Executive Assistant skills and qualifications

What technical skills does an Executive Assistant need to have?
- A strong ability to research information on the internet and any other sources of data quickly
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including a good grasp of grammar whether or not they write in a formal style or not
- The ability to work with numerous computer software packages such as Microsoft Word and Outlook, as well as Google software and social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn)
- Good planning skills with an eye for detail combined with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks while remaining calm under pressure even when working towards tight deadlines is required every day
- An awareness of current affairs with the ability to have a good grasp of local, international, business and celebrity news
- The ability to follow up on loose ends when necessary
- Filing documents in filing systems
- Document control - keeping documents safe once managers and clients have signed them off and maintaining an audit trail
- Managing calendars and diaries for executives and staff in managerial positions
- Making travel bookings as well as arranging meetings on behalf of senior management or clients
- Dealing with difficult people over the telephone regularly
What soft skills does an Executive Assistant need to have?
- Being able to build and maintain good relationships with people by being a good listener as well as having excellent interpersonal and people skills
- Having an ability to anticipate and understand the needs of managers and other senior staff, sometimes before they do it themselves
- Having a positive attitude towards other people at all times, combined with a willingness to help others even when it isn't part of their job role
- Resilience under pressure as Executive Assistants often work long hours (which can involve working weekends or public holidays)
- An awareness of diversity issues such as gender, race, sexuality and disability
What qualifications does an Executive Assistant need to have?
- Certificate IV in Frontline Management
- Diploma of Business (Secretarial)
- Advanced Diploma of Human Resources Management
- Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or Management
- Course including secretarial practice
Do you need to study or go to university to become an Executive Assistant?
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