Ask-A-Boss #010 - Become The Best Version Of Yourself by Naomi D Brown
“I am not used to the corporate work culture. I recently applied for the executive assistant job within my company and I was hired yesterday. How do I prepare as I join the C-Suite? I am nervous.”
Being a professional executive requires preparation, commitment, and the ability to adapt to whatever comes your way. To stay in this position, you must be able to demonstrate dedication, commitment, and a willingness to grow within your company.
C-suite executives of any company are responsible for making sure its strategic plan is moving forward every day. This article will help you understand what it takes to be a professional officer at any level. Being a professional officer usually involves working with other officers and reporting directly to the board of directors. Chief executives are responsible for the general management of their company and its subsidiaries. All of these chief executives need a right-hand assistant to help them with their duties, THAT’S WHERE YOU COME IN.
The first thing I want you to do is research. Take the time to learn things about your company like the founders, founding date, organizational structure, mission statement, business plan, and common knowledge. It is also important to be up to date on any recent partnerships or campaigns the company has made public. The C-suite executives are usually known as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Chief Information Officer (CIO), among others. Knowing which executive you are becoming an assistant to can assist you with transitioning into the position. Be sure to reread your job description and requirements thoroughly. Lastly, before your first day, Go online and find your company’s employee handbook. This will outline the expected company culture. If you can not find it email Human Resources (HR).
To me, your appearance is a general reflection of your discipline and focus. If you’re someone who’s working hard every day, I want to see that in what you wear. What you wear will depend on your company’s culture. Respect your office and your colleagues, especially if you’re in an industry that has a bit more of a conservative bent. Regardless of what you wear, make sure it fits appropriately. If you’ve got the budget, treat at least one key item in your wardrobe to a tailor. It can save you hours of agony in front of the mirror with a pair of scissors, and make you instantly more polished.
Lastly, Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are new and all of your team knows. There will be a learning curve and that is okay. Based on your research, come in with questions prior to joining. You will get training and your manager or the executive will support you to ensure you feel as though your questions are answered. Speak up during meetings if you have ideas, proven systems, and/or questions. They want you to be confident so you can best support the executive you were hired to assist.
I'm so proud of you, Toya, for getting a new job. Hopefully, this guide gave you at least one tip that you can use as a starting point. If can't sift through the whole article just remember Tip 3 above. If you go into your new job prepared to ask questions, there's a good chance that you'll be able to ease into your new role without too much difficulty. Good luck!