Let’s set the scene. You’re sitting across from a panel of serious faces, interview nerves just barely in check, when someone drops this gem:
“So… tell me about yourself.”
Cue the internal spiral. Do they want your resume in spoken form? Your life story? A humble brag about the time you saved a board meeting from imploding by finding a charger, a dongle, and a backup Zoom link in under 90 seconds?
The truth is, this question isn’t meant to trip you up. It’s a warm-up. A chance to set the tone, showcase who you are, and make a strong first impression. But the way you answer matters, especially when you’re interviewing for a high-stakes EA role.
This framework helps you articulate the kind of polish, poise, and problem-solving that executives rely on but rarely see coming.
The “Tell Me About Yourself” Formula for Executive Assistants
Think of your answer like a short story with four beats:
-
Present – What you’re doing now
-
Past – One strong example of how you’ve made a difference
-
Alignment – Why this role feels like a natural next step
-
Future – What excites you about the opportunity
It should be structured, thoughtful, and delivered in 90 seconds or less. Here’s how that sounds in action:
Sample Answer
Present:
“I’m currently the Executive Assistant to the CFO at a fintech company. I handle everything from calendar and travel to prepping for board meetings and investor decks but I’m also pretty involved in cross-functional projects. Lately that’s looked like helping stand up internal comms processes between teams as we’ve expanded globally.”
Past:
“When our company launched a new region last year, there was a lot of noise and not a lot of structure around who needed what from whom. I stepped in and created a weekly team sync and a reporting rhythm across time zones that made sure nothing slipped through the cracks and that execs weren’t getting pinged at midnight anymore.”
Alignment:
“What I really liked about this role is that it blends the EA core, like finding ways to give you time back, with some ownership around how teams actually communicate and get things done. That’s the mix I love: supporting at the executive level while also helping build the infrastructure that makes scaling smoother.”
Future:
“I’m excited about working with a leader who’s forward-thinking and global. I like being part of building something, especially the parts that make life easier for everyone else, and I’d love to bring that mindset and muscle to this role.”
Why This Works
-
It’s focused and specific
-
It shows outcomes, not just tasks
-
It connects your experience directly to the role
-
It frames you as someone who gets it and gets things done
Final Tips for EAs
Curate with intention.
You don’t need to tell your entire work history. Focus on the experiences that are most relevant to the role and reveal how you operate at a high level.
Don’t recite. Connect.
Interviewers aren’t looking for a monologue. They want to get a sense of who you are and how you think. Practice enough to feel confident, but aim for a tone that’s natural and grounded.
Speak with clarity, not modesty.
This isn’t bragging. It’s briefing. You’re making a case for why you’re the right choice. Great EAs don’t just support leaders. They elevate how those leaders work.
Always point to impact.
When you talk about your work, don’t just list responsibilities. Highlight results. Whether it’s hours saved, decisions accelerated, or communication improved, impact is what sticks.
Treat your answer as a first impression of how you operate.
This is your moment to demonstrate the communication skills you’re known for. Be thoughtful, concise, and intentional.
So take a breath, sit up, and treat it like what it is: your first chance to show how sharp, clear, and capable you really are.
-1.png)
