I'm an EA and I'm updating my resume. I need to include a list of accomplishments from my various admin positions but I'm having a hard time conveying in writing what I've accomplished. I'm struggling turning my daily duties into written accomplishments that would make a new employer take notice.
How do you communicate on paper the usual daily tasks of an EA/AA - i.e. meeting planning/scheduling, invoice processing, expense reports, committee management/coordination, answering phones, etc. - as significant accomplishments?
Thanks for any advice you can offer!
Submitted by: Anonymous
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Thanks for all the great advice, everyone! This is very helpful. And to the last person who provided specific examples, extra thanks for that. It's just what I needed!
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Anonymous on
6/22/2012 2:37:26 PM
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I have some examples below ? the key is to show what the impact of your actions are:
Assumed full responsibility for updates and status of VP?s calendar. Tracked the schedule through numerous iterations inevitable with senior management. Diplomatically coordinated with all parties concerned and ensured management was aware of changes and conflicts.
Orchestrated/coordinated meetings with 34 senior-level executives from 12 organizations; invaluable discussions provided opportunity for future collaboration and teaming
Coordinated with Finance, Program Management, Engineering and senior personnel to schedule PMRs, BURs and SI Working Sessions. Ensured facilities were reserved and ready. Consolidated inputs from various sources; edited and formatted slides.
Met the needs of all senior management and distinguished visitors with efficiency and aplomb. Jane consistently displays a professional demeanor and can-do attitude to all internal and external customers.
Quickly and capably differentiates between urgent, important, and unimportant tasks. Meeting deadlines/suspense is one of Jane?s greatest strengths.
Capably schedules pricing meetings for numerous programs: identifies required attendees and coordinates schedules; judiciously coordinates with lead administrators to ensure availability of senior level executives.
Regularly communicates with other administrative support personnel to maximize knowledge base. Always willing to assist when needed. Displays great initiative in helping the staff accomplish various tasks--whether making travel arrangements, formatting and printing documents, making phone calls, arranging lunches, etc.
Courteous and professional at all times, Jane virtually guarantees a great first impression whether in person or by phone. Consistently follows through with customers providing documentation, bios, and follow-up confirmation for scheduled meetings. Routinely goes the extra mile to ensure customer needs are met.
Provided administrative support to 16 personnel in various organizations including finance, business development and program management
Processed over 75 expense reports for four senior personnel totaling over $110,000 with only one returned for corrections; all expense reports completed with five days of travel
Managed $5,000 checking and $200 petty cash accounts; kept detailed records and requested reimbursement as needed with no discrepancies
Performed detailed AMEX reconciliation on departing employee; recovered a $915 credit due to Harris
Scheduled monthly facilities meetings and tracked action items; sent action items to key personnel weekly
Processed 10 Certificates of Recognition and Excellence Awards ensuring timely recognition for personnel around the world; all awards processed within 3 days of receipt with no errors
Tracked managers' holiday and PTO hours to ensure accurate accounting with no loss of hours due to non-use.
Hope this helps!
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Anonymous on
6/18/2012 10:27:38 AM
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Think in terms of efficiency and time management, for you and the executives (i.e.: the time you save all involved allows you to ?give? them more time in the day to accomplish more, etc.). These days Time Equals Money, so in a way, you make money for the company.
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Anonymous on
6/15/2012 2:08:18 PM
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Quantify and qualify.
Tell me things like how often? How much? For how many? Under what conditions? Impact on organization? Who, what, when, where, why, how many, and how much. Why are you a qualified five star EA and not just a new one entering the field?
What value do you bring with you? Include experiences that show what you did, why you did it (what was the requirement?), under what restrictions or constraints you had to work, and what the impact was of your actions or contributions if successful or if you failed.
The potential employer already knows what an EA does. You have to set yourself apart from the others. Tailor your resume to answer two things -- Why am I a perfect fit for the job (what do you bring to the table)? and Of all the EA's in all the land, why should you be viewed as the EA nobody else can have (Golden rule incentive--he who has the gold makes the rules)?
Finally, this is a new world and the old rules don't always apply. If the traditional resume format doesn't work, find or create one that does. And don't forget that the larger HR offices now use software to screen resumes by looking for buzzwords. Be sure to include them!
Good luck!
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Anonymous on
6/15/2012 1:14:56 PM
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Forget about focusing on the day to day tasks. Think about specific examples that illustrate how YOU have brought value to the company/organization. For example, maybe you have taken on responsibilities from other departments that have been downsized --- point out how you have lowered costs by eliminating the need to replace staff. Think about process improvements you have made and how they have benefitted the company.
It will take some time, but before you can do a great resume, you need to sit down and really think of all your accomplishments and make an outline first. You will be AMAZED at what you will remember when you begin to examine your accomplishments. Resumes that list responsibilities are ubiquitous, Eemployers already KNOW the day to day tasks that are expected/required of an EA. Make your resume stand out by giving concrete examples that prove you are someone who strives to continually learn and improve.
Good luck!
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Violet on
6/15/2012 12:26:53 PM
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