Presence: Update your LinkedIn profile with a professional headshot, a compelling headline (e.g., "Detail-Oriented Executive Assistant | Streamlining Operations for C-Suite Leaders"), and a summary that highlights your key achievements—like managing complex calendars, coordinating international travel, or implementing efficiency tools. Quantify your impact: "Reduced executive travel costs by 25% through optimised planning." ✅ Tailor Your Resume for Humans: Customise your resume for each application, incorporating keywords from the job description (think "executive support," "confidentiality," "project coordination"). Focus on transferable skills like discretion, multitasking, and tech proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Asana). Keep it to one page, with bullet points starting with action verbs. ✅ Network Strategically: Reach out to your existing connections—former bosses, colleagues, or EAs in your network—for informational interviews. Join LinkedIn groups like "Executive Assistants Network" or attend virtual events via platforms like Eventbrite. Pro tip: Offer value first, like sharing an article on productivity hacks, to build genuine relationships. ✅ Leverage Job Search Platforms: Beyond LinkedIn, check specialised sites like Indeed, Reed or SecsInTheCity, or executive search firms. Set up alerts for "Executive Assistant" or "C-Suite Support" positions. Don't overlook company career pages for hidden gems. ✅ Upskill and Stay Relevant: Brush up on in-demand tools—learn AI assistants like ChatGPT for drafting emails or Notion for advanced organisation. This shows you're proactive and adaptable. ✅ Prepare for Interviews Like a Pro: Practice common EA scenarios: "How do you handle conflicting priorities?" or "Describe a time you managed a crisis." Prepare questions for them, like "What's the executive's preferred communication style?" Role-play with a mentor to build confidence. ✅ Track and Follow Up: Use a spreadsheet to log applications, interviews, and follow-ups. Send personalised thank-you notes within 24 hours—reference a specific discussion point to jog their memory. ✅ Prioritise Self-Care: Job hunting can be draining, so schedule breaks, exercise, and celebrate small wins. Remember, rejection is often about fit, not your worth. What's one tip you'd add to this list? Let's discuss in the comments! #ExecutiveAssistant #JobSearch #CareerTips #ProfessionalDevelopment

📢 Onboarding matters! In my career, I had only one manager who took a lot of time out of his schedule to fully onboard me. It truly helped me to find my role. Executives understand the importance of building a strong, agile team to drive forward their vision and goals. However, one area that often goes overlooked is the onboarding of their closest allies: Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff. While they invest time and resources in onboarding other critical roles, many executives don’t allocate enough time to onboard the very individuals who will amplify their effectiveness and help navigate challenges. A rushed or inadequate onboarding for EAs and Chiefs of Staff can lead to missed opportunities, miscommunications - issues that could easily be avoided with the right onboarding approach. Here are my key steps to enhance the onboarding process for these essential roles: 💡 Provide context, not just tasks Go beyond the job description. Share insights into the organizational culture, values, and your strategic vision. These roles thrive when they understand *why* things are done, not just *how*. 💡 Schedule quality time An EA or Chief of Staff can’t support you effectively if they don’t know you. Dedicate time to discuss work style, communication preferences, and both short- and long-term priorities. Allow them to be your shadow. 💡 Create access to key stakeholders Build connections by introducing them to other executives, key teams, and decision-makers. This gives them the context they need to anticipate your needs and run initiatives on your behalf. 💡 Encourage an open feedback loop Build a culture of two-way feedback from the beginning. These roles are designed to optimize your productivity, so empower them to share ideas and improvements for your benefit. 📢 The time you invest in onboarding today pays dividends in team alignment, efficiency, and overall effectiveness tomorrow. Let’s ensure we set our Executive Support Staff up for success from day one. #Leadership #ExecutiveOnboarding #ChiefOfStaff #ExecutiveAssistant #TeamSuccess

For a long time, I assumed career progression meant leaving my job... That staying in an executive assistant role, really staying, for years was somehow settling. Nobody told me otherwise and I didn't see many examples that challenged it. Then I started paying attention to the EAs who hadn't changed their title in a decade. What they were actually doing looked nothing like where they'd started. Running operational strategy alongside senior leadership. Shaping decisions before they became decisions. Owning outcomes -not just tasks. Same job title- completely different career. The move hadn't come from a promotion or a step into a Chief of Staff role. It had come from a steady, consistent expansion of what they claimed ownership of and how they talked about the work. That's the part nobody maps out for administrative professionals. Career development in this profession rarely looks like a ladder. It looks more like a slow redrawing of the role from the inside. Has that ever been a real choice for you- or did it feel like the only option was out? #ExecutiveAssistant "Leaving isn't the only form of career progression. Sometimes the most significant move is redefining the version you're already working in."

You can invite your EA into the most senior meetings. You can give them a seat at the table. You can even tell them, "I want you to use your voice." But if you really want to change the game, it has to be bigger than the symbol of inclusion. It has to start with how you publicly value your assistant: ▪️ How you introduce them to others. ▪️ How you describe the scope and importance of what they do. ▪️ How you develop them — not once, but consistently. ▪️ How you coach and mentor them, the same way you were coached throughout your career. It starts with ensuring they have access to the conversations where real context happens — beyond inbox threads and surface updates. It starts with your broader teams understanding that if your EA requests time to learn more about their world and priorities, that’s not just a courtesy — it's a strategic investment in organisational success. It starts with creating a culture where development, not lip service, defines how we treat the people who keep everything moving. As a former career EA turned in-house trainer, consultant, course creator, and mentor, I see the same patterns today that I experienced firsthand: 👉 Onboarding programs that skip the EA entirely. 👉 Loose language about being “part of the leadership team” — without the development, visibility, or opportunity to match. 👉 A quiet epidemic of imposter syndrome — not rooted in individual self-doubt, but in systems that leave EAs isolated and under-supported. Very rarely have I met an EA who isn’t great at what they do. What I see far more often are great EAs who’ve simply hit the limits of what self-led development can unlock. Not because there’s no more potential — but because nobody can do it all alone. If you want to unlock the true value of your EA function, you have to ask: 🔑 Are we giving lip service — or are we creating the conditions for them to thrive? I do my part every day — training EAs to shift their mindset, uncover their value and impact, and show up in a way that changes perceptions. And encouragingly, the chorus is getting louder. More executives and leadership teams are reaching out to me than ever before, asking: 💬 "How can we help?" 💬 "How can we build the environment where EAs thrive?" That’s the momentum we need — and it's growing. But we still have a way to go and it starts with this understanding: An empowered EA doesn’t just support a leader. They shift the trajectory of businesses. 💬 I'd love to hear — what would meaningful change for EAs look like in your world?

What I wish someone had told me before I started as an Executive Assistant... Stepping into the role of an EA can be as daunting as it is exciting. Over the years, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that I wish I had known from the start. Here are six essential tips for those just beginning their EA journey: 👉 Prioritize impactfully Learn to distinguish between tasks that need immediate attention and those that can wait. Focus on what significantly impacts your executive’s agenda and the broader organizational goals. It's not about doing more; it's about doing what matters most. 👉 Embrace confidence over perfection Early in my career, I often worried about others' opinions, which led to unnecessary stress. Understand that confidence comes from trusting your judgment and making informed decisions, not from being perfect. You will make mistakes, and that's okay—it's all part of the learning process. 👉 Set emotional boundaries As an EA, you’re likely the go-to person for many, which can sometimes lead to emotional overload. It’s important to maintain professional boundaries and protect your mental space. Remember, taking on everyone else's stress doesn’t actually fix anything. 👉 Encourage autonomy While it's tempting to solve all problems that come your way, empowering others to solve their issues when appropriate can be more effective. This not only fosters a responsible team but also manages your workload, allowing you to focus on higher-level tasks. 👉 Build your network Networking isn’t just for finding new opportunities; it’s also about building a support system. Having strong relationships both inside and outside of work can provide you with additional resources and emotional support, which are invaluable in this role. 👉 Accept and learn from failures No one starts as an expert, and everyone makes mistakes. Each error is an opportunity to learn and improve. The sooner you accept that perfection is unattainable, the quicker you'll grow into your role and make significant contributions. To my fellow EAs, what advice would you add to this list?

Being a high-level Executive Assistant is not about taking orders. It’s about taking ownership. After 15+ years supporting C-suite executives and board members, here’s what I know for sure: the most effective EAs don’t just make things run smoothly. They make impact. If you’re stepping into this space or leveling up, here are my top tips to truly excel: 🧠 Think like an executive Understand the business. Know the goals, the pressure points, the decision-making process. Anticipate what's needed before it’s requested. 📅 Master calendar strategy, not just scheduling You’re not managing time. You’re managing energy, priorities, and outcomes. Be intentional. Know when to say no or reschedule. 🚪 Be a gatekeeper and a bridge Balance access with protection. Communicate clearly and graciously. Know when to shield, when to inform, and how to keep momentum. 🔍 Stay three steps ahead Prep for board meetings early. Confirm logistics down to the last detail. Think ahead so your executive doesn’t have to. 🧭 Manage up like a pro Learn your executive’s style, pace, and preferences. Tailor your support to how they work best and help them stay at their best. 🤝 Build trust relentlessly Integrity, discretion, and follow-through earn influence. That influence allows you to make things happen behind the scenes. 📚 Stay curious. Keep learning Learn the language of the business. Ask questions. Understand the why, not just the what. 🏛️ Own the room, even when you’re not in it When an EA is sharp and aligned, people notice. Meetings flow, decisions stick, and everything runs smoothly. 💡 Balance fierce efficiency with human warmth Systems matter, but so does emotional intelligence. Be the calm in the chaos. The one who remembers both the details and the people. 📣 Know your value. Act like it This is a strategic role. Advocate for your seat at the table. And when you're there, use it to elevate others too. Being an EA at this level takes more than coordination. It takes clarity, confidence, and leadership of your own. If you’ve been in the EA seat at the top level, what would you add to this list? I’d love to hear what’s helped you thrive.

Transitioning from student life to the professional world is a big shift, and based on my own experience, I’ve learned that with the right approach, it can be a rewarding journey. Here are some key tips to help you ease into your new role successfully: 🧠 Adjust Your Mindset to a Professional Setting : Shifting from a student mentality to a professional one is essential. Workplace projects often come with stricter deadlines, and the expectation is to approach tasks proactively, seeking solutions rather than relying on second chances. 💬 Learn the Art of Self-Advocacy : Communicate your achievements openly but respectfully. Especially in new roles, it’s essential to ensure your contributions are visible—don’t hesitate to showcase your value during meetings or reviews. 🏢 Understand Company Culture : Every workplace has a unique culture. Observe and adapt to the dynamics of your team, understanding what’s valued by your organization to help you feel connected and successful. 👔 Recognize the Shift in Relationships : Unlike university, where friendships are often a central focus, the workplace is primarily about professional relationships. While camaraderie can develop, remember that your colleagues are primarily work associates, and maintaining professionalism is key. ⏳ Be Patient with Your Progress : Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself time to grow and remember that success comes with experience; celebrate each milestone and appreciate your own learning curve. 🚀 Take Initiative in Problem-Solving : When you encounter an issue, propose solutions rather than simply pointing it out. Proactive problem-solving shows resourcefulness and commitment to adding value. 📁 Keep an Updated Portfolio or Record of Achievements : Regularly document your projects, successes, and skills. This record is valuable not only for performance reviews but also for future opportunities. 🤝 Understand Workplace Etiquette : Workplace etiquette varies by organization. Observe how colleagues communicate, from email formats to meeting norms, and adapt to these unwritten rules to build rapport and credibility. 🧩 Work on Your Emotional Intelligence : Strong emotional intelligence is invaluable at work. Practice empathy, self-awareness, and active listening to build resilience and cultivate positive professional relationships. 🎉 Celebrate Small Wins : Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress can boost motivation and confidence as you settle into your new role. These insights are drawn from my own experiences and can help make your transition smoother, giving you the confidence to thrive as you embark on this next chapter of your career. - Dasun Vimukthi - #CareerTransition #Fromclassroomtoboardroom #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkplaceTips #SelfAdvocacy #EmotionalIntelligence #CareerGrowth #NewBeginnings #LinkedInTips #CareerAdvice

A recent conversation with a mentee trying to navigate the next steps in their career reminded me of an essential rule I always emphasize: You own your career, therefore you have to be in the driver's seat. They recently received some feedback from their manager that was confusing as it didn’t align with previous feedback. The conversation on next steps was very vague. Reality check: waiting for clear guidance or validation from others can leave you stuck in neutral. Instead, you must proactively manage your own career path. Here are a few things I suggested: 1. Do a Self-Assessment You need to understand your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and career aspirations. Identify what excites you and where you see yourself in the future. Remember they can all change due to new experiences and gaining new skillsets. 2. Seek Constructive Feedback While feedback from leadership is valuable, it’s important to triangulate. Reach out to mentors, peers, and others in your function that you admire for their insights. Feedback is just one piece of the puzzle. Use it as a tool for improvement, not as a definitive roadmap. You never know when you might run into an unconscious bias. 3. Continuous Learning and Development I’m ever curious and always looking for learning opportunities. Look for opportunities to learn from other functions. The business world is continusly changing, and staying on top of the game, requires investing time to learn. Stay informed about your current industry trends but also look for best practices in others. 4. Advocate for Yourself People can’t read your mind, so they don’t know what your career goals and aspirations are. Don’t be afraid to articulate them to your leadership. Express your interest in new projects, responsibilities, or roles that align with your goals. 5. Adaptability and Resilience Career paths are rarely linear. My own has been a lattice. Be adaptable. Embrace challenges and view setbacks as learning experiences. Being in the driver's seat of your career means taking an intentional role in your professional development. While others can give you guidance, the ultimate responsibility for your career lies with you. What else would you tell him?

One way Executive Assistants become Chiefs of Staff: developing a strategic mindset 🧠 Having witnessed several executive assistants (EAs) transition into chief of staff (CoS) roles, it's clear that developing a strategic mindset is a pivotal part of this journey. Here are some insights on how EAs can evolve into strategic thinkers and prepare for a CoS role: 📌 Master the Basics: As an EA, mastering organizational skills and managing logistics and communications flawlessly is fundamental. This solid foundation is essential for any advanced role. 📌 Understand the Business: It’s crucial for EAs to learn the intricacies of their business beyond their direct responsibilities. Understanding how different departments contribute to the overall goals equips them with the broad perspective needed for a CoS role. 📌 Take Initiative: Successful EAs often take on projects that stretch beyond traditional duties. Whether it’s leading a cross-departmental initiative or organizing a major event, these experiences showcase their capability to manage and execute strategically. 📌 Develop Decision-Making Skills: Observing decision-making at the highest levels provides EAs unique insights. Learning from these can refine their own decision-making processes, preparing them for the broad responsibilities of a CoS. 📌 Build Relationships: A chief of staff needs to work effectively across all areas of the organization. Strong, cross-team relationships built during their time as an EA can be a huge asset in a more expansive role. 📌 Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Engaging with mentors who can provide guidance on strategic thinking and leadership skills is invaluable. These relationships often help EAs transition smoothly into more complex roles. 📌 Be Patient and Persistent: Transitioning from EA to CoS is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and continuous effort to develop and showcase strategic capabilities. For those in the throes of this transition or aspiring to one day make it, remember: a strategic mindset starts with curiosity about the bigger picture and a commitment to grow beyond your current role. What else should aspiring EAs be doing? #leadershiplevelopment from #executiveassistant to #chiefofstaff

💡 What EAs Really Need from Their Executives to Succeed. EAs don’t need another pep talk about how valuable they are. They already know that. What they need is the right environment to actually be valuable. Here’s what makes the biggest difference: ✅ Access – If you want your EA to make smart decisions, they need context. That means including them in key conversations, not just forwarding emails after the fact. ✅ Trust – Micromanaging your assistant defeats the purpose of having one. If you second-guess every move they make, they’ll stop making moves altogether. ✅ Clarity – No EA thrives on “figure it out” with zero direction. If priorities change, communicate them. If expectations shift, say so. ✅ Boundaries – If you want a high-performing EA, respect their time. They’re not an "always-on" emergency hotline. They need space to focus just like you do. ✅ Growth – The best EAs aren’t just looking for a paycheck; they want to develop. Give them opportunities to expand their skills instead of assuming they’ll “always be happy just assisting.” Being a great executive isn’t just about your own leadership - it’s about empowering the people who make your life easier. 💬 EAs: What’s one thing your exec does that makes your job easier? Let’s hear it 👇 #ExecutiveAssistant #Leadership #WorkingTogether