Executive Assistant Recruitment for Candidates

What Makes VWA Different

As a candidate, you may be wondering: why choose VWA over other EA recruitment agencies? The answer lies in how we work. We see recruitment as more than just filling a vacancy -  it’s about guiding you towards the next step in your career with care, transparency, and expertise.

Here are the values that underpin our approach:

People Focused

We take the time to get to know you - your career goals, your strengths, and the kind of environment you’ll thrive in. Our candidate-first approach ensures we’re not just finding you a job, but finding you the right job.

Integrity

Whether working with clients or candidates, honesty and transparency remain central to everything we do. You can count on us to always give constructive feedback, realistic guidance, and advice you can trust.

Advisory

With more than three decades in EA recruitment, we bring deep industry knowledge to the table. Our Consultants are here to advise and support you, whether you’re polishing your CV, preparing for an interview, or weighing up offers.

Expertise

Our Consultants are highly trained in search and selection, with a specialist focus on EA roles. Plus, we’re also passionate about staying up to date with industry trends, ensuring you benefit from the most relevant insights.

Tenacity

At VWA, we’re problem solvers and career champions. Even when the market is competitive, you can rest assured that we’ll work tirelessly to help you secure the role that matches your skills and aspirations.

Loyalty and Accountability

Loyalty is rare in recruitment, which is why it means so much to us. When you trust VWA to help with your EA job search, you can rest assured that we will remain loyal to you, and ensure we are always accountable to our promises.

Relationships

We’re proud of the long-lasting relationships we’ve built with candidates and clients alike. In fact, many of our candidates have worked with us repeatedly over the years because we stand by our promises and remain loyal to the professionals we represent.

Learn More About the VWA Difference

Executive Assistant Job Description and Expectations

An Executive Assistant (EA) is so much more than just a support role - they are a trusted partner to senior leaders and play an integral part in driving company success. The scope of an EA’s role will vary depending on the size of the company, the industry, and the executives they support, but it is always dynamic, fast-paced, and highly rewarding.

As an EA, no two days are the same. You may find yourself preparing a Board presentation in the morning, troubleshooting a travel disruption in the afternoon, and attending a high-level meeting by evening. The role demands flexibility, resilience, and a genuine commitment to supporting leadership at the highest level.

For many, this variety is what makes being an EA so fulfilling - you’ll develop transferable skills, gain exposure to business strategy, and build relationships across all levels of an organisation. Over time, EAs often progress into more senior business support positions, Chief of Staff roles, or even into operations and project management.

Typical EA responsibilities

Diary and Schedule Management – Coordinating complex calendars, scheduling meetings, and ensuring executives are always in the right place at the right time.

Travel Arrangements – Organising domestic and international travel, often across multiple time zones, with detailed itineraries.

Meeting Preparation – Preparing agendas, briefing packs, and presentations, as well as taking minutes and following up on actions.

Communication and Gatekeeping – Acting as the first point of contact for executives, managing calls, emails, and correspondence while balancing priorities diplomatically.

Project Support – Assisting with research, compiling reports, and supporting special projects that drive business objectives.

Office Coordination – Overseeing administration, liaising with internal teams, and supporting wider business operations when required.

Confidentiality and Discretion – Handling sensitive information with the utmost professionalism and integrity.

Skills and qualities of a successful EA

Organisation and Prioritisation – The ability to juggle multiple competing demands and adapt when plans inevitably change.

Communication Skills – Clear, confident, and professional communication, both written and verbal, is essential.

Problem-Solving Ability – Anticipating challenges, identifying solutions, and proactively removing obstacles for the executive.

Technical Proficiency – Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with other business tools such as Zoom, Teams, and project management software.

Professionalism and Discretion – Acting as an ambassador for the executive and organisation, always demonstrating integrity and confidentiality.

Resilience and Adaptability – Thriving in fast-paced, high-pressure environments while maintaining composure.

Commercial Awareness – Understanding the bigger picture of the business and industry, allowing you to anticipate needs and contribute strategically.

As EAs often work in fast-paced environments, adaptability and resilience are also key.