Welcome to the September edition of The Assistants.

We have some exciting news to share, and we think you will love it! We have a new coaching and mentoring business, ‘Roxanne Calder: Corporate Coaching and Consulting’. Rox’s second book, Earning Power was the catalyst, but to be honest, we all knew it was going to happen! The writing was so clearly on the wall. If you have ever read her articles or heard her speak on the Today Show or been fortunate to be coached by her already, you know she knows her stuff!

Our new business provides custom workplace coaching, advisory and mentoring, designed to enable, empower and motivate. The goal of the programs and one on ones are for long term sustainable results. And yes, unashamedly, we focus on women. We know women have so much more to offer and we know exactly how to help! As a tip…it’s not through the same old rhetoric though. Find out more at www.roxannecalder.com.au and follow us on IG @roxanne.calder.

Back to you and this month’s article. We are writing about a subject very close to home….and a question we get asked daily! What do we look for when recruiting great Executive Assistants?

With the introduction of AI and the advancements in technology, our profession has increased in complexity. It is now far beyond the traditional administrative support role of previous years.

Much Love,

EST10

P.S. if there is advice or tips you would love us to write about – please just let us know!

When we start work on any new role, we take a thorough brief. Why? Because no two roles, like no two Executive Assistants are the same. Each role comes with subtle differences, unique relationships, and vastly different working styles. That said, there are key EA traits that help us determine who really is the cream of the crop!

Strong administration skills and tech savvy abilities are pretty much a given. A good Executive Assistant demonstrates a blend of strong technical skills, exceptional soft skills and a proactive, growth-oriented mindset.

During an interview some of the key areas we looking for are:

Proactive problem solving: You need to demonstrate that you can, and have taken initiative, you anticipate needs and always have a plan ‘C’ up your sleeve!

Exceptional organisational skills: We don’t just mean keeping on a top of a busy diary. It’s the detail of the detail to ensure all runs smoothly. Planning well ahead of time and anticipating obstacles, so it looks like it was effortless, that’s someone with great organisational skills.

Commercial awareness: You understand the business priorities, the pressures on your Executive and strategically assist demonstrating business acumen.

Emotional Intelligence: We have spoken about this in previous articles; it is the cornerstone of support roles! You build strong relationships at all levels, you read the room and act accordingly whilst also handling sensitive dynamics with ease, discretion and tact.

Resilience and discretion: Support roles can be tough, you need to be able to calmly work through the pressure, whilst always maintaining confidentiality and discretion.

Adaptability: You might be surprised how many senior Executive Assistants are set in their ways. A standout EA pivots at a moment’s notice, changes plans with ease and is constantly evaluating to ensure superior support.

Communication: This is a big one. It isn’t just how you speak to people although that is very important! Can you get your message across effectively, clearly and efficiently? Can you tailor your tone to different situations and are your written skills as strong as your verbal ones, and vice versa!

Growth Mindset: You will only excel if you are willing to learn and adapt. Be across new technologies, continually work on your personal skills.

Think you tick every box? Then show your interviewer with concrete examples! Be mindful when giving examples to protect previous employers and colleagues (see point 4 above).

An example:

Question: “Would you say you have a growth mindset?”

Answer 1: “Oh yes absolutely I love to learn!”

This answer gives no depth, no examples and doesn’t reassure the interviewer that you do in fact have a growth mindset.

Answer 2: “Yes I would say I have a growth mindset. I am always looking for ways to learn and improve. Last year I did a 6-month course in the evening on ‘SEO strategy”. I wanted to understand this more as I support a Marketing Director and I know it’s always a big topic for our clients.

It is easy to assume your interviewer knows these things. You might have the course listed on your resume, but it’s how you talk about it that makes the difference. Before any interview, practice answering questions on these areas with specific examples. That way you have them on the tip of your tongue!

If you are not looking to change roles right now, take the time now to look at the above list, to see what area you might need to improve on.

Wildlife photographer of the year

Returning for its 60th year direct from the Natural History Museum in London, this extraordinary showcase invites you to witness the awe-inspiring diversity of life on Earth and the urgent need for its protection.

This year’s competition attracted an astounding 59,228 entries from 117 countries, celebrating the very best in nature photography. From mesmerising animal behaviour to breathtaking landscapes and powerful photojournalism, each image is a testament to the artistry, patience, and dedication of photographers from around the world.

Featuring 100 stunning images across multiple categories, including Animals in Their Environment, Underwater, and Photojournalism, this exhibition will take you on a journey through Earth’s most extraordinary moments.