Job Responsibilities
Assist CEO with international sales and tech department staff
communications.
3-4 hours per day spent following up on e-mails regarding sales
leads and pending deals then updating CEO and COO on status of
leads and deals.
1 hour spent generating sales leads from international database
of all aircraft in operation worldwide and sending this
information to the sales staff in the field.
2 hours per day spent working with international staff to get the
information that they need from the home office to close the
deals.
30 minutes to 1 hour spent working on tasks for CEO; i.e. travel
plans, meeting arrangements, ordering lunches, sending faxes or
FedEx. Much of the information I deal with from the CEO is highly
confidential and discretion is crucial to this position.
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Job Requirements
One of the best ways to learn what is involved in a position of
this type is to work through a temporary employment agency.
Skills crucial to your success include: Microsoft Office suite,
particularly Outlook, Excel and Word. Most community colleges
offer courses in these programs which only involve 3-4 hours per
week. Experience cannot be learned through coursework so it is
best to get positions which allow you exposure to the software
which you will be using. Many of these programs operate on a
similar platform and you can easily learn the features of each if
you have a good understanding of one of them. Typing skills and
telephone skills are also crucial to your success. I also cannot
emphasize enough the importance of good and thorough follow up to
all tasks assigned to you. Even if you have delegated the task,
make sure that the person you have delegated it to has completed
it.
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Uppers
This position has a high level of responsibility and is wonderful for the
individual who enjoys unpredictable work flow. If you love to multi-task,
prioritize and follow up on completed tasks then you will love this position. The
greatest part of this job is knowing that you have made your Executive's life a
little easier and which they constantly thank you for doing.
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Downers
The worst part of this position is being privy to information
which you may not want to be privy to. For example, knowing that
someone on your staff is going to be fired and having to set up
the meeting time with them can be troubling if you are sensitive
to these situations. One of the best parts of this job can also
be one of the worst, and that is the unpredictable work flow.
There will be times when you are searching for tasks to complete
and there will not be any. There will also be times when you are
overwhelmed with very important and time sensitive issues and you
may be required to stay at the office until they are all
completed.
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Lifestyle
The office life of a corporate executive assistant is challenging and rewarding.
You will need to be available for your CEO when they need you. This could mean
that you work 9-6 or 7-4 depending on what their schedule entails. Often you will
stay late or come in early to assist them. Remember that for many of these
individuals, their job is their life. They will rely on you for everything
especially when they are traveling. They look to you to be a person whom they can
trust and rely on for their needs and the needs of the business. Business dress
is required, as is a professional demeanor at all times. You will be involved in
office parties, sometimes as part of the organization of the event. You will have
weekends off, office holiday's off and a fairly regular schedule.
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Compensation
Depending on your experience and the benefits offered in the
company you should receive the following:
Base salary: $35,000 up to $55,000
Yearly bonus based on profitability of the company.
Stock options if available.
Profit sharing, pension plan, health insurance including dental
and vision options, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K
plan (with matching if your company does this), health club
benefit, commuter benefit (tax free transit in your city), yearly
review and wage increase.
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Advice to Jobseekers
I highly advise working through a temporary employment agency if
you would like this type of position and have little or no
experience. Many companies screen new hires this way and they are
able to see how you work in the office, what your skills are,
what your follow through is like, and how you get along with the
other employees. This type of position is always going to be in
demand as long as CEO's exist. If you find someone that you work
well with, as often these CEO's have very difficult and demanding
personalities, then you could hold that position until you retire
comfortably.
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