The recruitment process for an Executive Assistant (EA) role can be a rollercoaster of excitement, frustration, and unfortunately, deception. While recruiters play an essential role in connecting professionals with opportunities, some are notorious for bending the truth to attract top talent. From inflating salaries to misrepresenting job expectations, here are some common lies recruiters tell EAs and how to navigate them.

1. “This Role Is Strictly 9 to 5”

One of the biggest misconceptions in the EA world is that the job comes with a predictable schedule. Recruiters often promise a standard workday, but in reality, many EAs find themselves working late evenings, weekends, and even responding to urgent requests during vacations. Executive support is inherently unpredictable, and unless boundaries are clearly defined in your contract, expect some level of flexibility to be required.

How to Spot the Lie:

• Ask about the executive’s work habits. Do they send emails at 10 p.m.? Are they in different time zones?

• Request examples of a “typical day” for the previous EA.

2. “The Salary Is Competitive”

Recruiters love to use the phrase “competitive salary” without specifying numbers. What they often mean is “we’re offering what we think you’ll accept, not necessarily what you deserve.” Many EAs are underpaid despite handling critical, high-level responsibilities, from managing multi-million-dollar budgets to confidential corporate matters.

How to Spot the Lie:

• Research salary benchmarks for EAs in your industry and location.

• Ask directly: “What is the salary range for this role?” and “Is this the best offer?” Negotiate with confidence.

3. “There’s Plenty of Growth Opportunity”

Many recruiters sell the EA role as a stepping stone or a path to other departments. The truth? In many organizations, EAs are expected to remain in their roles indefinitely. While some companies invest in professional development, others view EAs as career-long support staff.

How to Spot the Lie:

• Ask for examples of former EAs who have been promoted internally.

• Check if the company has a professional development budget.

4. “This Executive Is Great to Work With”

No recruiter will admit that an executive is demanding, dismissive, or impossible to please. Instead, they’ll use phrases like “high standards” or “fast-paced environment” to sugarcoat what could be a toxic work situation.

How to Spot the Lie:

• Ask why the last EA left. If it’s vague, dig deeper.

• Ask directly: “What is the executive’s communication style?” or “How does this executive handle stress?”

5. “We Have a Strong Company Culture”

“Company culture” is a buzzword that often means very little. Recruiters will highlight perks like free snacks, social events, or a “fun, collaborative” environment, only for new hires to discover a cutthroat workplace with unrealistic expectations.

How to Spot the Lie:

• Ask about the company’s turnover rate, especially for EAs.

• Observe interactions during interviews.

Final Thoughts

Recruiters aren’t always dishonest, but their job is to sell you on a role, sometimes at the expense of full transparency. As an EA, due diligence is critical. It’s important to ask the tough questions, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a role that doesn’t align with your expectations. The right opportunity is out there, but finding it requires navigating through the half-truths.