After over a decade of recruiting Executive Assistants (EAs), I’ve learnt that what many clients think they want in an EA isn’t always what they actually need. It’s a conversation I have time and time again.
Often, leaders naturally look for someone who feels familiar; someone from the same industry, with a similar working style, or even a mirror image of themselves.
But in my experience, the strongest EA partnerships aren’t built on sameness. They’re built on balance.
The Best EAs Fill the Gaps You Don’t See
A great EA doesn’t just work with you. They work differently to you, in a way that complements your style and strengths. If you are creative, fast-paced and always on the move, you might need someone who brings calm, structure and attention to detail. If you are highly operational and detail-focused, an EA who brings energy, adaptability and big-picture thinking can add real value.
Hiring a carbon copy of yourself might feel comfortable. But it rarely leads to a high-performing partnership. This is why, at Lily Shippen, we spend time getting to know both clients and candidates beyond the obvious. It is about more than a job description; it is about finding the right fit for both sides.
Industry Experience Isn’t Everything
Another common misconception is that an EA must come from the same industry. While this can sometimes be helpful, I would always encourage clients to focus on transferable skills, values and attitude above all else.
Some of the best EA placements I have made have involved candidates moving into completely new sectors. What made them successful wasn’t their industry knowledge. It was their emotional intelligence, adaptability and ability to build trust quickly. Skills like discretion, resilience and forward-thinking can’t always be taught. But sector knowledge can.
If you are hiring an EA, I would urge you to think beyond industry experience and focus instead on finding someone who has the ability and potential to thrive alongside you.
We see this approach work time and again in both Executive Assistant recruitment and Private PA recruitment, where values, mindset and working style are often far more important than sector expertise.
A CV Will Only Tell Part of the Story
A CV might tell you where someone has worked. But it won’t show you how they build relationships. It won’t show their values, how they handle pressure, or their potential to thrive alongside you. That is why I have always believed in taking the time to really get to know candidates beyond their experience on paper.
At Lily Shippen, we focus on understanding people; what drives them, how they like to work, and what kind of executive they will thrive alongside. That is how we create partnerships that last.
Rethinking Your Approach to EA Recruitment
If you are hiring an EA, my advice is simple:
Don’t just hire someone like you.
Look for someone who complements you.
Focus on attitude, values and potential, not just industry experience.
Trust your recruiter to look beyond the CV.
At Lily Shippen, we specialise in matching executives with exceptional EAs who bring the right skills, values and working style to the table.
We also offer support for those looking to hire a Chief of Staff or recruit temporary staff, where culture fit and values alignment are equally important. If you would like support with your next EA hire, you can find out more here. Alternatively, I would love to have a confidential conversation about what you are looking for, and what you might really need.