Keen to land that dream executive assistant role? It's not enough to be organised and efficient–you’ll need to prove you’re the right candidate for the job.
Our executive assistant CV guide provides the tools and insights you need to create a CV that gets you noticed and hired faster.
With expert advice, compelling CV examples, and a professional CV builder, building a professional CV and finding your next executive assistant role has never been easier.
How to write an executive assistant CV:
To make sure your executive assistant CV stands out from the crowd, here's a breakdown of the essential elements and how to make them shine:
- The CV header
- The CV personal statement
- The employment history section
- The skills section
- The education section
To create a powerful executive assistant CV, consider the following tips:
- Showcase your career accomplishments and how you've added value in previous roles
- Focus on the skills employers seek, such as organisation, communication, problem-solving, and tech proficiency
- Opt for a CV format that highlights your key strengths
- Customise your CV for each job application to show employers why you're the perfect fit for their specific needs
Bypass the ATS
Think of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) as digital gatekeepers. They scan your CV for keywords to determine if you're a good fit for the role.
To ensure you pass the test, sprinkle relevant keywords throughout your CV, but don't just throw any keywords in there—use the ones specifically mentioned in the job description.
How to choose the best CV format for an executive assistant
Your executive assistant CV needs to be more than just a list of dates and duties—it must tell a compelling story of your administrative expertise.
While a traditional chronological CV format is often preferred, a combination or functional CV format can help highlight specific skills or accomplishments, especially if you have limited work experience.
These CV formats allow you to showcase your most relevant qualifications upfront, even if they aren't from your most recent role.
Include essential contact details
Your CV header is your first impression, so make it count. Present your contact details in a clear, professional, and easily accessible manner.
Here's what to include:
- Full Name & Title: Your full name and the specific title you're applying for.
- Email Address: Be sure to use a professional email address that includes your full name.
- Phone Number: Provide a current phone number with a professional voicemail greeting.
- Location: Include your city or town and indicate if you're open to relocating.
- Professional Websites: Include links to any professional websites, such as LinkedIn.
Don't include personal information like your date of birth or marital status. Keep it strictly professional and focused on your qualifications as an executive assistant.
Include a strong professional statement
Your professional statement is like a 30-second elevator pitch. It's your chance to make a strong first impression and convince potential employers that you're the executive assistant they've been searching for.
In a few engaging sentences, discuss key skills and accomplishments. Discuss your ability to anticipate needs, streamline processes, and provide exceptional support to busy executives.
For example: "Highly efficient and resourceful executive assistant with a proven track record of providing seamless support to senior management.”
Don't just tell them what you've done—show them how you've added value and exceeded expectations in previous roles.
Searching for tips to start building your professional statement? Be sure to review our related CV examples:
For more inspiration, check out our professional summary examples below:
Highly motivated and organised professional with a strong foundation in administrative skills. Excited to begin a career as an executive assistant, bringing excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Proficient in project management tools and eager to learn new technologies and systems.
Experienced and results-driven executive assistant with a proven track record of providing seamless support to senior management. Skilled in calendar management, travel coordination, and meeting preparation. Committed to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Responsible and resourceful executive assistant with extensive experience supporting C-level executives in demanding environments. Proven ability to manage complex projects and handle confidential information. Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
Discuss your professional experience
When describing your experience as an executive assistant, don't just list tasks—highlight your accomplishments and the impact you made. Use action verbs and focus on the results you achieved.
For example, instead of:
- "Provided administrative support to the CEO."
- "Organised meetings and events."
- "Managed travel arrangements."
Try:
- "Provided comprehensive administrative support to the CEO, streamlining daily operations and contributing to a 15% increase in efficiency."
- "Successfully organised and executed 10+ high-profile events.”
- "Efficiently managed complex travel arrangements for executives and international delegations.”
By showcasing your accomplishments and quantifiable results, you demonstrate the value you bring to an organisation and make your CV stand out to potential employers.
Executive Assistant at Cartwright Consulting, Nelson
August 2020 - Present
- Answered and screened executive phone calls, providing accurate and timely information
- Proactively identified and resolved administrative issues, streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
- Compiled, analysed, and synthesized data from various sources to generate insights for the executive team
- Managed expense reimbursements and invoices, resulting in accurate and timely payments
- Monitored and managed office inventory, ensuring that all supplies were ordered and restocked in a timely manner
Executive Assistant at Anderson Recruitment Solutions, Auckland
December 2016 - July 2020
- Created a filing system that improved document retrieval times by 20%
- Developed and implemented procedures that improved operational efficiency by 10%
- Streamlined administrative processes, resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency
- Provided comprehensive administrative support to the CEO and CFO, managing their calendars, travel arrangements, and correspondence.
- Organised and scheduled executive meetings, ensuring that all agendas and materials were prepared and distributed in advance
- Provided administrative support for special projects and events, coordinating with other departments to ensure successful execution
Receptionist at Lewis Ellis, Auckland
January 2015 - November 2016
- Filed and maintained records and documents, ensuring their accuracy and confidentiality
- Organised and coordinated meetings and events, including preparing agendas and taking minutes •
- Managed multiple phone lines and answered incoming calls in a timely and efficient manner
- Acted as a first point of contact for all visitors and guests
- Scheduled appointments and managed calendars for the office’s executives
- Organised and coordinated meetings and events, including preparing agendas and taking minutes
Discuss relevant skills
Your skills section is your opportunity to showcase the diverse range of abilities you bring to the table.
As an executive assistant, you need a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills to excel in your role, so be sure to discuss a range of technical and soft skills, including:
- Leadership Skills
- Ability to Multitask
- Ability to Work in a Team
- Ability to Work Under Pressure
- Customer Service
- Computer Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Communication Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Event Planning
Showcase your key skills and experience throughout your CV with specific examples and quantifiable results. For example:
- Communication: Describe how your communication skills facilitated effective collaboration, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance.
- Organisation: Detail how your organisation skills streamlined processes, improved efficiency, or contributed to successful project outcomes.
- Problem-solving: Provide examples of how you identified and solved problems, highlighting your ability to think critically and make sound decisions.
Always adapt your executive assistant CV to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to each specific job application.
Detail your education & relevant certifications
The education section of your executive assistant CV should showcase your qualifications and commitment to professional development. List your academic credentials in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or diploma.
This section is also ideal for highlighting relevant training and certifications:
- Training: Include any courses, workshops, or certifications relevant to executive assistant roles, such as those offered by the New Zealand Institute of Management (NZIM).
- Professional Development: Mention any professional development activities you've undertaken, such as attending industry conferences, workshops, or webinars.
- Certifications and Qualifications: If you have any qualifications or certifications relevant to business administration or executive support, be sure to mention them in this section.
NCEA Level 3 with Excellence, Auckland Girls' Grammar School, Auckland
February 2012 - December 2016
Choose the right CV layout for an executive assistant CV
Your executive assistant CV should reflect your professionalism. Choose a professional or simple layout with clear headings and a modern font. A subtle colour palette adds a touch of sophistication.
Keep it simple, well-formatted, and easy to read. Avoid clutter and unnecessary design elements that could distract from the content.
Ultimately, your CV should present a polished and organised image of your skills and experience.
Executive assistant text-only CV example
Profile
Responsible Executive Assistant with 9 years of comprehensive experience delivering exceptional administrative support and enhancing operational efficiency. Proficient in managing executive communications, data analysis, and office inventory, ensuring seamless daily operations. Adept at creating organised filing systems and implementing effective procedures that significantly improve workflow. Strong skills in customer service and event planning facilitate successful project execution and stakeholder engagement. Committed to contributing to organisational success through proactive and detail-oriented support.
Employment history
Executive Assistant at Cartwright Consulting, Nelson
August 2020 - Present
- Answered and screened executive phone calls, providing accurate and timely information
- Proactively identified and resolved administrative issues, streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
- Compiled, analysed, and synthesized data from various sources to generate insights for the executive team
- Managed expense reimbursements and invoices, resulting in accurate and timely payments
- Monitored and managed office inventory, ensuring that all supplies were ordered and restocked in a timely manner
Executive Assistant at Anderson Recruitment Solutions, Auckland
December 2016 - July 2020
- Created a filing system that improved document retrieval times by 20%
- Developed and implemented procedures that improved operational efficiency by 10%
- Streamlined administrative processes, resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency
- Provided comprehensive administrative support to the CEO and CFO, managing their calendars, travel arrangements, and correspondence.
- Organised and scheduled executive meetings, ensuring that all agendas and materials were prepared and distributed in advance
- Provided administrative support for special projects and events, coordinating with other departments to ensure successful execution
Receptionist at Lewis Ellis, Auckland
January 2015 - November 2016
- Filed and maintained records and documents, ensuring their accuracy and confidentiality
- Organised and coordinated meetings and events, including preparing agendas and taking minutes •
- Managed multiple phone lines and answered incoming calls in a timely and efficient manner
- Acted as a first point of contact for all visitors and guests
- Scheduled appointments and managed calendars for the office’s executives
- Organised and coordinated meetings and events, including preparing agendas and taking minutes
Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Ability to Multitask
- Ability to Work in a Team
- Ability to Work Under Pressure
- Customer Service
- Computer Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Communication Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Event Planning
Education
NCEA Level 3 with Excellence, Auckland Girls' Grammar School, Auckland
February 2012 - December 2016
Excelling as an executive assistant requires a blend of meticulous organisation, proactive support, and exceptional communication skills.
Try our online CV builder to create a polished and professional CV that highlights your unique strengths and helps you land your dream executive assistant role today!
