Why Your EA Job Descriptions Are Failing (And How to Fix Them)

Have you ever sat down to write a job description and thought, “Where do I even start?” I can really empathise. After working in recruitment for a number of years, I know that a job description is so much more than just a list of tasks. It’s your company’s first impression to a potential new team member—it can attract the right people or scare them away.

A good job description helps you get the right talent in the door. It’s about clarity and connection. You want potential candidates to be able to see themselves in the role. I’ve seen some fantastic job descriptions that really capture the essence of a position, and others that don’t. Trust me, the difference is huge in being able to attract candidates to you.

Here are some of the things I’ve learned over the years that will help you create not just a job description but the basis for an advert and a marketing tool all in one:

Be Clear About the Role

What do you want your new EA (or any role) to achieve? What problems will they solve for you and the team? Where should they focus their attention? Language matters here. Instead of using generic terms like "must be organised," think about what that actually means for the role. Will they be juggling multiple calendars? Coordinating complex projects? The more specific you can be, the easier it is to hire the right person.

Highlight What Makes Your Business Unique

What’s special about your company? Share the aspects that make your business stand out—whether it’s the team, growth opportunities, or company culture. When I was hiring for hedge funds, emphasising the chance to work closely with top executives always attracted great candidates. Since this is one of the first interactions candidates will have with you, use it as an opportunity to introduce them to your business and what makes it exciting.

Outline Expectations from the Start

As much as you can, outline what success looks like in the role. What will the new hire have achieved over the next six months? This helps everyone start on the same page and ensures expectations are aligned right from the beginning.

In a Nutshell

These elements help bring clarity to the role, excite potential candidates about joining your business, and ultimately make it easier to attract people who can help you achieve your goals.