Many people don’t fail interviews because they’re not smart. They fail because of avoidable mistakes. As someone who has worked with several executives and is also an executive in her own small corner, here are a few truths you need to hear:

Appearance matters.
Your eyes eat first before any other thing, meaning people judge how you look before you even speak. Show up neat, well-groomed, and smart. If it’s virtual, make sure your environment is clean and quiet.

Show self-reliance.
Executives don’t want assistants who need answers to a billion tiny questions. They want people who can take initiative, lead tasks, and get things done without hand-holding.

Confidence is non-negotiable.
If you don’t believe in yourself, no CEO will believe in you. Work on speaking clearly and confidently, you’ll often be representing the founder in meetings.

Mind your language.
Strong communication is key. If your grammar, English, or accent makes it hard for others to understand you, practice and polish it.

For roles like Executive Assistants/Administrative Assistants, sales, or client-facing work, communication can make or break you.

The truth is administrative and executive assistant roles require more than showing up, they require presence, initiative, and communication that builds trust.

Start working on these today, and watch how differently your next interview plays out.