How to Write a Standout Executive Assistant Summary

First impressions matter. Your executive assistant summary is your chance to make a positive first impression when aiming for your dream EA job.

The summary is the first thing a recruiter reads when looking at your resume. This short paragraph grabs their attention and offers a quick overview of your work. It can determine whether they decide to read the rest of the document. So, don’t underestimate its importance.

This post explains what you need to know about writing an executive assistant summary.

Understanding Summary vs. Objective

An effective executive assistant resume starts with either a summary or an objective. Despite being similar and often confused, a resume summary and objective are not the same.

Summary

A resume summary is your opportunity to state why you are the best candidate for the job. It offers a glimpse into the rest of your resume. It also lets the recruiter know that you’re a good fit for the role within the first few seconds of reading. A summary includes a brief description of your qualifications, experience, key skills, and achievements.

Objective

A resume objective is a statement of your professional goals. It emphasizes your career aspirations, the type of position you’re looking for, and the skills you wish to build in your next role. In short, an objective tells the hiring manager what you’re hoping to get from the company.

Summary or Objective for an Executive Assistant Resume?

Most employers prefer a resume summary over an objective when hiring an executive assistant. It tells them more about you and your experience, which is essential for an EA role. Using a resume objective is better suited for recent graduates or those with not much experience looking for entry-level administrative assistant roles.

Writing an Executive Assistant Summary

An executive assistant resume summary is a condensed overview of the rest of your resume. It is a brief three- to four-sentence rundown of what makes you the perfect person for the job. Below are some key things to include in your executive assistant resume summary.

Professional Experience

Administrative experience is vital for becoming an EA. Most jobs require candidates to have several years of related experience. At the start of your resume summary, highlight how much administrative experience you have.

Relevant Skills

Emphasize any relevant skills that make you well-suited to being an EA. Do you have impeccable time management and organizational skills? Are you proficient in the Microsoft Office suite? Or do you have strong verbal and written communication skills? Let the recruiter know exactly what you bring to the table.

Personality Traits

You should also mention the personality traits that make you a great executive assistant. These traits could be your ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations, a proactive attitude, or trustworthiness and loyalty.

Personality traits of an executive assistant include:

• Hardworking
• Self-reliant
• Resourceful
• Adaptable
• Detail-oriented
• Dedicated
• Trustworthy

Significant Achievements

Recounting a significant achievement in your career so far can effectively illustrate your skills and experience. Briefly talk about when you did your best work or when you made a significant contribution in a previous role. Tell the recruiter what they could get if they hire you.

What Previous Employers Loved About You

What have your previous employers or co-workers valued most about you? Were you praised for your ability to communicate professionally with clients and vendors? Or were you the go-to person in the office for business travel planning? These things demonstrate your value as an employee.

Example of an Executive Assistant Summary

Resourceful and trustworthy executive assistant with more than eight years of experience providing administrative support to a company’s CEO in a high-demand office setting. Recognized for the ability to streamline executive’s workflow by handling correspondence, conducting research, and preparing reports. Well-versed in providing confidential one-on-one support during high-stress situations and handling sensitive company matters with discretion.

Tips for Writing an Executive Assistant Summary

Your resume summary can determine whether the rest of your resume gets read. You must put thought into it and tailor your summary to each job you apply for. Below are some more tips for writing an executive assistant resume summary that will stand out.

Include Keywords From the Job Posting in Your Executive Assistant Summary

Look for keywords and phrases included in the executive assistant job description. Then include these in your resume summary. Doing this will help your summary align with the expectations of the position you’re applying for.

If the job description emphasizes the need for someone with good computer skills, mention your proficiency in using relevant EA programs and tools. Or, if a key responsibility of the job is organizing company events, reference a time when you successfully organized a large event in a previous role.

Emphasize Transferable Skills

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and advance from administrative assistant to executive assistant, or if you’re moving from a completely different role, emphasize transferable skills. Even if you don’t have EA experience, a recruiter will still know you have the relevant skillset.

Transferable skills include:

• Communication skills
• Organization
• Time management
• Multitasking
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork

Use Action Verbs

Your resume summary should be brief and to the point but still compelling and engaging. An effective way to do this is by using powerful action words. Action words convey specific actions and make your summary sound more impressive.

Action words relevant to an executive assistant include:

• Manage
• Coordinate
• Execute
• Resolve
• Advise
• Enhance
• Implement
• Streamline
• Strengthen

The Perfect Preview of Your Career

Your executive assistant summary is like a movie trailer—it gives just enough information to hook your audience and leave them wanting more. If yours isn’t grabbing attention, it may be time to refine your approach.

A well-crafted executive assistant summary sets the stage for the rest of your resume, showcasing your experience, skills, and impact in a way that makes hiring managers eager to learn more. Whether you’re crafting your first EA summary or refining an existing one, make sure it captures the essence of what makes you an outstanding executive assistant. If you want to spruce up the look of your resume, Canva is a great tool for professional templates that can make your application stand out. Once you’ve secured that interview, check out our post on how to prepare for an executive assistant interview!