Sarah Howson and Marianne Whitlock, founders of Strategice PA Recruitment, introduce their STRATEGIC profile model to help you stand out to recruiters
Finding a new role in the current job market is challenging no matter where you are. Across the world, economic uncertainty, restructuring, and changing expectations have left many Assistants stuck where they are or facing a long job search, with numerous hoops to jump through before being hired. And yet, opportunities do exist. Great Assistants are landing great roles. The key lies in understanding how to make a lasting impression with recruiters and hiring managers.
After five years of placing high-performing business support professionals through our boutique search company, we’ve had a front-row seat to what makes a standout Assistant. And we can tell you, it’s not about doing more. It’s about showing up more strategically.
“It was the questions they asked. That level of commercial awareness, we knew straight away they got it. They’d researched us. Not just the business, but me as well. They had presence. A spark. They just fit.”
We hear feedback like this from clients all the time.
It’s rarely just about the CV, although that absolutely matters. What sets certain Assistants apart is how they show up. The preparation. The intention. The self-awareness. It’s in the way they communicate, the questions they ask, and how they hold themselves in the room.
Being an Assistant isn’t a role you simply do; it’s a role you can clearly define.
Here’s what we look for and what the best of the best tend to have in common.
1. Clear, Consistent Communication
It sounds simple, but it’s one of the first things we notice. If your CV reads one way, your LinkedIn tells a different story, and your introductory email is vague or overly formal, that inconsistency raises a red flag.
Great communication doesn’t mean writing like a copywriter. It means being clear on who you are and what you bring. The tone matches the role. The message is thought through, and above all, it reflects you.
Ask yourself:
- Do my CV, LinkedIn, and introductory message feel authentically like me?
- Am I using language that’s confident, concise, and real?
- Would someone reading my profile for the first time understand my value?
2. Your Reputation
We don’t just rely on what’s written on your CV; we take a 360-degree view of your professional presence. From a conversation or how you show up at industry events to the impression you leave with suppliers, colleagues, and former executives, it all paints a picture of you.
Sometimes it’s a comment in passing, a reference that radiates credibility, or the way your name is spoken in a room. Those are the moments that reveal true character.
Discretion. Loyalty. Reliability. These are the traits that build trust in a partnership. And when someone has a quietly glowing reputation, it always shines through.
Ask yourself:
- Who could vouch for me right now and what would they say?
- Am I building relationships as well as results?
- When I leave a role, do I leave a legacy?
3. Curiosity That’s Genuine
We’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for progression. The Assistants who stand out are those who are learning not because they have to, but because they want to. Learning is a passion. Whether it’s experimenting with AI tools, brushing up on skills, or listening to a leadership podcast during your commute, curiosity tells us a lot.
Ask yourself:
- What’s one thing I’m actively trying to get better at?
- Am I proactive?
- Do I make time for growth or wait for it to be given to me?
- Am I approaching the changing Assistant role with interest or resistance?
4. Intentional, Proactive Career Ownership
We notice the Assistants who show up with clarity. Not just “I’m open to any role,” but “This is what I’m looking for. Here’s the kind of executive I thrive with and here’s how I add value.” Every Assistant career is unique; an EA to CEO role in one company will look and feel very different to a similar role in another organisation. This is what shapes your skillset.
We always spot the Assistants who come with purpose to a conversation. They’ve done the research. They’ve thought through their values. The mindset and intention is there right from the beginning, with an air of quiet confidence.
Ask yourself:
- Have I mapped out what I want from my next role? Do I have a plan?
- Do I know what kind of environment brings out my best?
- Am I being passive or intentional about my career?
5. Visibility That Feels Natural
The most effective Assistants don’t seek the spotlight; they simply make themselves known in the right spaces. They show up to meetings prepared, contribute thoughtfully, stay curious in conversations, attend industry events, and build strong internal and external relationships.
They follow up, connect the dots across teams, and quietly ensure they’re seen and heard for all the right reasons. It’s not about self-promotion. It’s about being consistent, dependable, and engaged in the business.
It’s not about being everywhere. It’s about being present where it counts.
Ask yourself:
- Am I nurturing the right relationships both internally and externally?
- Who have I met recently and not followed up with?
- What one professional networking event, group, or platform could I connect with this month?
6. Value-Led Thinking
You’re not just managing a diary. You’re reducing risk. Protecting time. Enhancing productivity. Strengthening relationships. That is value, and it is value that matters.
We notice the candidates who can articulate this with ease. You don’t need to know a balance sheet inside and out, but if you can talk about your impact in business terms (meaning you can showcase your skills), you do immediately stand out and make us want to ask further questions.
You are a walking case study in ROI. Be proud of that. Learn how to tell your story with outcomes, not just actions.
Ask yourself:
- What business impact have I had in the last year?
- Can I put numbers to that impact – time saved, money negotiated, or processes improved?
- Am I talking about my work in ways that connect to business goals?
7. Your Personal Brand
We should be able to get a sense of who you are within 30 seconds of viewing your LinkedIn profile, social media channels, and CV by the visuals, the tone, and the message.
This doesn’t mean creating a “perfect” profile. It means creating one across every touchpoint that feels true. The best candidates know who they are, and they let that shine through.
Ask yourself:
- Do my CV and LinkedIn profile reflect my values and energy?
- Have I ever asked for feedback on how I come across?
- What three words do I want to be known for and what is my legacy?
So How Do You Stand Out?
Build your STRATEGIC profile:
S – Showcase your strengths and your career story
T – Tell your story across all platforms; ensure consistency
R – Reputation: protect and promote it, be proud of it
A – Achievements: always speak the language of value
T – Thought leadership: step up, use your voice, and share
E – Engage confidently with purpose and presence
G – Growth mindset is non-negotiable; always be learning
I – Influence through your power to build strong relationships
C – Communicate clearly with clarity and consistency
One Final Thought From Us
We’re not looking for flawless candidates; this position is so very focused on the person behind the CV. You don’t need to tick every single box, but you do need to know your value and own it as an Assistant. You’re the one setting the standard for what excellence means and rewriting the definition. We’re looking for Assistants who lead with confidence, think strategically, and can thrive in a partnership.
