When employers look for executive and administrative assistants, they want more than someone who can answer phones or keep a diary. They’re searching for someone who can anticipate needs, solve problems, and become a reliable partner in keeping everything on track.

That means your CV can’t just be a list of job duties, it needs to showcase the skills that make you indispensable. Let’s walk through the five most important skills to highlight, why they matter, and how to present them in a way that makes employers sit up and take notice.

Why it matters:

Assistants are the backbone of organisation. Whether it’s managing multiple diaries, planning events, or juggling deadlines, your ability to create order in chaos is what keeps teams and leaders productive.

How to demonstrate it on your CV:

• Mention the size and complexity of what you’ve managed (e.g. “coordinated schedules for 3 directors” or “oversaw logistics for 50+ events per year”).

• Highlight systems or tools you use (Outlook, Trello, Asana, Google Workspace).

• Show measurable improvements — saving time, reducing errors, or increasing efficiency.

Example CV bullet points:

• “Managed calendars and travel for three senior executives, reducing scheduling conflicts by 30%.”

• “Implemented a new digital filing system that cut document retrieval time by 40%.”

Pro Tip: If you’ve created processes that helped your manager or team save time, put numbers to it. Employers love evidence of impact.

1. Organisation and Time Management

2. Communication Skills

Why it matters:

As an assistant, you’re often the first point of contact — for clients, colleagues, and executives. Clear, professional communication builds trust and reflects directly on the organisation.

How to demonstrate it on your CV:

• Include both written and verbal communication examples (emails, reports, phone calls, client-facing interactions).

• Show how you adjusted communication styles for different audiences — senior executives vs. clients vs. team members.

• Highlight accuracy (no errors in reports, meeting minutes, or presentations).

Example CV bullet points:

• “Drafted and proofread board-level reports, ensuring 100% accuracy in all executive communications.”

• “Handled daily client correspondence with professionalism, strengthening relationships and repeat business.”

Pro Tip: Use strong action verbs like liaised, drafted, presented, coordinated to make your communication skills shine.

3. Technical and Software Proficiency

Why it matters:

Assistants are expected to be tech-savvy. Whether it’s scheduling virtual meetings, creating presentations, or managing data, you’ll often be the go-to person for keeping systems running smoothly.

How to demonstrate it on your CV:

• List key tools and software in a dedicated “Skills” section.

• Provide context: don’t just say “Excel” — mention what you did with it (budgets, reports, pivot tables).

• Show adaptability: highlight a time you learned new software quickly.

Example CV bullet points:

• “Created advanced Excel spreadsheets to track monthly budgets, reducing reporting errors by 25%.”

• “Coordinated virtual meetings using Teams and Zoom for up to 200 participants.”

• “Trained colleagues on new CRM system, cutting onboarding time by 50%.”

Pro Tip: Keep your tech section updated — outdated software makes your CV look behind the times.

4. Problem-Solving and Initiative

Why it matters:

The best assistants don’t just follow instructions; they anticipate problems and act before they escalate. Showing initiative sets you apart as a trusted partner, not just support staff.

How to demonstrate it on your CV:

• Share specific stories where you solved a problem, saved money, or prevented an issue.

• Focus on outcomes: how did your actions make life easier for your manager or team?

Example CV bullet points:

• “Anticipated travel disruptions and proactively rebooked flights, ensuring executive attended a key client meeting on time.”

• “Introduced a new office supply system that reduced costs by 15% annually.”

Pro Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when framing problem-solving examples — it makes your achievements clear and measurable.

5. Discretion and Professionalism

Why it matters:

Assistants handle sensitive information daily — from payroll data to confidential board papers. Employers need to know they can trust you with information that’s critical to the business.

How to demonstrate it on your CV:

• Mention specific areas where confidentiality was required (HR, legal, finance, executive-level documents).

• Highlight roles where you were trusted with responsibility beyond the usual admin scope.

Example CV bullet points:

• “Maintained strict confidentiality while managing HR files and payroll data for 150 employees.”

• “Trusted to draft and manage executive-level correspondence with discretion.”

Pro Tip: Even though discretion is harder to “prove,” pairing it with sensitive responsibilities (e.g., HR, board reports, financial data) gives it weight.

How to Bring These Skills Together

Instead of scattering these skills randomly across your CV, weave them into your:

• Personal Profile: a short summary at the top that touches on organisation, communication, and discretion.

• Work Experience: bullet points that show these skills in action.

• Skills Section: a quick list of tools and abilities, making it easy for employers (and ATS systems) to scan.

Your CV isn’t just a list of tasks — it’s your chance to show that you’re the assistant who can keep everything running smoothly. By focusing on organisation, communication, technical proficiency, problem-solving, and discretion, you’ll highlight the five qualities employers value most.

Remember: always frame your skills in terms of achievements and impact. That’s what makes the difference between blending in and standing out.

Take the Next Step

The Ultimate Job-Ready Toolkit for Assistants

If you’re serious about landing your next role, the Ultimate Job-Ready Toolkit will help you:

• Use proven CV and cover letter templates

• Learn interview strategies tailored for assistants

• Present yourself as the confident, capable professional employers are looking for