Executive Assistants are responsible for handling a variety of office administration tasks in support of company executives. Typical duties include prioritizing emails and phone calls, arranging meetings, and scheduling business events. They are the interface between executives and employees, clients, and other external partners. They must have exceptional time management skills and keen attention to detail in managing the office’s day-to-day events in an accurate and timely manner. Executive assistants also should be well organized and able to make decisions independently.
Executive assistants may also track daily expenses, prepare weekly, monthly, or quarterly reports, and manage the clerical staff. They maintain office inventory and order supplies when needed. Excellent written and verbal communications skills are essential as executive assistants write memos, emails, presentations, and reports. They must have a good working knowledge of computers and programs such as MS Office, as well as be skilled with operating and troubleshooting various types of office equipment.
Sample job description
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for an executive assistant in the United States is $69,000 per year. Salaries will vary widely based on company size, industry, market, and specific job responsibilities.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $68,600 | $92,750 |
| Los Angeles, California | $77,400 | $104,750 |
| Denver, Colorado | $64,500 | $87,300 |
| Washington, DC | $78,600 | $106,300 |
| Miami, Florida | $64,200 | $86,900 |
| Orlando, Florida | $59,250 | $80,150 |
| Tampa, Florida | $59,800 | $80,900 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $62,750 | $84,900 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $72,150 | $97,600 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $78,000 | $105,550 |
| Minneapolis-St.Paul, Minnesota | $62,150 | $84,100 |
| New York City, New York | $82,100 | $111,100 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $66,850 | $90,450 |
| Dallas, Texas | $65,100 | $88,100 |
| Houston, Texas | $64,500 | $87,300 |
| Seattle, Washington | $75,100 | $101,550 |
| National Average | $58,650 | $79,350 |
Sample interview questions
- What interests you about being an executive assistant in this specific company?
- What do you know about our client base?
- How do you handle difficult personalities at work?
- What software tools do you use on a daily basis?
- How do you prioritize tasks and daily work load in a busy office?
- How do you handle stress and pressure?
- What do you believe an executive assistant brings to a company?
- Explain how you would handle an angry client demanding to speak to the executive.
- What is your experience with booking travel?
- Describe a time you had to adjust a schedule due to an unforeseen circumstance.
- What are your greatest strengths as an executive assistant?
- What role did you play in your prior position?
- Tell me about a time you had to say no on behalf of your boss?
- Describe one of your more successful projects. How do you define success?
