Discretion

Executive assistants may have access to information about compensation plans, upcoming layoffs, internal investigations based on employee complaints, company trade secrets and other confidential information. Virtually every executive assistant is in a position of being privy to information that must be protected, so being able to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion is essential for success in this type of job.Information Preparation

Executive assistants are often involved in preparing and formatting information for internal and external distribution. This may include writing letters and memos, compiling data for reports, creating computerized presentations, writing reports, transcribing dictation, editing, proofreading and other information preparation duties.