When you think about the skills needed to become a successful Executive Assistant, organisation, communication and time management probably spring to mind. They’re important, but they’re not the whole story. The best EAs often bring less obvious qualities to the role, too. Here are five worth developing if you’re looking for Executive Assistant jobs in London.
1. Anticipating what’s needed
A great EA doesn’t simply respond to requests. You learn to think one step ahead.
This ability to anticipate needs comes with experience, observation and really getting to know how someone works. When applying for roles, think about examples where you prevented a problem rather than simply solved one.
2. Reading the room
EAs regularly deal with senior executives, clients, colleagues and stakeholders with very different personalities and priorities. Being able to read a situation and adapt your approach is an incredibly useful skill.
You might know when an executive needs a quick answer rather than a detailed explanation, or recognise when a sensitive issue needs to be handled privately.
This kind of emotional awareness can be difficult to demonstrate on a CV, so use interviews to show how you’ve handled different personalities and situations.
3. Knowing when to push back
Being helpful doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.
Top EAs understand that sometimes you need to question a request, flag a risk or suggest a different approach. The trick is doing it constructively.
Employers looking at Executive Assistant jobs in London want people who can use their judgement, not simply follow instructions.
4. Staying calm when plans change
Senior-level environments can move quickly. That means things change, even after months of meticulous planning.
Your ability to remain calm and work out what needs to happen next can be more valuable than having a perfect plan in the first place.
If you’ve dealt with a last-minute crisis or disrupted event, make sure you mention it when applying. Focus on what you did and the outcome, rather than simply saying you work well under pressure.
5. Understanding the bigger picture
The strongest EAs don’t operate in isolation. You’ll often be much more effective when you understand the organisation, its priorities and what your executive is trying to achieve.
You don’t necessarily need extensive industry knowledge when you start a new role. However, showing curiosity and taking the time to understand the wider business can quickly make you a more valuable member of the team.
It’s also a useful quality to demonstrate during your job search. Before an interview for Executive Assistant jobs in London, research the company and think about how the role contributes to its wider objectives.
Look beyond the job description
Many of the qualities that make an outstanding EA aren’t neatly listed under “essential skills”. They develop through experience, self-awareness and paying attention to how you work with others.
So, when you're searching for your next opportunity, don’t underestimate these less obvious strengths. They could be exactly what helps you stand out from other candidates.
If you’re looking for EA jobs in London, then we’re the PA recruitment agency you need. Get in touch on 020 7870 7177.