Is this worth discussing, or debating?
I was hired to be the executive assistant to the President/CEO of the company. However, months into the job I found out that I assist the executives of the company. This is fine for me - keeps me busy if the President doesn't keep me busy.
Issue: My boss the president changed my title from EA to the President/CEO to "Executive Assistant". My email address signature was changed and business cards were changed. This is not a big deal - title that is. But, if I quit or was let go - I would hate to lose the experience that I did assist the President for so so X many of years. The company might list me as just "Executive Assistant" If you look at the job market - most companies request that you work for CEOs/Presidents for at least 5-10 years. I would like to preserve the title that I have worked for in my career. Anyone have any advice?
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Diana,
One thing to note, if the title really bothers you, you will want to discuss. It may make your work more enjoyable, which is extremely important. If this is not a personal issue, I would suggest making sure you note that in your cover letter as well as your resume. I have received an interview for each place I have applied and I have never been turned down for a job I interviewed for because I have a powerful cover letter (or so I've been told).
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Anonymous on
12/7/2009 7:30:10 AM
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Congratulations, you're proving yourself very valuable! I wouldn't worry about a title. If you ever find yourself needing to prepare a resume, address the issue in the description of duties..."Assisted President/CEO and x# of top company executives with...."
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Anonymous on
11/17/2009 3:26:08 PM
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It is worth discussing. I was in the same position. I used the title,"Corporate Administrator". That covers the people you support.
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Cathy Nelson on
11/17/2009 10:55:10 AM
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Not worth a discussion and definitely not worth a debate. It's only a title. The experience you've gained can never be taken from you. Capture the duties you performed while supporting the President/CEO as well as the other executives on your resume. An attitude of gratefulness is absolutely critical in the job market now. As for getting hung up over a title - Let it go!
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jh on
11/17/2009 10:17:11 AM
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Your resume should reflect that you worked for the President/CEO. I don't think it's worth rocking the boat.
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Anonymous on
11/17/2009 9:50:07 AM
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Hi Diana:
If you have worked for a President/CEO for X # of years and go to find another job, you could let the interviewer knows. It happens all the time with EAs. As soon as you start working for the President/VP, etc. you are working for the world. Do not let that bother you too much, keep smiling and be as professional as you can and that will pay off. If you leave you will get a good recommendation for EVERYONE you supported at the company. Make sure you list them as someone who could give you a recommendation. That's life in the Admin and EA world.
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Charmaine Bather on
11/17/2009 9:12:21 AM
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I totally understand what you are saying, but it is just a title. When you go to look for other work, would you be able to get a recommendation from your President, who could state that you did assist him from XX to XX? Or, when you send a resume, I would add a couple of lines stating what you did in that particular job. My current title is Assistant Marketing Specialist, not Executive Assistant because I topped out at my salary range and this was the only way I could continue to get raises. Do I want people to think I work in marketing? No, but I want the raises for the work I perform and the years I've put in. I just let people know that I am the "Executive Assistant for the General Manager of Wood Category and Turnstone" if anyone asks. And, if I were to look for a job, I would like them know why the title change. Besides, I think people are more interested in what type of performance you had rather than your title. Good luck with this.
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Audrey Adams on
11/17/2009 7:56:33 AM
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Hi Diana,
This is a tough one. I, too, am assistant to the President/CEO but my title was always Executive Assistant. I have supported many executives, mostly VP's and CEOs and never had my title specify "to the CEO." In my resume I simply list the titles of the executives I have supported and so far it has not been a problem.
BTW, I also have ended up supporting many of the VP's and like you this is not a problem, keeps me busy and luckily so far, no one has taken advantage of that and all still see me as assistant to the CEO...
I do however support you in asking if you could have your title back. How is your CEO when approaching him/her about this type of thing? If you explain that it is not an ego trip but a practical matter for you career-wise he/she may be open to changing it back as long as you are clear that you will still support the other executives; it can be included in your job description. Good luck.
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S3 on
11/17/2009 7:54:47 AM
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