Hiring an executive assistant is a big commitment, and one that can feel super scary. An executive assistant can be your right-hand person, essentially your new BFF. They’re critical to keeping your busy life organized and on track. It’s important to find the right fit so you both have a great experience working together. Here are some tips to help you hire the best executive assistant for you and your business.
Know what you’re looking for in an assistant
There are many types of assistants. It’s important to know what type of assistant you’re looking for so you can be clear and specific about your needs in your job posting and during the interview process. Here are a few types of executive assistants;
Administrative assistant: The administrative assistant is the go-to person for administrative tasks like organizing your calendar, booking travel, filing, and more.
Scheduling assistant: A scheduling assistant may be responsible for scheduling meetings, booking travel, and planning your calendar.
Executive assistant: An executive assistant may be responsible for administrative tasks like those above, as well as helping manage your email, research, and even social media.
Special assistant: A special assistant may be responsible for administrative tasks, but their main focus is helping you achieve your goals and priorities. They may have special skill sets or know how to access the right resources to get things done.
Ask around before you start your hunt
Talk to people you know who have or currently have an executive assistant. Ask them what they’re looking for, what they like/dislike about their current assistant, and if they would recommend their assistant for you. This can be a great way to get a feel for the type of person you’re looking for. You can also ask the person who referred you to their assistant, and see if they know anyone else who is hiring.
Research and identify your top candidates
If you’re hiring someone new, you want to be confident in your hire, and you want to make sure your new assistant is a good fit for you and your business. Take the time to research the different types of people you could hire and their specialties within those categories. You can also research other assistants in your industry who work for people you respect and admire. Leverage social media to see if you can find any information about their assistants. Read reviews, blogs, and articles about different assistants to help you make your decision. Once you’ve found potential candidates, make sure to talk to their current or past employers. You’ll want to get a good feel for what type of person they are, what they’ve done, and if they’d be a good fit for you and your business.
Set basic expectations during the interview process
Hiring someone can be a long and sometimes difficult process. Make sure to set expectations with your candidates at the beginning of the process. This includes letting them know how long you expect the process to take, what information they’ll need to provide, and what you’ll need to provide for them. You’ll also want to let them know what type of environment they’ll be working in. This can help ease any concerns they may have about the process, and it’ll also help you understand what type of person you’re hiring.
Wrapping up: Final advice
Hiring an executive assistant can be a big decision and a big commitment. Make sure you know what type of assistant you’re looking for and are confident in your decision. It’s important to set expectations with your candidates during the interview process and be respectful of their time. It’s also important to be prepared for the process and know what you’re looking for.