Entrepreneurs are busy people. You have a business to run, clients to schmooze with, and a whole to-do list that never gets any shorter. Is it any wonder you sometimes feel like you might meet yourself coming the other way?
This is where an executive assistant will come in handy. If you are constantly juggling multiple tasks and don’t have enough time in the day to get the real work done, hiring an executive assistant can be a game-changer. This amazing person, a real angel minus the wings, will provide invaluable support and help you focus on what truly matters.
Ready to hire your Boy/Girl Friday? Here are some tips and strategies for hiring the perfect executive assistant.
Determine Your Needs
Before you start the hiring process, it’s important to think about what kind of person you need. Take some time to evaluate the tasks and responsibilities you want your executive assistant to handle. Are you looking for someone to manage your schedule, handle administrative tasks, or assist with project management? Understanding what you want and need will help you find the right candidate with the necessary skills and experience.
Create a Clear Job Description
Crafting a well-defined job description is essential to attract qualified candidates. If you’re not clear, you will have to sift through a lot of unsuitable people during the hiring process, which is a massive waste of time.
Clearly outline the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for the role. Mention specific skills like strong organizational abilities, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in relevant software. Be upfront about the level of experience required and any preferred qualifications.
Look Beyond the Resume
While a resume provides a lot of valuable information about a candidate’s qualifications, it’s important not to rely solely on it. Make sure your interviews are thorough to get a better understanding of the candidate’s personality, work ethic, and problem-solving abilities. Ask situational questions that assess their ability to handle challenging situations and prioritize tasks. Consider using assessments or tests that evaluate their skills and suitability for the role.
Check References
Don’t skip the reference check. Speaking with previous employers or colleagues can provide insights into a candidate’s work ethic, reliability, and overall performance. Ask specific questions related to their ability to multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadlines. This saves you from hiring someone who is blatantly unsuited to the role or the company.
Cultural Fit
An executive assistant needs to fit the company culture. They will be working closely with you and should share your values and goals. Assess their compatibility by discussing your company’s values, work environment, and vision during the interview process.
Evaluate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key to a successful partnership with an executive assistant. Pay attention to their ability to listen actively, articulate ideas clearly, and adapt their communication style to different situations. A strong communicator will help streamline your business operations and represent you professionally, so they need to have what it takes to talk to clients and other employees without causing confusion or offense.
How Much Industry Experience Do They Have?
While relevant experience in your industry is not always a prerequisite, it can be advantageous. An executive assistant with industry-specific knowledge can quickly grasp the intricacies of your business, understand your clients, and provide valuable insights. However, keep in mind that hiring someone from outside your industry can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
Emphasize Confidentiality and Trust
As an executive, you’ll be sharing sensitive information with your assistant. It’s vital to hire someone who understands the importance of confidentiality and can be trusted with confidential matters, i.e., someone who doesn’t gossip the minute they leave your office. Assess their ability to handle sensitive information discreetly and maintain a high level of professionalism at all times.
Hire a Virtual or Remote Assistant
You may not even need in-person assistance. Often, a remote executive assistant can fulfil the role just as well. Make sure you understand the difference between virtual and remote assistants before you hire one.
Investing time and effort into hiring a competent executive assistant will pay off in the long run, allowing you to focus on growing your business and achieving your goals.
