The assistant CV: versatility, but precise targeting
Assistant positions exist in every company, and they're in high demand. The challenge: the job is versatile, but a catch-all CV gets diluted. The key is to target the specific role and reuse its keywords.
Identify your type of assistant role
- Administrative assistant: administrative management, mail, filing, invoicing, front desk.
- Executive assistant: calendar management, organising meetings and travel, meeting minutes, confidentiality, liaising with senior management.
- Sales assistant: order tracking, quotes, client relations, CRM, sales administration.
- HR / operations assistant: managing employee files, payroll, reporting, HR tools.
An executive assistant CV doesn't use the same keywords as a sales assistant CV. Match your headline and skills to the job posting.
Key skills
- Office software: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), sometimes ERP (SAP), collaboration tools.
- Organisation: prioritisation, scheduling, coordination, rigor.
- Communication: writing, in-person and phone reception, interpersonal skills.
- Languages: highly valued, so state your level (CEFR), a strong asset for roles at international companies.
- Soft skills: discretion, autonomy, a service mindset, stress management.
Good example: "Managed the calendars and travel of two directors, organised meetings (up to 30 participants), drafted meeting minutes, and handled confidential files."
Office software: show your level
"Proficient in Excel" is too vague. Be specific: pivot tables, formulas, mail merge, database management. These details are keywords that recruiters and ATS look for.
Test your assistant CV
CVpass analyses your CV against the target job posting, detects missing skills and keywords, and suggests rewrites. Useful for turning a general CV into one targeted at the role.
Further reading
- HR CV: optimising your human resources CV
- CV keywords: what recruiters are looking for
- The CV mistakes that break ATS
Is your assistant CV ready? Analyse it for free on CVpass →