Three hundred applications for one Executive Assistant role. A few years ago, that would have seemed extraordinary, but today it’s becoming increasingly common. Sarah Howson and Marianne Whitlock, Directors at Strategic PA Recruitment, discuss what makes your application stand out…
As former Executive Assistants turned specialist business support recruiters, we personally review every application we receive, there’s no AI involved. We see some incredibly talented people, but also notice the same mistakes time and time again.
Many CVs tell us what someone has done, but very few tell us why they’re the person we should remember. Managing complex diaries. Booking international travel. Coordinating board meetings. Supporting C-suite executives. Preparing presentations. These are all core parts of the Executive Assistant role. Hiring managers expect to see them, so simply listing them won’t set you apart.
Why you?
What makes your experience different from the other 299 applicants? This is the real question every employer asks.
Perhaps you’ve supported a founder through a period of rapid growth. Helped establish a brand-new office. Steered an executive team through an acquisition or business transformation. Introduced new systems or AI tools that improved efficiency and saved money. Built processes that saved hours every week or became the trusted right hand to a CEO during a particularly challenging period.
Those are the stories that make people stop and take notice. To help you stand out, your CV shouldn’t just explain your responsibilities. It should demonstrate your judgement, your contribution and, most importantly, the impact you’ve had.
An EA role is incredibly personal. Leaders aren’t just recruiting technical skills. They’re looking for someone they trust, someone who can anticipate what’s needed before it’s asked and someone who will become a genuine partner in helping them succeed.
Key takeaways from Sarah Howson
Sarah Howson is an experienced Executive Assistant and industry leader who is currently the Director of Strategic PA Network and Strategic PA Recruitment. Drawing on over 20 years of experience supporting C-suite executives, she advocates for Executive Assistants to move beyond administrative support and become trusted strategic partners to their leaders.
“Having spent more than 20 years as an EA, I know this role is about so much more than administration. We influence decisions, create calm when everything around us is moving at pace, protect our executive’s time and build trusted relationships across a business. That’s the value your CV should communicate, not simply a list of tasks.”
My advice would be:
- Be selective about the roles you apply for. Quality applications will always outperform quantity.
- Prepare properly for interviews. Understand the business, the leadership team, and the challenges they’re facing.
- Show commercial awareness. Demonstrate that you understand how your role contributes to the wider success of the organisation.”
Marianne Whitlock adds her expert insights
A prominent figure in the EA and PA world, Marianne Whitlock is best known as the Co-founder and Director of Strategic PA Recruitment and Strategic PA Network.
“One of the biggest things we notice as recruiters is how often phenomenal Executive Assistants undersell themselves. You need to explain what changed because you were there. Did you save time? Improve processes? Strengthen communication? Support a business through change? Those are the details that make a hiring manager remember you.
My top tips are:
- Quantify your achievements wherever you can. Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Keep your CV concise and focused on what’s most relevant. White space is your friend.
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects the same professional story as your CV. Recruiters will almost always look at both.”
“Your CV isn’t a job description. It’s a marketing document. It is YOUR board paper.”
At the end of the day, your CV isn’t a job description. It’s a marketing document. It is YOUR board paper. Every sentence should answer one question: Why should someone choose you?
