Today I am laughing as I look back and encounter so many great personality to highlight really how far an assistant can do or be…Don’t take me wrong, I love this role because there is a meaning to it and certainly great rewards that surround this entity.
Lots of youngster doesn’t have a clue what is the difference and if they would be a good fit. As I go sometimes into interview I looked at them and they are so young, dress up so differently, tattoo, chewing gum or even wearing sandal; looking at you thinking I don’t have any chance, as I am a little bit older. Not to my wrinkles ages but with better wisdom and grace. To this day, do not get defeated by my ages as I can still hold my ground, look young and present my self very well.
In my time – we call this secretary or Assistant. In my time we were doing all of it. In my time – the boss was smoking, drinking in his office and you were going to pick up his dry cleaning or gift for his wife and so much more to the plate you didn’t know about the job…including bringing him coffee…
Time didn’t change, well a little as there is no more smoking and job’s today are divided between the girls. Sometimes you can encounter Cat fight on the horizon from door close to a point to see who is staying or not. Who are doing better then the other, which make me, laugh? It’s very territorial by the way.
No matter who the boss hire – at the end of the day, he or she doesn’t care about who is doing what. They want the job done and they do not want drama. If you dare raising any red flag it will bite you back. But on the other hands if you do excel above the others it will pay off. I must say however, the boss does have his or her favorite so never challenge them. If you on the other hand become the favorite be humble and don’t be the boss of everyone. Play your cards well with kindness and honesty and mostly be loyal.
Jealousy is vicious circles but at the end of the day – you do what you have to do. Not to create fight but to teach yourself how to smooth everything around you that my friend is the key to your success. Because if you don’t the pack of wolf will bite you back and it will be miserable for you even if you are doing your best.
All my life I was an Administrative Assistant, a Personal Assistant, an Executive Assistant, An Even coordinator an Assistant Manager.. name it lol– anything with the word assistant I was part of. I was good at it and was tested to be bite once but it didn’t work as I smooth things around.
48 years of age today and I can teach any youngster how to excel but we are not getting younger. Life doesn’t stop because we are getting older but we gaining more wisdom and we know how to handle various task all at once.
I went through the good and the bad. The pack of wolf did tried to bite me; because I was doing above and beyond an excellent job. Did I care no but this is where you learned how to bite back in a polite way. This industry is territorial but you can’t loose your control or your patience. You have to be THE go to girl with everything you have in you. You have to be THE best friends of everyone no matter what personality come at you. You can’t take anything personal – that is a fact! If you cannot handle it this job is not for you.
Yes your skill and experience and knowledge come very handy but the most important skill you require in any assistant jobs is patience, kindness, endurance, perseverance, organize, Discretion, confidentiality and mostly loyalty. This will drive you to a great success into this industry, which it did for me.
As life took another turn for me – I must say – these skills will never go away.
Do I miss it, yes definitively; as I work part time now not in this industry though but will always remains through me.
Would I ever go back – would love to but in due time if there is an opportunity that comes along.
First have a great resume with all the skills you have accomplished and experience. When you come to reach my age this is where you have to summarize the essential of what you present.
I see so many youngsters who want to do something but they are not honest with their resume. Represent yourself the right way. They will see it that you can’t handle it. This is not about money; it’s about what you can do to do a good job.
Yes of course it’s important to have the basic from school but if you can get additional certification in Administration, computer even management it’s good. Ok.. some employers from today’s generation are pushing and some will even go as far as asking a bachelor degree (not all)…If you have that and still want to be an assistant.. go for it –But this is not science people – you DO NOT need a bachelor degree to be an assistant. The most important skill you require in any assistant job is patience, kindness, endurance, perseverance, Discretion and Confidentiality mostly loyalty.
Yes – education has a good portion of it but no Bachelor degree in my book is necessary
In some industry it will require specific element like a hospital, a lawyer, a notary – In my time you acquired this as you get the job. Today, there are courses that give you that expertise to be above. So it’s all about which industry you want to go.
Don’t worry about the employer hiring the bimbo – it doesn’t work that way anymore. There is still few around but it’s not worth it your time. You can be pretty but be smarter. So never show up on skinny skirt with an open blouse. Lol it won’t work – never did and I don’t believe at that scenario.
My favorite industry is the Corporation or Personal Assistant for a CEO of CFO or even in an office without any specifications designation. But that is just my choice.
So make your choice wisely and don’t jump on all the courses just in case. It would cost you too much money and you would be like a chicken with your head cut off…
Now the last but not the least is references. How many of you have references and God know if these people are still there. In my case they are not – they move on like anyone else to something better or either to a turning point in their life, which they are no longer there.
Plus with social media today anyone who wants to hire you they can find you. You though only Actors had the paparazzi towards them.. hum.. Wrong… You are also on the red carpet so if you post and are on social public like me.. Make sure there is a good meaning, kindness and honestly. They will check
Ok…. let’s go back to the References
The main key beside social media – they don’t know you more then just the person you are on the paper. They want to hear it from someone.
So In my case I do have letters – let me show you
Obviously, I hide some of the elements in respect of the business itself. But usually they would give you this on a letterhead and sign. This is just an example of what you can expect from any employer given you a references letter.
22 years ago.. Imagine…ho! boy…but again it’s not because it’s 22 years ago that it’s take me off the market.
Ok - some people might think big deal. It doesn’t say much but it was a fun job. He decided to focus on one main elements of my job but I was also doing other things. However, I am very blessed and thankful he writes this letter.
Now here is another one from 8 years ago –
This job was very complex and confidentiality was the main source, which is why this was, summarizes that way.
Beside the point! You can not asked your supervisor to have a long letter just because it’s look good – Let it go and see what he or she is going to represent you because this is your work what you have done for them. So it’s very good.
I always recommend 3 letters which show them exactly who you are.
Now here is the last one 18 years ago – as I am reading this wow – where the time flies… Some will see this as negative some will see this as positive. Whoever knows me; know that I am pure and genuine. Yes, I am not perfect! That is the point guys…. nobody is perfect but give me a job and it will be done!
As you meet me – I do have a strong accent but it never stop me to go where I want to. So anyone who doesn’t have English as first language it’s ok. It doesn’t mean you are not capable to do the job. It just means you will find other way to make it work and do the best job. Yes, I do speak and write in English or French -
Haters will be haters but sometimes actions speak louder and THAT my friend never defeats me…
When I work for this job it was when I move to Alberta where some Anglophone didn’t like anyone who speaks French. Harsh yes but I never give up. I did the Y2K with this company and was very happy with my work no matter what.
I move in Alberta when it was the referendums in Quebec City so don’t tell me about discrimination. I’ve lived through this the good and the bad. Even today you will find those who doesn’t like French woman, those who doesn’t like my accent, those who criticize me because of my English.
Did it stop me; NO! So never quit.
Then I also have 2 other personal contacts that are not related to my family but have known me for the past 28 years.
It’s not about creating lies but it’s about being true full – honest.
This is like a marriage – finding the right place with the right people. As many of us wants our freedom we pass more time with our peers then our own family no matter which business you are with. So take your time to look. Take your time to read in between the line of their post. Do your due diligence and search the company. Learn about it. Sometimes it’s not about money but if it’s a better fit for you.
I know this industry has many great opportunity to give and this is why one I am so good at it and two I love it.
So Here is the thing – I only show you 3 of my references letter but trust me I’ve been through everything. Let’s be clear from this generation so it’s give you an idea…
Now let me explain you what is the difference and the aspect. You will find similarity but if you do apply for a job it’s important to know what is what. Times change and you have to adapt into this changes.
Executive Assistant (EA)–
C-level support, seasoned admin, handles projects, makes decisions for executive, will have greater working knowledge of company and industry, usually supporting one or two executives only, works with sensitive or confidential information, extensive travel planning, budgets, strong computer skills and ability to interact with all level of executive’s team or board, supervise support staff and be flexible.
An EA operates mainly at board level, supporting MDs, CEOs and COOs. It is a natural progression from the Personal Assistant role as Executive Assistants take on more responsibility.
An EA will perform the same tasks as a PA (Personal Assistant) but tend to be more hands on in supporting current projects and play an effective role within the day-to-day management of these projects on behalf of the Executive.
Executive Assistants are aware of corporate objectives and are responsible for helping the executive achieve their goals. An EA can often have the authority to make decisions in the absence of the executive and will act as the point of contact, being their eyes and ears of the project.
SALARY
Between $36,476 to $69,274
For CEO or CFO between $41,680 to $75,983
- Industry – Anywhere – but my advice, choose it wisely. Go towards something you like, you want to learn you want to associate yourself. Do you’re due diligence and search the company, location, years and review former's staff comments.
Administrative Assistant–
Supporting a team or several lower managers, telephone support, filing, data entry, receiving visitors, software skills, internet research, customer support, fill in for receptionist.
This is not a hard job but you have to be multitask, organize, efficient in all level. You have to think outside of the box.
This job will lead you to be eventually to be an Executive Assistant or even a Personal Assistant. As you gain more experience over the years you will find this is an open door to a higher level.
You have to do everything and anything at the same time. Prioritizing is the key and don’t forget to smile…lol
SALARY
Between $28,360 to $51,388
For a CEO or CFO between $39,398 to $44,748
- Industry – About anything and everything…however, in some industry you might be required additional skills like if you want to work in a hospital, which is a little bit different. So make sure again you do your due diligence, your research location and former employer review.
Sometime employers use big words to scare the one who might fear the position. Don’t it’s territorial and never under estimate what you can do if you do have the basic skills. Prove them wrong! Everything happen for a reason and in God’s will sometimes there is this opportunity that is presented in front of you.. Grab it.. go for it.
Personal Assistant -
does everything: balance check book, picks up kids or dry cleaning, personal shopping, second spouse on duty 24-7
PAs support managerial teams, usually comprising senior managers, department head and reporting teams. Through the support of a PA, the manager is then able to focus on more pertinent issues and decision-making.
Some of the typical duties of a Personal Assistant include:
- Reading, monitoring and responding to emails
- Organizing meetings
- Managing the diary of the manager
- Arranging travel and accommodation
- Preparing documents and presentations
- Expenses
- The attributes of an effective PA are:
- efficient
- discretion
- flexible
- self-motivated
- organized
- proactive
- a good communicator
One of the most important requirements of the PA skill-set is IT literacy. At the very least, PAs should have advanced-level skills in Word for Windows and Microsoft PowerPoint and at least an intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
Now this job is extremely demanding but it’s so rewarding. Don’t do it just because you want to be close to the CEO or CFO and/ or any celebrity. Do it because you like it. If you are chosen, just to let you know either way by the employer or an agency they will check on you no matter what. Being a Personal Assistant is built on trust but don’t take me wrong; in today’s world I don’t blame them. If I need an Assistant I hope they would check everything.
They will check from security clearance, social medial financial status and they will dig and dig which is good. Why because, you will become his or her personal assistant and you will have access to everything that person have in life which CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MUST.. if you don’t have that then don’t do it.
If you do smoke weeds at home (lol) you might want to look for another job. Any criminal offense is a NO NO. If you have a husband or kids you might want to re-think because this is not a 9 to 5 job – this is 24/7.
So be honest in everything if you want to pursue this and help someone who needs a Personal Assistant. Their world is upside down right now and they can’t think, they need someone to help them and this is where you come onboard the right way.
SALARY
For CEO or CFO Between 24,551 to $51,881
For a celebrity it can go up to $80k to 125k
So At the end of the day – it’s all about honesty, integrity and loyalty. No matter what you do in life or where you want to go or do – stay humble and be YOU…that is what is important.
In any job we do; if you are not happy change, search and look. It’s took me a long time to know what industry I like and not like good at it or not – Sometime life’s has many surprise and never reject that.
It’s funny because it doesn’t matter how old you are – what matter is; can you do the job. So even for me if there is an opportunity coming up as an PA or EA or AA and you fit the bill apply. I do not fear my competition, as I know what I can bring to the plate.
You have to think at what you can offer
- Do you have a Husband? No
- Do you have kids? No
- Are you willing to travel long term? Yes
- Are you willing to work 24/7? Yes
- Do you have the skills and knowledge? Yes
- Do you have any Criminal Records? No
Don't take me wrong, some of the jobs as assistant can be 9 to 5 which you can have a family style but for those who wants to be a PA - sorry - this is where you have to choose. If the question above are the same as mine.. go for it.
Society today doesn’t know how to hold up and bounce back. This is why I decided to write this blog to help any youngster who is looking into this direction. There is so many who apply but there is so many who is being push away.
Youngster today is all about social media, money, power but you have to learn how to bounce back, make decision and don’t get stuck where you are if you are not happy.
Life is too short – Be passion about what you do – Life has many surprises around the corner
Sincerely
Julie Kenk
Good Story Julie, thanks for writing it. I enjoyed reading.
Thank you - my goal was to help anyone who wants to go in this industry. This generation wants to help but sometimes they just don't know how this whole wheel works.
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STOPVery well said! Good post!
Thank you - :)
Congratulations @juliek!
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Glad to be part of an awesome organization. Just amazing.