Life as an executive assistant is fast-paced, challenging, perpetually changing, often fun, and loaded with career potential. It’s a great job – but is it for you? If you are considering a career as an executive assistant, ask yourself the following questions:

Is “multitask” your middle name?
Do you balance your checkbook while standing in line at the grocery store? Do you answer emails while talking on the phone? If you are a master of multitasking, you already have one of the key qualities of any great executive assistant. Constantly running from one job to another, executive assistants need to stay on top of various tasks – and help others stay on top of theirs as well!

Can you organize documents in your sleep?

The job hunt is often a long and stressful process. As a result, many anxious job hunters immediately accept an offer of employment in a wave of relief and emotion. Those who are entering the job market for the first time often jump at the first professional opportunity that comes their way. Those who want to leave their current position are often hasty to take a new job, even if it isn’t the right fit.

You’ll probably apply to many jobs during your job search. When you get your first offer, you should always request a little bit of time to think it over. What factors are the most important? Read on.

Salary

Your boss just called and she's gotten lost on the way to her five o'clock meeting!... You've got a PowerPoint presentation to finish in less than an hour!... You need to determine overnight shipping costs to London!… This is the life of an executive assistant. Do you panic? Not at all. All the expertise you need is just a click away. From Placement Now, here’s a trusty web help desk that can help you solve any number of administrative problems…

Google Maps
The fastest way to get driving directions or map a location.

LinkedIn
A networking tool that will help you stay on top of all your business contacts… or look up a contact at another company.

If you are looking for a job as an executive assistant, you probably know what type of position you’d like to land. Do you also know what executives are looking for in a candidate? While your specific responsibilities will depend on the company (and person) you work for, there are a number of essential qualities that all successful executive assistants share.

A position as an administrative assistant can be an excellent stepping-stone towards an executive assistant job. However, in many cases, it’s up to you to prepare yourself for the career change. How can you get ready to move up the ladder?