The Hidden Costs of an Unsuitable EA Placement (And How to Avoid Them)
Mils Recruitment placements last longer and contribute more value, saving clients not just the direct costs of rehiring but the hidden costs of disruption and inefficiency that come with a poor match.
When an executive assistant placement doesn't work out, the costs extend far beyond the recruiting fee. As executives know, the wrong hire in this crucial position can disrupt your entire operation in ways that aren't immediately obvious on a balance sheet.
First, there's the productivity impact. An executive assistant typically manages communication, scheduling, and administrative tasks that, when handled efficiently, can increase an executive's productivity by 20-40%. When that relationship isn't working, the executive often ends up spending more time managing the assistant than they save.
Then there's the emotional and mental toll. The executive-assistant relationship requires trust, and when that relationship is strained, it creates daily friction that affects decision-making and focus. Many executives report that problems with their EA create more stress than almost any other workplace issue precisely because it affects so many aspects of their day.
The organisational impact extends further. An EA often serves as a gatekeeper and communicator between the executive and the rest of the team. When this link is weak, information flow throughout the organisation can be compromised, affecting team performance at multiple levels.
"I've developed a different approach to EA recruitment," says Georgia Mills, who founded Mils Recruitment after eight years as an EA herself. "My experience has given me unique insight into the unspoken requirements of the role. I don't just match skills to job descriptions—I look deeper at communication styles, working preferences, and personality factors that determine long-term success."
Georgia's thorough vetting process includes situational questioning, behavioural assessments, and references that go beyond standard checks. "I've seen from both sides how crucial this match is, which is why I focus on quality over quantity. I'm not a large agency with KPI targets—I'm a boutique service committed to getting it right the first time."
The result? Mils Recruitment placements last longer and contribute more value, saving clients not just the direct costs of rehiring but the hidden costs of disruption and inefficiency that come with a poor match.
Beyond Skills: Why Personality Matching Is the Secret to EA/PA Success
The technical skills (calendar management, travel booking, email coordination) can be learned. But the interpersonal dynamic between an executive and their assistant is either there or it isn't.
Traditional recruitment often focuses overwhelmingly on skills and experience, treating executive and personal assistant roles as purely technical positions. At Mils Recruitment, Georgia Mills knows better. After placing numerous successful EAs and PAs with high-profile executives, she's identified that personality compatibility is often the decisive factor in long-term placement success.
An executive assistant role is uniquely intimate in the professional world. This person will manage your professional life, anticipate your needs, represent you to others, and often be privy to confidential information. The technical skills—calendar management, travel booking, email coordination—can be learned. But the interpersonal dynamic between an executive and their assistant is either there or it isn't.
"Some executives thrive with a proactive, outspoken assistant who will challenge them when needed. Others prefer someone more reserved who excels at behind-the-scenes support," Georgia explains. "Some work in structured, predictable environments; others in fast-paced, constantly changing circumstances requiring exceptional adaptability."
Having experienced these different dynamics firsthand during her eight years supporting C-suite executives, Georgia has developed a unique ability to read between the lines of what clients say they want and what they actually need, matching not just skill sets but working styles, communication preferences, and personality types.
This approach is why Mils Recruitment placements last. "I'm not interested in quick matches to hit arbitrary KPIs," Georgia says. "I'm building partnerships that will serve your business for years to come. When the foundation of trust and compatibility is there, the professional relationship can grow and evolve as your business needs change."
Inside Knowledge: The Advantage of an EA Recruiter with Hands-On Experience
Founder Georgia brings years of experience working as an assistant to C-suite executives: "Having sat in their chair for nearly a decade, I understand the unspoken challenges of the role.”
In the world of executive and personal assistant recruitment, there's a critical element that many overlook: the perspective of someone who has actually done the job. At Mils Recruitment, founder Georgia Mills brings eight years of experience working as an assistant to C-suite executives and entrepreneurs. This insider knowledge transforms how she matches candidates to your needs in ways that traditional recruiters simply cannot replicate.
"When I sit across from a candidate, I'm not just looking at their CV," says Georgia. "Having sat in their chair for nearly a decade, I understand the unspoken challenges of the role. I can recognise the difference between someone who can manage a calendar and someone who can anticipate needs before they arise. I identify candidates who possess that rare combination of technical proficiency, emotional intelligence, and adaptability that makes an exceptional assistant."
The interview process itself is transformed when conducted by someone who has navigated the complex relationships between executives and their support staff. Georgia doesn't just ask about skills and experience—she evaluates candidates' problem-solving approaches, discretion, and communication styles through the lens of real-world scenarios she herself has encountered.
This expertise means Mils Recruitment doesn't just find you a qualified candidate; Georgia finds you the right match for your specific working style, business needs, and company culture. She sees beyond the resume to identify the subtle qualities that will make your working relationship not just functional but truly exceptional.