Job Q&A: Executive Assistant

Dallas Executive Assistant, Kelli Odum, talks with Snelling Staffing about the rewards and challenges of her position and gives advice.

Name: Kelli Odum

Title: Executive Assistant

Location: Dallas

Monster: How did you get your current position?

Kelli Odum: I had sent my resume to Holli Hay, recruiter for Snelling Staffing Services, when I first moved to Dallas and set up an interview with her. I had another job at the time but asked her if anything came up that she thought might suit me to keep me in mind. One day, I received a phone call from her with an assignment she had been given, and it was something I was very interested in and something she thought I would be perfect for.

M: What do you do in your current position?

KO: I am the executive assistant to the CEO and the president of an international communications company. I do work directly under the CEO. I handle all of his business as well as some personal affairs.

M: What is it like supporting two different high-level execs?

KO: My bosses are very different from each other. I have one who is low-maintenance, does not micromanage and has absolute full trust in me and the job I am doing. And I have the other who is very high-maintenance and a huge micromanager, but I think this is due to the fact the last executive assistant they had was not able to do her job as expected.

I enjoy working for them both. Some days are harder than others. But you learn the mannerisms of each and how to interact with them both, although very different, and are able to find a balance.

M: What is a typical day like?

KO: In all honesty, I do not have a typical day. I do not have a schedule of things that happen each week at certain times. Most things are spur of the moment, which I like. It keeps my job interesting. Working for the CEO, I am involved in many of his other business affairs, so things are new every day.

M: What are your position's rewards?

KO: Because of the positions my bosses both have, I have been able to network with many people in Dallas I might never have had the chance to meet before. Our CEO speaks fluent Spanish, and I have been able to use a little of what I learned in college. I do not speak fluently, but it is helpful in some situations to know a little. I was new to Dallas before I started at AGC, and working here has given me the opportunity to be involved in many events and organizations I was not aware of before.

M: What are your position's challenges?

KO: As I mentioned before, the most difficult thing is working with two people so closely who have two completely different personalities as well as working habits. Sometimes we can be so busy at the office that it is a challenge to keep up with them both, but knowing that I can, and that I do, is a reward.

M: How do you deal with them?

KO: You take the task at hand, and you complete it. It might not be fun, it might be something completely unnecessary to do, but in the end it shows your character as an executive assistant as well as an individual, and I feel your work ethic is what shines through.

M: How has working with recruiters helped you in your career?

KO: If I were to ever look for another job in the Dallas area, Holli Hay with Snelling is the first person I would go to. As horrible as this might sound, I hate having to set up interviews and send out resumes. It takes so much time, and there is no guarantee you will ever get any time to meet with a company. Meeting with a recruiter and letting them get to know you, what you are looking for and what you like makes it so much easier for them to find that position you will fit into and sell you to that company. I think it is the absolute easiest and best way to look for employment.

M: What is your advice to other admins looking to get into an executive assistant position?

KO: I think as an executive assistant, you have to have thick skin and be able to take criticism and let things roll off your back. You have to be able to know how to do your job and cater to your bosses but also set boundaries for yourself with them so as not to get taken advantage of. Be willing to learn. Everything is a new experience, and there is always going to be something someone else knows and can teach you.

M: Any specific advice for how other admins can best work with and keep in touch with recruiters?

KO: I have Holli’s number in my phone, and I also have her email. I keep in touch with her and let her know how things are going. You want to keep a good relationship with your recruiter, because there might come a day where you might need them again. A recruiter is your first step on the trip to your own success.

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