What is the difference between an executive assistant and a personal assistant?

Job titles vary by employer, but executive assistants usually support a senior leader more closely, with work such as board papers and confidential matters. Match your CV to the wording in the advert.

Do I need a degree to be an executive assistant?

Not usually. Employers tend to care most about proven experience, organisation and clear written English, so focus on what you have handled.

How do I show discretion on a CV?

Say that you handled confidential information, such as contracts, staff matters or board papers, without giving away any details.

Executive assistant CV example

A strong executive assistant CV shows you can run a senior person's diary, travel and paperwork without being chased, and keep confidential matters private. It should give concrete examples of things you organised or fixed, such as a board meeting, a tricky trip or an overflowing inbox.

Arjun Mehta

Executive assistant

arjun@example.com07700 900167Leicester

Profile

Organised executive assistant with experience supporting a managing director and senior team in a busy professional office. Skilled in diary management, travel planning, meeting preparation and handling confidential information with care. Known for spotting problems early and keeping busy people on track.

Experience

Executive Assistant

an independent accountancy and advisory firm

Managed the managing director's diary and inbox, resolving clashes and protecting time for priority meetings

Arranged UK and overseas travel, including flights, hotels and itineraries for up to four people at a time

Prepared papers for monthly board meetings, took minutes and chased actions afterwards

Screened calls and emails, dealing with routine matters directly and passing on only what needed a decision

Processed expenses and supplier invoices accurately and on time each month

Personal Assistant

a small property management company

Looked after the diary, post and phone for two directors

Organised client meetings and the annual staff away day, booking the venue, catering and travel

Drafted letters and reports from short notes and proofread them before they went out

Set up a simple shared filing system that helped the team find documents quickly

Covered reception and the office manager's duties during leave

Key skills

Diary and inbox managementTravel and event planningMinute takingBoard and meeting preparationConfidentiality and discretionOutlook, Word and ExcelExpenses and invoicesClear written communicationPrioritising competing tasks

Example · fictional candidate · Sunrise design · Use this design

Tips for a executive assistant CV

Show who you support, such as a managing director or a senior team, so employers can see the level you work at
Give one example of something you organised from start to finish, such as a board meeting or a trip
Name the software you use every day, such as Outlook, Word, Excel or a travel booking tool
Include a line on discretion, since handling confidential matters with care matters at this level
Describe how you plan ahead, for example chasing papers before a meeting, rather than just writing 'managed diary'
Keep the CV to two pages and lead with your most recent role

Applying with a cover letter? See our executive assistant cover letter example.