A well-put-together CV can help to capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers and increase the candidate’s chances of landing their dream job as an executive assistant.

An effective executive assistant CV should be concise, well-written and tailored to the specific requirements of the position and the company. An executive assistant’s CV should highlight the candidate’s relevant skills and experience and provide a glimpse into their personality. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to structure and format an executive assistant’s CV. We’ll also provide valuable tips on how to write an executive assistant profile and provide an example of a well-written executive assistant CV. 

How to Write a Good Executive Assistant CV

When creating a CV for an executive assistant position, it’s important to showcase your relevant skills and experience in a clear and concise format. Here are some tips on how to structure your CV when applying for an EA position:

Use a professional layout

Choose a clean and easy-to-read format that is visually appealing. Use bullet points and headings to break up text and make it easy to skim. 

When creating your CV, you can use a basic document editing program like Microsoft Word, or you can use design-focused software with pre-made templates, like Canva. 

Start with a strong profile

Begin your CV with a summary that highlights your skills and experience and shows how you can add value to the organisation. 

Highlight your relevant experience

Focus on your relevant experience, highlighting your key achievements and responsibilities.

Include your education and certifications

In this section, you can list your formal qualifications as well as any short courses that you have completed that are relevant to the position you are applying for. This will show that you have the necessary qualifications for the job. 

Show off your skills

List your key core skills and attributes, such as communication, organisation and attention to detail. These are important qualities for an executive assistant to have.

Customise your CV for each job application

Tailor your CV to the specific job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.

What Is the best format for an Executive Assistant CV

The format of a CV can vary depending on the industry you’re applying for. For instance, a copywriter would require a different CV format compared to an executive assistant. This is because a copywriter would want to showcase their portfolio, whereas an executive assistant would need to demonstrate their core skills, experience and qualifications. Here are some formatting tips for an executive assistant resume: 

Formatting

To create a professional and polished CV for an executive assistant position, it’s best to convert your finished document to a PDF file. This ensures that the formatting is consistent across different devices and platforms and demonstrates attention to detail. 

Some companies may specify a preferred application format in the job listing. They may ask you to apply directly through their website or a third-party recruitment platform.

If applying through a third-party platform, make sure to follow the employer’s instructions and submit your CV in their preferred format. Some platforms may require you to upload your CV as a separate file, while others may allow you to copy and paste information into a form. Check the platform’s requirements and submit your CV in the appropriate format.

By paying close attention to the application process and submitting your CV in the correct format, you’ll increase your chances of making a good first impression with potential employers.

CV Length

When crafting a CV for executive assistant positions, it’s important to keep in mind that recruiters and hiring managers are often pressed for time and may receive dozens, if not hundreds, of applications for a single job opening. It’s important to make sure that your CV is concise, focused and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

In general, an executive assistant’s CV should ideally be no more than two pages long. This means that you’ll need to be selective about the information you include and focus on the most relevant and impactful details of your professional experience. 

Ultimately, the goal of keeping your executive assistant CV concise and tailored is to make it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to quickly understand your qualifications and experience. By focusing on the most relevant and impactful information, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed and advancing to the next stage of the hiring process.

Vacancy specific

To tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for, you should review the job description carefully and make sure that the skills and experience you highlight in your CV align with the requirements of the position. Consider including specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your skills in areas such as communication, organisation, time management and problem-solving.

In addition to work experience, you may also want to include other relevant information, such as education and professional development, as well as any volunteer or community service experience that highlights your skills or character.

What Is an Executive Assistant CV Profile?

An executive assistant profile is a summary of the qualifications, skills and experience that make a candidate a strong fit for a position. It’s typically included at the top of a candidate’s resume and provides a brief but compelling overview of the candidate’s professional profile.

An effective executive assistant profile will typically include a summary of the candidate’s key skills and strengths, as well as any relevant experience or achievements that demonstrate their ability to excel in an executive support role. 

In addition to highlighting qualifications and experience, an executive assistant profile may also include a brief personal statement that provides insight into the candidate’s personality, values and work style. This can help hiring managers get a better sense of whether the candidate is a good fit for the company culture and the executive they will be supporting.

How to Write an Executive Assistant CV Profile

The executive assistant profile should be tailored to the specific requirements of the job you are applying for and should provide a snapshot of who you are as a professional and what you can bring to the role.

Here are some steps to follow to write an effective executive assistant profile:

Personal statement

Start with a brief personal statement. This should be one to two sentences that provide insight into your personality, work style and values. For example: “Highly motivated and detail-oriented executive assistant with a passion for supporting busy professionals and driving organisational success.”

Highlight your key skills and strengths

Think about the qualities that make you an excellent executive assistant and focus on the ones that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. For example: “Proven track record of managing complex schedules and projects.”

Emphasise your experience

Provide a summary of your professional experience that is tailored to the specific requirements of the executive assistant position. Focus on the most relevant roles and responsibilities and highlight any achievements or accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to succeed in an executive support role.

Qualifications

If you have a degree or certification that is relevant to the executive assistant role, be sure to include it in your profile. You can also include online courses that you have completed that may be relevant to the position you are applying for. 

Call to action

End your executive assistant profile with a statement that shows your enthusiasm for the position and your commitment to supporting the executive and contributing to the success of the organisation. 

Executive Assistant CV Example

Contact Details

  • Name: Penny Tilstead
  • Location: Birmingham
  • Contact number: 0123 456 7890
  • Email: pentils@gmail.com

Profile

Professional Executive Assistant with a decade of expertise in maintaining daily office functions smoothly and efficiently. A skilled communicator and collaborator with a talent for effectively planning, organising and executing the induction and training of new administrative staff. 

Accustomed to handling multitasking projects and adapting to changing priorities. Demonstrates a proven track record of building productive relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders to achieve company objectives. Possesses proficiency in managing travel, calendar and diary requirements, with particular strength in coordinating meetings and events, including preparing and delivering presentations and financial reports.

Education

Core Skills

  • Software: Exceptional skills in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat and CRM systems. 
  • Languages: English (Write, Read and Speak) and French (Write, Read and Speak)
  • Skills
    • Business support
    • Administration 
    • Calendar management
    • Travel management 
    • Meeting management
    • Project Management 
    • Event Management
    • Systems and Process Management
    • Event Planning
    • Technologically proficient

Work Experience

Senior Executive Assistant to CFO, CEO and COO

  • September 2018 – Present
  • Grippo Group,  Birmingham
Outline

Organised business and personal calendars, including travel and projects for the full contingent of Chief Officers (CFO, COO and CEO). 

Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare monthly financial reports for all departments using the XERO software system
  • Managing an extremely active calendar of appointments
  • Composing and preparing correspondence that included confidential information
  • Completing and presenting expense reports and budgets
  • Arranging complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries and agendas and compiling documents for travel-related meetings
  • Facilitation of cross-divisional coordination of travel and outreach plans
  • Maintain discretion and confidentiality with the executive team
  • Planned, coordinated and ensured the executives’ schedules were followed and respected
  • Worked closely and effectively with the executive team to keep them well-informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately
  • Disseminated all notices and other documentation required to facilitate annual budget and monthly financial meetings
Key Achievements
  • Provided exceptional support to the CFO, CEO and COO and other administrative staff and played a part in increasing team efficiency by 25%
  • Received a letter of appreciation from the CEO for the accurate preparation and presentation of monthly financial spreadsheets

Senior Executive Assistant to the MD

  • July 2015 – August 2018 
  • Glasswell Group, Birmingham
Outline

As a member of the Executive Support Team, I reported directly to the Managing Director. In this role, I provided executive support through administrative functions, assisted in staff training development and supported business planning initiatives for the Managing Director and Executive Chair.

Key Responsibilities
  • I served as a valuable source of insight and information for the Managing Director by continuously monitoring and assessing the business environment and providing regular updates on relevant issues. This allowed the MD to make informed decisions based on current developments in the industry.
  • Communicated directly, and on behalf of the MD, with Board members, donors and others, on matters related to the MD’s programmatic initiatives.
  • Provided a bridge for smooth communication between the MD’s office and internal departments.
  • Provided leadership to build relationships crucial to the success of the organisation and managed a variety of special projects for the MD.
  • Successfully completed critical aspects of deliverables with a hands-on approach, including drafting letters, presentations and other tasks that facilitated the MD’s ability to effectively lead the company.
  • Prioritised conflicting needs; handled matters proactively and followed through on projects to successful completion.
  • Managed the coordination of internal and external MD meetings, including schedule coordination, meeting preparation, agendas, presentation preparation, food and beverage needs, room preparation and AV setup. 
  • Managed agendas and preparation of MD meetings, including senior management team meetings and all-staff huddles.
  • Organised and maintained a streamlined filing system in the executive office, including but not limited to; board and committee reports, presentations, speaking points and confidential documents.
Key achievements
  • Managed the development of and initiated a centralised database which includes information, resources and solutions pertaining to the company’s policies, procedures and IT technology and systems. This streamlined interdepartmental sharing of information.  

Interests and hobbies

As a bird enthusiast, I love spending my free time exploring the outdoors and observing different bird species in their natural habitats. I have a vast collection of birding books and guides that I enjoy reading and studying to expand my knowledge of ornithology. 

In addition to bird watching, I also enjoy hiking, camping and photography, all of which allow me to experience the beauty of nature and capture memories of my adventures.

Conclusion

An executive assistant’s CV should be well-written, concise and tailored to the specific requirements of the position and the company. To structure an executive assistant’s CV, it is important to use a professional layout, highlight relevant experience and education and showcase your skills. 

It’s also important to customise your CV for the job you’re applying for. This shows your attention to detail and helps ensure that your application is both professional and compliant. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the job poster when submitting your application.

Joss Search is a leading recruitment agency specialising in business support roles, including executive assistants. 

Our team of expert recruiters is dedicated to finding the perfect match for both our clients and candidates. If you’re looking for a new executive assistant role, get in touch with us today to explore our current job opportunities and find out how we can help you take the next step in your career.

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