Are You a D1 Executive Assistant?

What Executives and EAs can learn from D1 coaches and how they recruit

One of the most common questions I hear from executives and founders is: “What should I look for when hiring an Executive Assistant?”

Recently, I came across a reel from a Division 1 coach sharing her secret to recruiting top-tier athletes. Her approach, I realized, is exactly how executives should think about recruiting their EAs—and it’s also a perspective every EA should keep in mind, since we are the athlete in this scenario.

Here’s the gist: when scouting highly ranked athletes, she doesn’t just watch how they play—if they’re ranked, their skills are already proven. Instead, she focuses on who they are as individuals. She observes where they sit on the bench, how they interact with their coach, whether they cheer for their teammates, how seriously they take warm-ups, and how they treat their family after the game.

If you’re an Executive or EA hiring manager, don’t forget to ask questions that will help you learn more about who the candidate is as a person and how they’ll connect with you, your team, and your company. Also, backchannel where you can—ask your network about them so you can learn more. You’d be surprised at how connected we all are.

Ask thoughtful questions to uncover their character and mindset, and think about some of these things as you’re interviewing:

• Are they someone you’ll genuinely enjoy working with? Are they someone who could be well liked?

• Can they represent you, your values, and your company effectively? Do you trust them to?

• How will they treat the team? How will they show up for their team?

• What do they value as an EA, and why have they chosen this career?

If you’re an Executive Assistant reading this, keep these pointers in mind:

• The world is small. Someone knows someone who knows you or has worked with you. If backchanneling is done on you, will people or past co-workers have good things to say about you?

• Be kind. Treat everyone well, not just the people above you or the people you think will benefit you.

• Everyone is watching. Your work ethic, personality, character, work output, and how you treat others are being noticed by more people than you realize.

• Your reputation is everything. How you make people feel, and what you do and say will either build or tarnish your reputation. And your reputation follows you.

• Act with integrity. Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Like the D1 coach in the reel, people are paying attention to more than just your skills and your ability to do the job. They’re observing how you show up in every situation.

A D1 athlete is the best of the best. They have exceptional talent and incredible work ethic. They are resilient, can handle pressure, and have high expectations for themselves. They understand the importance of supporting their teammates on and off the field. They are coachable, take feedback seriously, and always strive to improve. They know how to stay disciplined and manage their time. And they serve as leaders who have influence and set the tone for their team. All while being extremely good at their sport.

These are also the qualities that make exceptional EA candidates stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Are you a D1 Executive Assistant?