A Executive Assistant's Guide to Writing a Winning Resume (With Samples)

As an executive assistant, you play a crucial role in the daily operations of the company you work for. Your job is to serve as the right hand of your boss, helping them manage projects and schedules, handling administrative tasks, and communicating with internal and external stakeholders.

If you're considering a new opportunity, it's essential to have a strong resume that showcases your skills and experience. Here's a guide to writing a winning executive assistant resume:

1. Start with a strong summary statement

A summary statement is a brief paragraph that introduces who you are as a professional and highlights your most valuable qualifications. Use this section to showcase your experience and skills that align with the position you're applying for. Be sure to include keywords from the job description to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

2. Showcase your experience in reverse chronological order

When listing your work experience, start with your most recent job and work backward. For each position, provide the job title, company name, employment dates, and your key responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate your impact on the organization.

3. Highlight your technical and soft skills

As an executive assistant, you'll need a combination of technical and soft skills to succeed in the role. Make sure to list technical skills relevant to the job, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management software, or video conferencing tools. Soft skills, such as communication, organization, and time management, are equally important and should be highlighted.

4. Include education and certifications

While not always required for executive assistant roles, education and certifications can enhance your qualifications and make you stand out from other candidates. Be sure to list any relevant degrees or certifications, including the institution's name, degree or certification earned, and the year you received it.

5. Proofread and edit your resume

Before submitting your resume, make sure to proofread and edit it carefully. Look for any spelling or grammatical errors, and double-check that all information is accurate and up-to-date. Have a friend or colleague review your resume as well to catch any mistakes or provide feedback on its overall readability.

A strong executive assistant resume can open doors to new opportunities and help you land the job you want. By following these tips, you'll be able to craft a winning resume that showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications.

Example Resumes

Example #1

Jane Doe

123 Main Street | Anytown, USA 12345 | janedoe@email.com | (123) 456-7890

Summary

Executive Assistant with over 5 years of experience supporting C-level executives in fast-paced environments. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and skilled in project management, event planning, and team coordination. Proven track record of increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving office operations.

Professional Experience

Executive Assistant
XYZ Corporation, Anytown, USA
January 2017 – Present

• Coordinate and manage executive schedule, including meetings, travel arrangements, and conference calls
• Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, and presentations using Microsoft Office Suite
• Organize and lead weekly team meetings, resulting in a 30% increase in team communication and efficiency
• Plan and execute company events, including a successful annual conference with over 500 attendees
• Develop and implement new office procedures, resulting in a 15% reduction in office supply costs

Executive Assistant
ABC Inc, Anytown, USA
June 2014 – December 2016

• Managed executive schedule, including coordinating meetings, travel arrangements, and conference calls
• Provided support in creating presentations and other reports using Microsoft Office Suite
• Assisted with project management tasks, including tracking deadlines and deliverables

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration
University of Anytown, USA
Graduated May 2014

GPA: 3.8/4.0

Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Project management
• Event planning
• Team coordination

Example #2

Jane Smith

123 Main Street • Anytown, USA 12345 • 555-555-5555 • jane.smith@email.com

Executive Assistant

CAREER SUMMARY

Experienced Executive Assistant with over 10 years of experience supporting C-level executives in various industries, including finance, technology, and healthcare. Proven track record of managing busy schedules, organizing files and documents, coordinating travel arrangements, and handling confidential information with complete discretion. Well-versed in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ABC Corporation | Executive Assistant | 2016-Present

• Provide administrative support to CEO, including managing a demanding calendar, scheduling travel arrangements, and coordinating meetings.
• Drafted and proofread company correspondence, including emails, memos, and presentations.
• Increased efficiency by digitizing filing system and implementing an online document management platform, reducing paper waste by 40%.
• Collaborated with marketing team to organize a company retreat for over 200 employees, staying within budget while exceeding employee expectations.

DEF Company | Executive Assistant | 2013-2016

• Assisted Chief Technology Officer in managing daily operations, including scheduling and facilitating weekly team meetings, arranging travel for multiple domestic and international conferences, and coordinating logistics for on-site client visits.
• Increased productivity by 25% by implementing a new system to track projects and deadlines, streamlining work processes across the team.
• Developed a comprehensive and dynamic presentation for team-building activities and long meetings, promoting employee morale and productivity.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | 2013

University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California

Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Document Management, Travel Coordination, Project Management, Team-Building, Event Planning, Confidentiality, Organization.

Example #3

Jane Smith

123 Main Street, Anytown USA | (123) 456-7890 | jane.smith@email.com

Objective:

To obtain an Executive Assistant position in a fast-paced and dynamic environment that utilizes my exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Professional Experience:

Executive Assistant, ABC Corporation (2018 – Present)

• Support the CEO and executive team in managing schedules, travel arrangements, and daily activities.
• Organize and prepare materials for executive meetings, including presentations and reports.
• Track and report on key performance metrics for the executive team, including sales and revenue targets, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement.
• Manage high-priority projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budgets and quality standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including employee and customer data, financial information, and strategic plans.

Executive Assistant, XYZ Corporation (2016 – 2018)

• Supported the COO and senior management team in managing schedules, travel arrangements, and daily activities.
• Prepared materials for board meetings, including reports, presentations, and financial statements.
• Managed logistics for company events, including offsite meetings, team building activities, and holiday parties.
• Liaised with vendors and external stakeholders, including investors, customers, and media representatives.
• Implemented process improvements in administrative procedures, resulting in decreased turnaround times and increased productivity.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of California, Berkeley

• GPA: 3.8/4.0
• Awarded Dean's List Honors for 4 consecutive semesters
• Relevant coursework: Financial Accounting, Organizational Behavior, Marketing Management, Business Law, Operations Management

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Experience with project management software, such as Asana and Trello

References available upon request.

Conclusion

Writing a winning resume as an executive assistant takes time and effort but it's worth it in the end. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job you apply to, highlight your achievements, quantify your results, and use strong action verbs throughout.

Don't forget to write a great cover letter https://www.remoterocketship.com/advice/guide/executive-assistant/cover-letter. This is your chance to showcase your personality and explain why you're the perfect candidate for the job.

If you're currently looking for a new job, be sure to search our remote EA job board for the latest openings.

Finally, prepare for your interviews by researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and being ready to talk about your experience and achievements. Good luck!

Looking to ace your interviews? Our team has put together a collection of detailed interview questions and answers for different executive assistant specializations, including Executive Support Specialist, Senior Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Personal Assistant, and Project Coordinator.