Answering Reader Mail: How Long is it Fair to be a Temp for a Job?

“I love your blog and really appreciate your insights and advice.  I had a question for you and wondered what your opinion would be.

I am a dynamic, successful EA with 2 long term business relationships spanning 26 years.  I recently found myself out of work and started my search.  After only 2 weeks, I found a great company through a staffing agency and the position was full time working for a wonderful CEO.  I did very well on my interviews and it's down to me and one other EA who already has a full time job.  

The staffing agent asked if I was open to temp to perm, even though the position was for a full time EA, he feels the CEO may need time to see if it is a good fit.  It feels like a bait and switch and there are no guarantees.

What would you do?  I'm tempted to say yes because I want to be open and I can really show them what I can do, but part of me is slightly insulted, especially with my impeccable background.  I have no idea how long "temp" is considered before they would offer the permanent position. How long do you think is fair? One month?

Being Proactive and Walking the Fine Line

As executive assistants we are expected to be helpful, accommodating, and abiding, while also being forward-thinking, 10 steps ahead, and sensitive to others' needs, emotions, and whims.  For a long time, I struggled with the fine line of being supportive, yet proactive, while making sure things would be executed in the best way possible - that someone’s method, choice, decision, or line of thinking was effortlessly congruent with the business goal and task at hand for my boss or the company's benefit.  Because being proactive can sometimes be perceived at face value/initially as disagreeing, not trusting someone's judgment, pointing out something could be better, overstepping boundaries, or being a naysayer, it can be a sensitive subject no matter how delicately you communicate.  Your best intentions to save the company money, a headache, and stress can be interpreted in so many ways by different people.  Perhaps a  new perspective, idea, or suggestion would help, though at times, it could very well be what was assigned and how to carry it out had been vetted by the entire senior executive team and this was, oddly enough, the best way to handle something.  With life and work, the greatest question always seems to be, where do you draw the line?  

Answering Reader Mail on Salary, Finding Great Talent

Hello New and Returning Readers,

 

I have a column at jobstr.com under Hollywood Executive Assistant.  The latest 2 questions I answered over there are below.  Am continuing to work long hours at work...  Still trying to keep up with my blog and column to answer your great questions and comments!  Hope you are having a good week so far!

 

You Know You're An Assistant When...

Hello, Everyone!  I've been getting everyone's comments, questions, and emails though I have yet to process or address them.  I'm still working 12 hour days and it's looking to continue for awhile.  This is when I feel really grateful that I love my job and the people I work with.  Pulling those long hours and insane deadlines is much easier when you enjoy what you do.  I thought it would be nice to post, and some thing fun and light since work has been crazy!  :)  Hope you enjoy!    

 

You Know You're An Assistant When...

Being A Phone Gatekeeper

Before I get into today's question, just wanted to say hello to my new readers and those asking questions.  I do have a couple of questions I have yet to answer, but I am thinking about my answer and will get to it!  I've been working 12+ hour days... 

  

"I have been asked to be a better gatekeeper over the phone. When I ask cilents on the phone to identify the reason of their calling, either they don't want to give specifics (I would rather speak to him directly or leave a voicemail if you don't mind) or when they do and it is vague, is it ok to ask more specifics? How do you push back their boundaries without hurting the clients?"

Answering Reader Mail: The Other Assistant Isn't As Qualified - Should I Express My Interest?

“Hello!

I've been reading your blog for a couple of years and I find it to be incredibly entertaining and insightful.  I have a quick question that hopefully you can answer quickly, and doesn't need to be on your blog -- unless you feel someone else may benefit .

I have been an Executive Assistant for over 10 years, and am now working for a Vice President in an academic medical center.  I've worked for him for 2 years, and recently I learned his boss is being replaced.  They are bringing in a top exec from a major Fortune 500.  This person is not bringing their assistant, and I've learned they will get the assistant to her predecessor. 

This is a bad idea!  This assistant has been here for 30+ years she is not knowledgeable in Microsoft Office, not a forward thinker, not anticipatory, efficient, or effective. Her skill set it basically calendar and coffee.  Although she is really sweet, I don't believe she will cut it working for a dynamic new leader -- who from what I understand is fast paced, effective, and driven.  This person needs someone that can keep up.  I also believe this person will be on a fast track to perhaps one day become CEO.

I really would like to align myself with this new senior leader.  She is a woman and I really respect her career path and how she has climbed the ladder in a relatively short time.  I am excellent at my job and could work for any CEO -- but I am limited by the market I am in.  I also am a mom to a 9 year old, and she also has a young child so there are some similarities.

My question is -- she has not yet officially started, but will be coming in to meet with my current boss.  I would like to email her after they meet to let her know I am interested in the role.  My current boss fully supports this, and I would rather be proactive and tell her about my interest rather than applying after she goes through the messy process of terminating the other assistant.

Do you think this is a good plan? To email her expressing my interest and why I would be great in the role?

Thanks so much! And  your blog!”

7 Tips for Navigating LA Traffic/Etc

Hi New and Returning Readers,

I do realize I have about 6 reader questions in my queue that I need to address...  Here is a short post if you are not from here!  

Should I Still Interview Without All of the Qualifications?

“Hello!

I'm not sure if you check this e-mail, but I figured I would give it a shot! I have an interview next week to be a Sr. Administrative Assistant and I am super nervous! Honestly, I know I don't have all the qualifications, yet they still want to interview ME!

How to Screen & Interview 2nd Assistants (Or Any Assistant)

“I love your website. I'm a high-level EA and you verbalize everything so beautifully about "fitting in" and going with the current culture. My team has hired a second assistant who does the complete opposite. She's awful and does not work well with the team. Can you possibly write a blog piece on how to know the red flags/warning signs in an interview of a second assistant? She interviewed well! She was so pleasant, so enthusiastic. Once she was hired, she was a total nightmare and different story! I was fooled!! We are in year two and I believe my team is now ready to get rid of her. I do not work with her at all. Which was not supposed to be the case. Unfortunately, until she started to make BIG mistakes (with clients) was when it got noticed...”

15 Tips for When You Need a Break From Work

Hello, new and returning readers!  It's been an extremely busy summer for me - at work, and in my personal life.  It's evident to you when it's been almost a month that I haven't posted here.  Yikes!  All my busy-ness has been for great and good things, so that's exciting and fun, yet I still needed a break.  So, I went on vacation somewhat last minute.  The photo above is where I spent a splendid time, probably one of the best in my life!  That was the "backyard."  :)  And because I'm having trouble adjusting back to normal life, I

Answering Reader Mail: I Know Who I am and I Know the Difference

I got an email from “CT.”  Their question is below.  

“Hello there - I don't know how soon you will see this, but I'm hoping today.  :-)  I need your advice.

I am trying to get hired by a company and have been on two separate interviews with different departments and I have finally decided that I am needing to tailor my interview to the position these executives hold.  My first interview was for the CFO and CEO of the company and I truly wanted that position.  The CFO liked me...I missed the mark on the CEO.  He asked me the question "what is the difference between an Executive Assistant and an Assistant".  Now I know the answer to that...and there could be many variations.  What I was wanting to know though, does the person he interviews and would potentially hire, have "leadership qualities".

Another Clever Lesson from Hollywood

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I have been remiss.  I have been getting all your fan mail and questions though I have been behind in posts.  And the odd thing is I have about 10 things I want to write about, from answering questions to other tips I have.  I’m currently under the weather, coming off a huge project, and tons going on in my personal life - all good things.  You know - family reunion, family visiting from overseas, 3 weddings, but am only attending one - a destination wedding, and expecting another houseguest in September internationally as well.  So, it’s been busy to say the least. 

I’ve been reading SWITCH by the Heath Brothers about how to change when it is so hard.  So following some of their rules, I figured I’d post A POST instead of the ones I should be posting (answering reader mail).  I figured SOME presence is better than NO presence or waiting for the BEST time. 

So, if you haven’t seen Monsters University yet, don’t read any further because there will be spoilers!

Answering Reader Mail and Reader Snapshot

Hello New and Old Readers,

Many apologies that I have missed a posting.  Life has been extremely busy, but fun for both work and personal life.  I do realize I have yet to address how to interview for a 2nd assistant.  Rather than not post til I got that up, I thought I'd answer a shorter question and do something fun - give you a idea of who else reads this blog.  

This week's question at Jobstr is below.

Why do you like being an EA? I always have trouble with that question, I like entertainment and media because I like being around dynamic creative people but I don't "like" being an EA. I fell into it and happen to be good at it.

7 Tips for Working with Your ADD Boss

Hello, new readers from all over the world!  If you didn't know, I also write over at Jobstr.com under Hollywood Executive Assistant.  Here is the latest question...

My CEO is one of the nicest people but has the WORST A.D.D I have ever witnessed. I have a very hard time getting her attention or getting her to answer something that is critical. Are there some tips you can give me to get her to pay attention?

Answering Reader Mail: Career Progression, Wearing Different Hats, and Realistic Expectations

This week’s question also comes from an international/non USA reader!  They write...

“Hi there,

I just stumbled upon your blog today and am glad that I've done so!  I plan on spending some time going through your blog but was wondering if I could get your input.

I'm an EA to the President and CEO of a North American marketing agency that is growing rapidly.  I genuinely love the company I work for and have a great relationship with my executive.  We've gone from 40 head office employees to 400 across North America in the last 3 years.  When we were a smaller agency, I was the EA and Office Manager for a smaller facility.  With our growth, we've moved to a larger office and I now have a team that includes a receptionist and office admin.

I'm really interested in progressing and developing my skills but feel that managing the office is hindering my ability to focus on the core of being an EA.  I've heard of EAs who are promoted to Operations or Facilities roles later on in their careers but at this point, I am playing both roles.  I'm pushed pretty far in terms of capacity on most days - one extra board meeting or event can result in a spiral of 60 hour weeks.  At this level, do you think it's reasonable to have one person working in these two roles and expect success?  Would hate to pass up this leadership opportunity if it could mean progression for me in the future.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Thanks,
Anonymous please!”

Answering Reader Mail / Hello, All New Readers

Hello, new readers!  I see a lot more people are following my blog here, via Twitter, and my Jobstr.com column.  I love getting questions from readers and hearing your comments.

I got a new question from "ET" about EA responsibilities and wanting my input.  I will answer that question next week!  So look for it then!  It's a great question and I'm excited to answer it!  
 
Every time I get a question, I think about how I want to answer for a few days and then I respond directly on my blog, NOT to your email address.  I do keep your identity and other details anonymous, and especially so if you request it.  This year I wanted to post once a week and it takes me about 5-6 days to respond to your question.  

If you submitted the question, it's really helpful to me and the blog audience if you write an anonymous comment saying, "Thanks" or something.  This way, I know you read your answer and I can post the next question or entry.  Sometimes I worry the submitter didn't see their answer when in fact I answered it earlier.

So far, I have answered every single question submitted to me.  Below are the questions I answered and wasn't sure if folks saw their answer.  You can peruse what others have asked to see if you are in the same situation and comment if you asked the question!  Thought it might be a fun way for all the new folks to see an "archive" of a majority of the earlier submissions.

Answering Reader Mail: Creating a Good Relationship with Other Assistants

Today’s reader question comes from a young woman who does not live in the USA.  So just wanted to say hello to all my international readers too!  :)  This is her question:

“I am located internationally and I've been reading your articles.  They have helped me so much but I still have concerns.  I applied to be a EA to the CEO of a big company in my country.   

I passed the HR interview and I am waiting for the answer from the CEO interview.  I had 2 initial interviews or tests before I came down to meeting the CEO.

I am scared, VERY scared I've volunteered a lot.  Both English and Portuguese are my first language (I think that's why they are considering me in the first place). The CEO speaks only English but the official language is Portuguese, so they needed someone who speaks both languages well.

I am scared because I have no experience in the business world and he has another assistant.  I am scared of how our relationship will be because two girls in the same territory is not always good news. So my questions are:

1- What should I do to create a good relationship with the other assistant? Because we will both be his assistants and he already has a secretary.

2- What should I do in the first day (How should I set up my desk? What questions should I ask that will be important later on? Should I bring my boss some coffee? Should I ask his secretary for his schedule?)

I will be awaiting your reply and best regards.”

7 Tips on How to Complain Effectively

Every once in awhile, we all have to complain, offer a suggestion, or disagree.  To communicate your perspective effectively, here are some tips.  I hope you find them helpful.

The Redemption of Noble Failure

Hi, new readers!  If you’re late to my blog, earlier in the year, I made a New Year’s resolution to myself to post once a week.  This week is the 2nd time I have almost not made that deadline.  Should I miss a week, the following week I am to post 2 posts.  

It’s a constant struggle to write a post each week because coming up with new tips, a personal story, or something fun or interesting is hard.  I was reading a book and an ad exec went to a museum every Sunday without fail for inspiration.  It had paid off in many ways having a ritual.  Happiness studies will tell you learning, challenging, engagement, and growing are needed.

This week I mulled about what to write.  Between that I spent many hours reading about Kevin Smith, Steve Jobs, articles on LinkedIn, and watching MTV’s True Life.  Between the last 2 sources a theme began to emerge and a term I knew about, but never phrased as such - noble failure.  

17 Tips for Visiting Japan

I went to Japan after and long absence and wanted to share a lot of cultural tidbits I forgot about or that are new. I was in both the rural areas and Tokyo.  Hopefully you will find them useful or interesting!

Random Question from a Reader

I also write over at Jobstr.com and this is the latest question I answered.

Q: “So you've worked for some pretty powerful people - without naming names do you think any of them weren't all that qualified, but just got lucky to get where they are?”

10 Tips to be a Better Executive Assistant - Part 5

Here are 10 random tips I’ve culled over the years on how to be a better assistant.  This is part 5.  

How to Say No Without Saying No

A lot of people have trouble saying no, both at work and in their personal lives.  It can be for various reasons - they are people pleasers, they don’t want to reject/offend anyone, or they don’t like to be put on the spot so they agree, to make the situation go away.   

The Full Interview - The Person Behind the Professional

I was interviewed earlier this month and so I pasted it below.  You 'll learn my most cringe worthy moment, tips, and a little about me as a person.

Answering Reader Mail: Horrible Bosses

If you’re new to my blog, I offer advice to those who write in to me. I try to write my advice so that young or new EAs can also gleam tips even if the question asked may not apply directly. Anyway, here’s this week’s question.

“Hello! I do hope you are doing well and I really appreciate your blog!!!

Long story short, I am in need of some guidance and I have no where to

turn! If you have any advice to offer me, it would be appreciated

immensely.


I am a 25 yr old, female executive assistant and I am about to begin a

HUGE opportunity for a high profile guy! This includes all of the

perks; travel, private jet, top notch everything, great pay,

incentives, etc etc. BUT my concern is one that I come across much too

often. My looks. Being that I am a young, "attractive" girl, with

brains and drive, this executive is already texting me 24/7 and some

of the comments make me uneasy. I am in NEED of this job as my current

position is with a company that is closing.


He has a wife and child, but it seems that is irrelevant. He wants me

to travel everywhere with him and basically the "attached at the hip",

partner type relationship, which is fine. But I have a boyfriend and a

personal life and I don't want to be in an uncomfortable situation. :(

It is really stressing me out, I feel as though I need to master the

skill of utilizing this sort of "power" over men to my benefit! I just

don't know how.


THANK YOU so much for taking time to read this.”

Answering Reader Mail: Being Terminated (Social Etiquette Part 2)

Hello Readers - 8 months ago, a reader asked me a question about fraternization and social etiquette at work. The link is that original post. The reader then wrote back recently with an update and a new question below.

http://musingsofahighlevelexecutiveassistant.blogspot.com/2012/08/answering-reader-mail-social-etiquette.html

“Last year, I wrote to you regarding my social issues at my work and you gave some very sound advice and things for me to consider.

The situation began to worsen as I continued to fraternize with employees. The lady that disapproved used to work for a very corporate company and happened to be my boss because she was the CEO's assistant. There were no rules against fraternization in our employee handbook and because the SVPs I supported often took their subordinates out for carousing and merriment, I went against her wishes. I believed it would be fine as the SVPs superseded her command, and I felt that I was in safe as long as I was in company of the executives and was in their good graces. In any case, I remained polite to her but I made the conscious decision to distance myself from her instead of our staff as I felt her attitude to be too negative/toxic. She was as new to the company as I was and it didn't take long for me to get to know her; she was always disapproving of someone in some way and had no qualms in voicing her criticisms privately (i.e., the COO won't go out of her way for anyone, doesn't attend company events, and is really just plain selfish, the SVP of Product goes out too much to the level where it's inappropriate, the SVP of HR is disrespectful as he's been late to a couple of all-hands meetings, the Director of Facilities thinks she's the queen, etc.). The funny thing is that she presents herself so sweetly to everyone; at one administrative assistant meeting (she supervises all admins), she proudly announced that there were some people she just did not like at the company but that no one would ever know it. She emphasized the importance of being nice to everyone so that if anyone were to ever say otherwise, no one will believe them.

In any case, she noticed the shift in my behavior as I no longer joked with her nor chatted with her as much as I used to initially. What broke the camel's back was when a well-loved director of the company was terminated by the SVP of Product and I threw her a happy hour after work. Now, the happy hour started out innocently enough; the SVP of Product encouraged everyone to reach out to the terminated director as it was an amicable separation and he understood a lot of people from the company were very good friends with her. The terminated director and I were very good friends and had asked me to organize a happy hour in which she could see some colleagues and bid adieu appropriately. I invited half a dozen people but the word spread like wildfire and almost the entire product and engineering team showed up a little after 5:30pm. A bit of background regarding our company: we have flexible hours and can come and go as we please as long as we finish our work but most of the time people stay after 6p because people usually come in late.

When the lady found out about the happy hour and that I organized the event for the terminated employee, she was not happy. She said that my actions showed that my loyalty was not to the company nor the SVP of Product, and as his executive assistant, it was announcing to his staff that I did not respect him or his decision in terminating the employee. Furthermore, she could not believe that I had the audacity to take almost the entire product and engineering staff to happy hour during regular business hours. I originally just invited six people, but about thirty+ showed up. Needless to say, I was also terminated. In hindsight, I can see where they're coming from and how awful that looks.

My question however, is… should I disclose the reason for my termination in my job interviews? And what is the best way to present it?

Thank you.”

Job Hunting Tips & Telling Your Boss

Happy Friday, everyone! And welcome to new readers! I see more and more people following my blog or Twitter each week! Thank you! Below is a question I received that may be helpful to you too!


Q
I have a great working relationship with my boss, but am starting to look for a more Senior level role. As much I want to be honest, I'm not sure if I should tell him that I'm looking. What's the correct approach?

Answering Reader Mail: Transitioning to a Hollywood EA

"What is the best career path advice or source for career path advice/strategy to go from EA at a top private equity firm to EA with development potential with a production company?"

Work Frustrations and Meaningful Work

My last post was about what I was devouring in books, music, and film. Meaningful and fulfilling interactions in life are what make us happy and sustain us. Often, the battle over work is being bored, not challenged, or one's job not being fulfilling. Surely, as executive assistants we may feel this way when we have to do all the boring stuff - filing, expenses, travel, calendaring, and phones. However, sometimes you are also given fun work and special projects. While the idea to find a job you love and are excited to go to every morning isn't a bad idea, a happier medium/interim solution would be (as Randy Pausch said, is) to strive for actions that have meaning. That could be your life's work.

What I’m Devouring Right Now

A short list of what I’m reading, watching, listening to, or am excited about.

4 Ways You Affect Your Boss' Reputation

I’ve worked for a lot of senior executives through out my career. As an EA, one thing you should be mindful of is the presence and reputation your boss wants to exemplify. This ties very closely with who the boss is as a person, their values, principles, and how they interact with the public, press, employees, and stakeholders. The very best assistants realize the decisions they make on behalf of their boss can reverberate throughout their day or affect other things, whether they are secondary actions or other people. I’ve been extremely lucky in that everyone I have worked for has NOT been a nightmare boss. They have all been down to earth and the most normal people despite their intelligence, job title, and power. Still, executives like to conduct business in their own way and this is how it matters.

New Year's Resolutions - Frisbee Golf & Other Interests

I hope all of your new year’s resolutions are going well. I’ve been mixing it up myself and paying a little attention to each goal and project. I’ve also come up with new fun goals as well. I wanted to write about my little adventures so far.

Company Perks and Showing Appreciation

If you’re a new reader to my site, you may not know that I also write over at jobstr.com under Hollywood Executive Assistant. Last week I answered two questions and will paste them below. They cover appreciation and company perks. And since we are on the topic of appreciation...

I usually try to mix it up by writing about work and also personal stuff. Granted, the work stuff is always easier to digest and apply in terms of tips and suggestions. But I like to address the personal side too. As that’s where inspiration or enlightenment strikes because of what I read, saw, or through interacting with others. I try to keep the blog mostly work related for my readers’ benefit, so I was extra delighted by the comments I’ve been getting about my personal new year’s resolutions post last time. It was such a nice reaction! Sometimes I don’t want to talk about work either, as much as I love my job and working! :) Anyway, I hope you enjoy the post today and find it helpful. And thank you to new readers who are following my blog! I do check my stats almost every day! I acknowledge your presence! :)

Q:
Do you have experience or ideas for encouragement and continued motivation for upper level management? Our valuable leaders don't appear on the outside to need this but I think we all need rejuvenation.

New Year’s Resolutions, Pacing Oneself, and Staying Curious

One of the more difficult things about growing older is losing that child-like sense of wonder and awe. Very rarely am I truly surprised in a good way anymore. The older you get the wiser you hopefully are becoming and if you are very curious like me, there are less and less things to discover. I think this is why I like trying new hobbies, films, and reading so much. At least in reading, there are endless worlds to discover.

Answering Reader Mail: 7 Tips on Following up, Updates, Next Steps

“Would you mind please giving some examples of frequent updates, next steps, follow up. I am always afraid sending too many unnecessary emails or updates. Thank you.”

Answering Reader Mail: 7 Tips on Attire, Scheduling & Etiquette

“Hello – I feel like I found my life vest now that I found your blog. I had 11 years as an Administrative Secretary to an IT Director at my local municipality. It was good at my job because the tech stuff came easy and I became the “go to” girl in the village. I left employment there when a union was successful in organizing the clerical staff. I jumped around 4 other jobs and then landed my dream job. I am the EA to the CEO of a global conglomerate. This company is so ginormous I am having a dizzy time of trying to wrap my brain around what all they do – various forms of power, civil engineering, and then the IT services side of it. My CEO is new. They brought him on as the CEO of Industrials and then there is another new CEO at the headquarters who is in charge of Services. I am learning time zones and currencies and every day I am shaking in my boots that it might be too much but I want it so dang bad! I am in my mid-40s and my daughter is 21 and in her senior year of college so I have the time to devote 100% of my days, nights, and weekends to being always on call and at the ready. So far the only mistakes I’ve made have been minor. For example, I set up a sales dial-in call with about 40 people from every continent on the call. Only I used the US guest code and host code while inadvertently providing the international dial-in numbers which aren’t compatible! I sat at my kitchen table watching my phone blow up while people were emailing and IM’ing me all at the same time wanting to know why they couldn’t get on the call. Because I believe God Himself is watching over me for some good deeds I have recently done, my boss decided that the mistake was a blessing because we should really have a more global system whereby anyone organizing a dial-in call should all use the same company to avoid this ever being an issue in the future. He’s now got the IT guy overseas working towards that end. It’s sort of a neat role too because the company has no other support roles in the US. The mother company, overseas, does, but I am one of only two EA’s hired in the US and so we are sort of pioneers and developing the roles as we go along each day. I am copied on highly confidential information and I read emails that seem to be written in a new language – sales speak. BI’s and verticles and things I don’t even understand, but I am just bobbing and weaving and trying to take it all in and fake it until I make it. I’m doing this thing I learned at one of the four other job jumps I did. I open up a Word document and every time I see something in my emails that needs to be taken care of – I put it on that Word list. I then review the list and organize it by priority and then copy and paste it into a “touch base” email I send to my CEO. When I first started doing this, he wrote back, “Very clear, concise. Nice.” So I’ve kept up this tradition and he’s now making statements like when he introduces me to someone in an email he’ll say, “My EA, she keeps me honest and always has my back.” So, I think I am “hitting the ground running” and off to a good start. So much so, that they are flying me out to NJ for the really big sales conference! I suggested it to the person organizing the event so I could help out and work it, but also to meet the direct reports of my CEO and the rest of the team at the headquarter office there.

I’m going to keep reading your blog regularly. I love your style of writing and have taken away many great tips I’ll use again and again in my work. One question I would like to ask you is how to set up meetings when schedules constantly change? For example, I’ve been working on this one client who wants a 30 minute call with my CEO and two of his direct reports, her CEO and one of his direct reports. The time zones are US CST, EST and then overseas. I had the call aligned once, but someone from our side ended up having a flight so I was asked to reschedule the call. Now the client tells me how about January 30th at 6:30 pm for the overseas time zone? The problem is I don’t know where in this world my Boss will be on that date. I think along with this question I would also like to know if you have etiquette tips about emailing with the other EA’s on the client side of things. For example, if we are pursuing them, asking for the meeting and then they agree – who is to send the invite, me or the EA on their side? Things like this and if you have to cancel a scheduled call or meeting like one I had arranged but the flight got canceled are there proper ways to do these things I might not be aware of? Any books or reading up on this would be helpful too please. Do you use a Blackberry or an iPhone? Do you wear a full suit every day to the office or any tips on dressing for success? In my other job I got to wear cargo pants and was one of the “guys” so in this job I am feeling sort of like a tomboy who doesn’t know how much to spend on my shoes or if I can get away with pantsuits from Ross, etc. Many days I am the only one in the office as our staff are all salesmen and women and on travels or working from home.

Gosh, I know this was a lot. I feel like I could talk to you for hours. You should talk your bosses into doing a reality show about you! With all the reality TV shows of late, I think a show about you running the show would be wonderful! :)

I hope I haven’t bored you. Thanks again for taking the time to write your blog. I think someone who goes out of their way to help others is a sign of a truly good soul!”

7 Defining Traits the Most Successful Executive Assistants Have - Part 2

Here are more tips on how to set yourself apart. As mentioned previously, the most coveted executive assistants that appeal to senior management and recruiters are the ones that have either worked for a Fortune 500 CEO, reputable talent agency, or the ones that show great promise because they are hungry, smart, and can be easily managed. While it goes without saying that every EA should keep things confidential, be organized, and reliable, the best ones stand out for these additional 7 reasons below. This is part 2.