EXPERT Q&A FOR ADMINISTRATIVE
PROFESSIONALS
QUESTION: I'm an administrative assistant who wants to proceed to
the level of an executive assistant. But every time I see an opening for an
executive assistant, the qualifications say that previous experience is
required. This seems like a no-win situation. What can I do to overcome this
"executive assistant experience required" hurdle?
ANSWER (by Joan Burge, founder and CEO of Office Dynamics):
You’re not alone in facing this problem. I hear it a lot, from enterprising
assistants at every level. Here are two possible solutions:
1. Gain experience by volunteering.
Find a mentor among the executive assistants where you work. Have a chat or
go to lunch. Explain that you want to achieve the same level of success as
that person and would value his or her guidance. Most people are honored
you’d ask, and they usually agree to help.
Then, offer to assist your mentor with related tasks or projects as you’re
able. It’s a win-win situation! Your mentor gets a helping hand (always
appreciated). In return, you gain invaluable experience to add to your
resume – and a possible reference from your mentor.
Note: Be sure to clear the extra work with your managers in advance.
Besides assuring them you’ll handle your regular duties with the same
high-quality attention to detail they expect, it’ll show how serious you are
about career advancement. This can pave the way for management’s support if
you eventually apply for an executive-assistant job in your workplace.
2. Apply for positions when you’re qualified.
Your current title doesn’t have to say “executive assistant” for you to be
qualified for that position. Remember: What matters most is that you have
the experience.
Of course, the key to success is how well you promote your qualifications:
•
Your resume should highlight the task-management, team-building,
networking, information-sharing and interpersonal skills that employers look
for in their top assistants.
• Your cover letter should explain how you’ve taken the initiative to
gain those skills – either through mentoring, volunteering for projects or
pursuing related training courses.
You
get 0% of what you don’t ask for. So shoot for the moon, and have faith that
your proactive efforts and hard work will pay off – because ultimately, they
will!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joan Burge, founder and CEO of Office Dynamics, is one of North America’s
foremost experts, authors and trainers on administrative excellence and
workplace effectiveness. To learn more about Office Dynamics and the many
ways it helps advance careers for administrative professionals, visit
OfficeDynamics.com
or call 800-STAR-139.
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