Course description
This course lays out the skills required to be an effective executive assistant. We show you how to work with your manager to maximize productivity and help you to refine your ability to manage both your own and other people’s time and resources. We study key administrative ‘soft’ skills that you need to succeed as an executive assistant.
The course then breaks down how to best manage meetings in regards to scheduling and communication. We examine tools of the trade such as email, office software and communication technology. We then explain how phone and voicemail etiquette can affect how people see you and your manager and should be used to make a good impression on those with whom you communicate.
The course wraps up by discussing what it takes to be an effective gatekeeper, a crucial skill for any assistant. We demonstrate how to filter calls and emails to preserve your manager’s time and concentration before we cover guidelines for handling confidential information. This course tells you everything you need to know to become a successful executive assistant. Being close to the action lets you learn from those above you, which can help you to move upwards yourself as you chase your professional dreams.
Upcoming start dates
Training content
Getting Started
Description: In this module, Getting Started, students will be given an overview of the skills covered in this course, and will explain how these skills can lead to becoming successful Executive Assistants. Some of these skills include the ability to adapt to various styles of management, being socially intelligent, how to effectively manage time, how to organize meetings, and how to be a gatekeeper.
- Getting Started
- Assessment: Review Quiz
Working with Your Manager
Description: In this module, Working with Your Manager, students will recognize how to adapt their communication and work style to better meet the style, needs, and responsibilities of their boss. The module will also discuss the importance of identifying one's responsibilities with their employer in order to clarify what is expected of them, leading to a more harmonious relationship.
- Working with Your Manager
- Demo 1
- Assessment: Review Quiz
Administrative Soft Skills
Description: In this module, Administrative Soft Skills, students will identify the interpersonal techniques that make for being an effective administrator. These techniques revolve around social intelligence, and include manners like active listening, paying attention to social cues, being self aware, as well as being aware of others.
- Administrative Soft Skills
- Demo 1
- Assessment: Review Quiz
Effective Time Management
Description: In this module, Effective Time Management, students will recognize how to maintain control of their time and increase productivity. Students will learn about calendar management, how to prepare for changes and surprises, how to keep others on track, and how to differentiate between what is urgent, and what is important.
- Effective Time Management
- Demo 1
- Assessment: Review Quiz
Meeting Management
Description: In this module, Meeting Management, students will recognize how to effectively plan, organize, and time business meetings. Meetings are crucial to the success of a business, and it is an assistant's job to plan and set them up. The skills this module will go over include creating an agenda, keeping minutes, keeping the meeting on time, and knowing variations for large and small meetings.
- Meeting Management
- Demo 1
- Assessment: Review Quiz
Tools for the Trade (I)
Description: In this module, Tools for the Trade (I), students will be introduced to the tools they need to be a successful executive assistant. The module will go over things like proper email protocol, how to use office machinery, basic computer and software skills, as well as the importance of communication skills. Being proficient in this skills and etiquette is essential to being a great assistant.
- Tools for the Trade (I)
- Demo 1
- Assessment: Review Quiz
Tools for the Trade (II)
Description: In this module, Tools for the Trade (II), students will continue to learn about the tools every reputable executive assistant needs in their arsenal. Some of the tools that will be mentioned include phone and voicemail etiquette, word processing tools, business writing, and internet research. The ever changing nature of technology shapes the job of the assistant, and keeping up with it will make one invaluable to their employer.
- Tools for the Trade (II)
- Demo 1
- Assessment: Review Quiz
Being an Effective Gatekeeper
Description: In this module, Being an Effective Gatekeeper, students will
- Being an Effective Gatekeeper
- Demo 1
- Assessment: Review Quiz
Organizational Skills
Description: In this module, Organizational Skills, students will learn about key organizational skills to optimize their work as an executive assistant. With the busy schedule that assistants have to keep, organizational skills are essential to success. You must learn how to prioritize, plan, and work towards your goals. Staying organized is a skill that you can always work to improve. However, by implementing the techniques in this module, you will improve your efficiency as an assistant.
- Organizational Skills
- Demo 1
- Assessment: Review Quiz
Confidentiality Guidelines
Description: In this module, Confidentiality Guidelines, students will learn about confidentiality guidelines. As an assistant, you will be privy to confidential information. It is imperative that you learn how to handle this information and keep privileged information from leaking to the public. Following confidentiality guidelines will make you a better assistant and improve the level of trust that your employer has in you.
- Confidentiality Guidelines
- Demo 1
- Assessment: Review Quiz
Special Tasks
Description: In this module, Special Tasks, students will learn about the special tasks they will have to handle as an executive assistant. As a valued assistant, you should be prepared to take on special roles and tasks. You will find yourself interacting with clients and managing social media. You may be managing projects and hosting trade shows. With a little practice and research, you will be ready for any situation.
- Special Tasks
- Demo 1
- Assessment: Review Quiz
Course assessment
- Assessment: Executive Assistant - Course Assessment
Certification / Credits
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Discuss various administrative ‘soft’ skills
- Describe how to manage time in the workplace effectively
- Break down how to employ appropriate email, phone and voicemail etiquette
- Explain how to be an powerful gatekeeper
- Outline the importance of organizational skills
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Alison is the world’s largest free online empowerment platform for education and skills training, offering thousands of CPD-accredited courses and a range of impactful career development tools. It is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to making it possible for anyone,...