5 ways to market yourself as an EA

These days EAs are taking on an ever-increasing range of responsibilities. In order to succeed, not only do you have to be organised, ambitious and hardworking you must demonstrate that you have strong technical skills, you're a good problem solver and you can meet tight deadlines. Never has the role been so competitive, yet, simultaneously, so exciting.

So how does an EA ensure they stand out in this dynamic space? Here are 5 ways to market yourself today.

1.Show your personality
There are a great deal of EA jobs out there, and the candidates you’re competing with may very well have comparable skills to yours. What’s the one thing no other candidate has but you? Your personality! Try to make the most of this unique attribute. “EA jobs can be very broad,” explains Janet Muncherji a recruitment specialist at Ignite who specialises in business support roles. “For this reason, personality is so important. Don’t be afraid to show your personality during your recruitment interview, your job interview, in your CV, your LinkedIn page, everywhere!”

Janet goes on to explain that it is important that you are suited to your employer. She compares an EA role to being like a marriage. “You need to know them back to front. You always have to be ten steps ahead of them. When it comes down to it, if you don’t gel with the person hiring you, you really shouldn't be working for them.” Ergo, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you hid your character in an interview. So let your true colours shine!

2. Build relationships
When it comes to seeking work, relationship building undoubtedly make a big difference. The crucial error many people make, though, is that they assume because they’re not connected to someone in a desired role they’re at a distinct disadvantage. But opportunities to build relationships are everywhere. What it really comes down to is getting out there and making sure you’re remembered.
“It’s not just relationships with potential employers that you should be thinking about,” explains Liz Hawke, recruitment consultant at Ignite (Business and Corporate Support). “If you’re top of mind with your recruiter they will be more likely to look out for you. After you go to an interview, call your recruiter and tell them how it went. Check in with them and always be honest. If you build a relationship based on trust, your recruiter will come to rely on you and you’ll be the first name that comes to mind when they’re speaking to clients.” For further tips on winning people over, see our recent blog on 6 psychological hacks to make people like you more.

3. Identify your UVP
Every business must work out its UVP (Unique value proposition), aka the special thing that makes it stand out enough that customers will buy its product over a competitor’s. Potential employees are no different. You are the product, your future employer your customer. What are you passionate about? What are you good at? Do you have a unique hobby or pastime? Think about ways you could bring these things together and explore how you could use them to be more innovative or gain a superior perspective on a work problem. When pursuing your passion, learning about the subject often comes easily. By pursuing a distinct path, you will, in turn, build your strengths in that area. Focus on the things you personally have to offer and fortify your unique selling point.

4. Stay up to date
Now you’re aware of the area you want to focus on, make sure you stay up to date with developments in the industry. Read industry publications, follow influential people in that space, read the news, you can even use Google Alerts.
“It’s hard to stand out when interviewing for an EA role,” explains Janet. “Being knowledgeable is one way to make a really good impression!” You can be proactive with this by using your new knowledge to become a thought leader. Share your ideas on social media and try to engage with people you admire. You will be amazed what opportunities fall at your feet when you’re truly passionate about something.

5. Be web savvy
“You must start thinking of social media as being like a permanent interview process, through which you have access to everyone, whether you like it or not,” says Liz. She recommends spending time on social media. Further, you should follow people who are influential in your chosen industry. Engage with people online. Listen, learn and contribute. Make yourself heard not as someone asking for help but as an interlocutor. Share your insights. And when it comes to anything you do that can be seen publicly, be sure to show your expertise. Demonstrate your technical skills through your posts. Showcase your impeccable writing skills and grammar. Make it clear that you know how to understand and communicate an idea succinctly. These are the essential elements of your work and you get to broadcast them to your dream clients. Take advantage of this. And don’t forget to include your social media handles in your email signature!