Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and structure. They rank or discard resumes when they can't read them or find required terms.

You need to optimize your resume for an Executive Personal Assistant role. Focus on calendar management, executive support, travel booking, expense reporting, meeting coordination, vendor management, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, confidentiality, and time management.

• Use standard section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills".
• List certifications such as "Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)" and software skills like "Outlook", "Excel", "Concur".
• Use .docx or PDF and avoid images, tables, headers, and footers.

Avoid complex formatting like columns, text boxes, or graphics. Those elements often break ATS parsing and hide your text.

Match keywords from the job description exactly and naturally. If the posting lists "calendar management" use that phrase instead of "schedule handling."

Common mistakes hurt your chances. Creative section titles such as "What I Bring" confuse scanners. Heavy design, icons, or long headers can drop contact details. Leaving out key tools or certifications can make ATS mark you as unqualified.

Pick a clean, professional template that highlights scheduling, communication, and project support. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your recent assistant experience shows first. That layout reads well and works with most ATS systems.

Keep length tight. One page fits entry and mid-level Executive Personal Assistant roles. Use two pages only if you have many years of directly relevant leadership support and measurable achievements.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep line spacing at 1.0–1.15 and add clear margins so the document breathes.

Use standard headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Key Skills, Education, and Certifications. Lead each role with company, job title, dates, and two to five bullet achievements. Quantify results when you can, like calendar sizes, savings, or event counts.

Avoid complex columns, embedded images, and excessive color. Those elements can break ATS parsing and distract hiring managers. Keep formatting simple and consistent for both machines and people.

Watch common mistakes: inconsistent date formats, long paragraphs, and packed text with no white space. Reduce clutter by using short bullets and clear verbs. Proofread for alignment, punctuation, and header consistency before you send.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for an Executive Personal Assistant role. It shows you understand the executive's needs and it complements your resume by showing personality and fit.

Start with a clear header that lists your contact details, the company's name, and the date. If you know the hiring manager, add their name.

Your opening paragraph should name the Executive Personal Assistant job you want. Show real enthusiasm for the company and mention your top qualification in one line. Say where you found the opening if that helps your story.

In the body, connect your work to the job's needs. Focus on schedules, travel coordination, calendar management, and confidential communication. Use short examples that show impact.

• Highlight one project where you saved time or money.
• Mention tools you use, like Outlook, Google Workspace, or expense software.
• Show soft skills: discretion, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Use numbers when you can. Quantify the size of the calendar you managed, meetings you coordinated, or budgets you handled. Mirror keywords from the job ad. That tells hiring systems and people you read the posting.

Close by restating your strong interest in the Executive Personal Assistant role and the company. Say you look forward to discussing how you can help. Ask for an interview and thank the reader for their time.

Keep your tone professional, confident, and warm. Write like you speak to a hiring manager. Edit each letter so it fits the specific company and role. Avoid generic lines and anything vague.

Before you send, proofread for clarity and tone. Short sentences read better. Make each sentence earn its place.

You're applying for an Executive Personal Assistant role, so every line on your resume matters. Hiring managers want proof you can manage calendars, communications, travel, and confidential tasks. Small mistakes can make you look careless or unfit for a high-trust role.

Below are common pitfalls people make for this job and simple, practical fixes you can apply right away.

Creating a resume for an Executive Personal Assistant means showing your organization, discretion, and calendar wizardry. This FAQ and tips set will help you highlight skills, structure your document, and present achievements that hiring managers notice.