The demand for high-performing Executive Assistants (EAs) has never been higher. As businesses recognise the strategic value of a top-tier EA, competition to attract and retain the best talent is intensifying.
Yet, many companies struggle with high turnover, mismatched hires, and EAs who aren’t fully utilised – all of which impact executive productivity and business efficiency.
So, how can your organisation stand out in a competitive market and secure the best EA talent? From my 25 years experience as an EA and working with EAs through coaching, mentoring and recruitment. Here’s what you need to know.
Understand What Top EAs Are Looking For
Elite EAs aren’t just looking for a job – they’re looking for an opportunity where they can make an impact. To attract the best talent, businesses need to offer more than just a salary.
What top EAs prioritise in a role:
- A strategic partnership – They want to work alongside executives who see them as trusted advisors, not just admin support.
- Career progression – The best EAs seek ongoing coaching, mentoring, and leadership development.
- A high-performing executive team – Top EAs thrive in structured, efficient, and fast-paced environments where they can add value.
- Flexibility & work-life balance – While they are dedicated professionals, they also look for hybrid work options and a culture that respects boundaries.
To attract A-player EAs, companies must position the role as an opportunity for strategic involvement rather than just an administrative function.
Position Your EA Role as High-Value
One of the biggest hiring mistakes companies make is underselling the EA role – which leads to either attracting the wrong candidates or not retaining top talent.
If your job description focuses only on scheduling, inbox management, and travel bookings, you may lose out on candidates looking for a more meaningful role.
How to elevate your EA job listing:
- Highlight the role’s strategic impact – how the EA contributes to executive decision-making and business success.
- Emphasise collaboration with leadership – showing how the EA will work closely with executives as a business partner.
- Showcase growth opportunities – including training, mentorship, and career progression into Chief of Staff or operational leadership roles.
By presenting the EA role as a high-value, career-enhancing opportunity, companies can attract the best talent in the market.
Offer Competitive Remuneration & Perks
While salary matters, compensation isn’t just about money – it’s about recognising and rewarding an EA’s strategic contributions.
Top ways to attract & retain EA talent:
- Competitive salary & performance bonuses – Reflecting the EA’s true business impact.
- Professional development – Including mentorship, leadership training, and executive coaching.
- Access to decision-making spaces – Top EAs want a seat at the table, not just a desk outside the executive office.
- Clear career growth pathways – Show them how they can evolve within the organisation.
If companies fail to offer these benefits, they risk losing top talent to competitors who value and invest in their EAs.
Retention: Keep Your EA Engaged & Growing
Attracting top EA talent is only half the battle – retaining them is just as crucial.
Why do top EAs leave?
- Lack of career growth or development opportunities.
- Feeling underutilised or unrecognised for their contributions.
- Poor executive relationships or leadership misalignment.
- Burnout due to excessive workload with little support.
- Regular feedback & career check-ins – Ensuring they see a future within the company.
- Leadership support & mentorship – Helping them navigate executive expectations.
- Respecting boundaries – Preventing burnout while maximising productivity.
A company that invests in nurturing and growing their EA talent will ultimately see stronger retention, higher executive efficiency, and better business outcomes.
Work with Experts to Secure the Right Hire
Finding the right EA isn’t just about filling a position – it’s about securing a strategic business partner who will drive executive productivity and company success.
At Executive Entourage, we specialise in recruiting high-calibre EAs who can step into leadership-aligned roles with confidence.
Our approach ensures:
✔ The right talent match – We understand the executive-EA dynamic and ind candidates who fit seamlessly into your business.
✔ A focus on long-term retention – We help you attract EAs who stay, grow, and add value over time.
✔ Support beyond recruitment – Including onboarding, career mentoring, and EA development programs.
If your business is struggling to attract the right Executive Assistant talent, we can help you build a high-performing executive support team that drives success.
More Than Just Recruitment: EA Coaching, Mentoring & Training
At Executive Entourage, we know that hiring the right EA is only the beginning. That’s why we offer coaching, mentoring, and in-house training to maximise the potential of your executive support team.
Our additional services include:
- EA Coaching & Development – Upskilling EAs to become more strategic business partners.
- In-House Training – Helping executives and EAs work seamlessly together for maximum efficiency.
- Retention-Focused Coaching – Keeping high-calibre EAs engaged, fulfilled, and committed to your business.
- Outplacement Services – Providing career support for EAs in the event of redundancies.
- Executive Assistant Member Benefits Program – giving back to the EA community with networking, coaching and opportunities including premium brand perks.
Invest in the Right EA – Invest in Business Growth
- The right EA isn’t just an assistant – they are a key driver of executive productivity, business efficiency, and organisational success.
- If you’re looking to hire an EA who will elevate leadership, or need assistance with mentoring, coaching, and training to drive business growth, let’s connect.
Contact Executive Entourage today and discover the advantage of elite EA support.