Executive Assistant Skills (Free Online Course With Certificate)

This course teaches you everything you need to know to become an efficient executive assistant. We provide administrative ‘soft’ skills like effective time management and communication. We then cover the tools of your new trade like email protocol, computer proficiency and interpersonal skills. We also explain how to schedule and manage meetings and handle special tasks. Sign up to take your place close to the action as you learn from the best.

This Free Online Course Includes:

• 1.5-3 Hours of Learning
• CPD Accreditation
• Final Assessment

Alison Certificates

All Alison courses are free to enrol study and complete. To successfully complete this Diploma course and become an Alison Graduate, you need to achieve 80% or higher in each course assessment. Once you have completed this Diploma course, you have the option to acquire an official Diploma, which is a great way to share your achievement with the world.

Your Alison Diploma is:

• Ideal for sharing with potential employers
• Include it in your CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.
• An indication of your commitment to continuously learn, upskill & achieve high results.
• An incentive for you to continue empowering yourself through lifelong learning.

Alison offers 3 types of Diplomas for completed Diploma courses:

• Digital Diploma: a downloadable Diploma in PDF format immediately available to you when you complete your purchase.
• Diploma: a physical version of your officially branded and security-marked Diploma, posted to you with free shipping.
• Framed Diploma: a physical version of your officially branded and security-marked Diploma in a stylish frame, posted to you with free shipping.

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 regard 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 as you chase your professional dreams.

Module 1

Getting Started

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 effectively managing time, how to organize meetings, and how to be a gatekeeper.

Module 2

Working with Your Manager

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.

Module 3

Administrative Soft Skills

In this module, Administrative Soft Skills, students will identify the interpersonal techniques that make for 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.

Module 4

Effective Time Management

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.

Module 5

Meeting Management

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.

Module 6

Tools for the Trade (I)

In this module, Tools for the Trade (I), students will be introduced to the tools they need to be successful executive assistants. 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 these skills and etiquette is essential to being a great assistant.

Module 7

Tools for the Trade (II)

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.

Module 8

Being an Effective Gatekeeper

In this module, Being an Effective Gatekeeper, students will

Module 9

Organizational Skills

In this module, Organizational Skills, students will learn about key organizational skills to optimize their work as executive assistants. 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.

Module 10

Confidentiality Guidelines

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.

Module 11

Special Tasks

In this module, Special Tasks, students will learn about the special tasks they will have to handle as executive assistants. 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.

Module 12

Course assessment

Political Assistant (UK Congressional Aide)

Politics, integral to daily life, control various facets of human existence, from rationing essentials to the poor to the development of science and technology. Political Assistants play a crucial role in the political process by lending administrative support to elected politicians. Working behind the scenes, they help politicians in various ways, such as researching information to help them win elections or assisting them in upholding electoral promises.

Executive Assistant

Behind every successful senior executive is an equally successful Executive Assistant. Keeping office administration organised and running smoothly is a must in business. With digital files and programs taking over, Executive Assistants are professionals who combine their exceptional IT and organisational skills to make the day-to-day functioning of senior executives as smooth and error-free as possible.

Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistants are the invisible glue that holds the team together, the multitasking ninjas critical to the smooth running of a business entity, and the nerve centre with access to every aspect of the organisation.