Hollywood Executive Assistant

Hollywood Executive Assistant

HEA

Los Angeles, CA

Female, 0

High-Level Assistant to Chairmen & CEOs of Fortune 100 Companies & Hollywood Executive Producers. Ask me anything! "Like" my answers, especially if you submitted the question so I know you read it! :D Thx!

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Last Answer on August 23, 2020

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How much can the best executive assistants earn in a year?

Asked by regan999 almost 13 years ago

The salary of an EA depends on what city you work in, how big your company is, and a zillion other factors that come into play just like any other job. The entertainment industry is mostly in Los Angeles, but pockets do exist elsewhere in the nation so you will see a fluctuation. Like any other field, the more experience you have under your belt the more you will get paid. It's not uncommon for an EA who has been in the industry forever and who works for someone very, very, very high profile to make a comfortable living - as if they themselves were a regular lower-ranking executive or part of management. Keep in mind, these types of executive... Read More +

Are Hollywood executives as nightmarish as depicted on TV and movies, or is that all blown out of proportion?

Asked by Myra almost 13 years ago

I've been extremely lucky and have NOT worked for anyone difficult or nightmarish - high standards and extremely fast-paced or high-pressure environments, yes. Mean or horrible people - no. I've built my entire career in Hollywood so I know it's unheard of. Sadly, some are not so lucky. There is a lot of ego, money, and reputation at stake in Hollywood so some of what you see and hear is true. It may not be as outlandish and over-the-top as depicted, but there is some truth to it. Whether or not it's fair or right that people behave rudely is not really the point as being a jerk is not illegal. The takeaway is, if you can ace working... Read More +

I've worked a few EA jobs and even though every boss told me "I want to help you build your career", it's never really the case. Do you feel like most executives really just want career assistants?

Asked by Lizzie almost 13 years ago

My experience has been a little different only because I've always enjoyed being an assistant and didn't care if I moved on to bigger or better things or just stayed put. There are those bosses that will promote you and help you out as much as possible. There are others who mean well, but never have enough time to mentor you. While you won't ever know until it's too late, try to find the boss that can already say they promoted their last couple of assistants after 2 years WHILE you are interviewing for the job. This is when you have the most leverage. If you are their #1 candidate, you have some power by how much they court you or negotiate... Read More +

What's the most generous unexpected perk or bonus you ever received from a boss?

Asked by chad almost 13 years ago

Over the years, there have been a lot of unexpected perks or bonuses I have received from my boss. They have ranged from gifts, event tickets/access, to swag, and cash. These add up to amazing perks. However, the best "gifts" bosses have given me were the intangibles - their investment in my career, mentoring me, grooming me, a sincere thank you, showing heartfelt concern, and giving me insight to how they think and why, their time, effort, and energy. There are very few bosses who will give of THEMSELVES and those that do, do so because at the core of who they are, they are very good people with great integrity and character. They truly... Read More +

What's your personal policy if a boss asks you to lie on his behalf? Like lying to a spouse about his whereabouts? Do you do whatever the boss says, or do you make it understood from the beginnging that you won't do that kinda thing?

Asked by joeySJ almost 13 years ago

Luckily and surprisingly, I have never been in this sort of situation. I've never even paused to think about it. To answer your question - I'm not good at lying and don't believe in leaving my conscience at home while at work. To keep up a lie like that would consume me too much. This scenario is something that each person would handle differently. One defense can be, people's personal lives are their own business so what they do outside of work as long as it doesn't interfere with their work life should be ignored. Other people would probably much rather find a new job immediately while not burning bridges or gossiping about it. ... Read More +

You mentioned being headhunted consistently by Fortune 500 companies. Even though I am an EA with over 15 years of experience at the C-level, it seems that all the recruiting agencies I have approached still require an applicant to come in for an appointment to take their basic employment testing, and then only seem to be able to offer lower-level administrative jobs. How do I find a higher-level headhunting firm, or get the word out there without one?

Asked by Orlando EA almost 13 years ago

I do agree doing all those basic employment tests are a drag, but companies still feel it's safe to do it and a good way to weed out candidates.  You will see that aside from typing, Word, and Excel, some of the bigger companies will test you on logic, grammar, listening, putting together a budget, creativity, and more.  To find a higher-level firm, find one that specializes in either high net worth individuals or recruits C-Level executives.  However, it's much easier to get your name out their so they can find you versus you finding them.  Branding yourself well and maintaining your presence is the key.  How can... Read More +

Have you ever seen an assistant just lose it and walk out?

Asked by Hannah W almost 13 years ago

I have not seen an assistant just lose it and walk out. However, I've heard enough stories. Some leave within a week or a couple of months and don't give the customary 2 weeks notice. They state that day is their last and come to find out they weren't the first nor the last to do so. Typically when an office/executive is that bad, it's a long string of assistants that quit and most are not surprised when it happens. If anything, they sometimes marvel at how long the assistant did manage to last. From what I've heard, the assistants did leave with class and their dignity intact. There's nothing worse than working for a horrible boss... Read More +