What It Really Takes to Get Hired (and Stay Relevant) in 2026

The world of work is changing fast. Roles are evolving, technology is reshaping everything we do, and expectations for administrative professionals have never been higher. But that’s not bad news. That’s opportunity.

The assistants who are paying attention, who are willing to learn, grow, and stretch—those are the ones who are going to own the next decade.

Because you can’t control the speed of change, but you can control how prepared you are for it.

After 25 years in this field and now as a recruiter and coach who works with executives and assistants every week, I’ve seen exactly what gets people hired and what quietly kills their chances.

The next generation of Assistants aren’t just supporting leaders. They’re leading alongside them. The administrative role isn’t dying; it’s evolving. And if you’re not evolving with it, you’ll get left behind by someone who is.

Experience might open the door, but relevance keeps you in the room. Here’s what that looks like in 2026 and beyond.

Self-Confidence and Self-Awareness

The most hirable assistants know who they are, how they work, and where they shine. 

Confidence isn’t something you get, it’s something you cultivate.

It’s not about ego. It’s about evidence. You gain confidence by doing what you’re good at and noticing the results. Every time you lean into your strengths, you build proof that you can handle more.

That requires self-awareness. Knowing your skills, triggers, habits, and tendencies gives you the instruction manual for how you operate. And when you understand that manual, you can teach others how to work with you, on your resume, in interviews, and once you’re hired.

When we name our tools, we can sharpen them. If you haven’t taken something like CliftonStrengths, DISC, or Enneagram, start there. It’s not about labels.  It’s about language. Self-awareness gives you the words to describe how you work, so you can stop reacting blindly and start leading intentionally.

And let’s be honest: everyone around you already knows how you come across. Self-awareness just means you finally do too.

Purposeful Communication

The difference between a $75k assistant and a $150k executive business partner often comes down to one thing: communication.

Communication isn’t about talking more or being charismatic. It’s about delivering clarity, quality, and composure. You don’t need to be loud. You just need to bring value when you speak.

The good news is that communication is a skill. Listening, speaking, giving and receiving feedback—those are learned behaviors, not personality traits.

So, no more “I’m just bad at listening.” You’re not bad; you’re untrained.

A few quick upgrades: speak in the positive tense and cut the fillers. Words like “kind of,” “maybe,” and “I think” water down your message. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

And when you do speak, bring something useful. Suggest an efficiency. Offer a better process. Bring insight, not noise. When you are the SME, be the SME.  That’s not arrogance, it’s partnership.

Executives don’t want order-takers anymore. They want thought partners. If you stay silent, someone less qualified will shape the conversation you should be leading.

Feedback Mastery

If you can’t handle feedback, you can’t grow. Period.

Organizations want people who can deliver hard messages with empathy and receive criticism without crumbling. Because feedback isn’t always right—but it’s always information.

When giving feedback, describe what you saw without judgment, explain its effect, and say what you’d like to see next time.  When receiving feedback, listen before defending. Don’t judge it by the fifth word. Let it land. Ask for examples. Thank them for the data. You don’t have to agree, but don’t dismiss it either.

The best professionals use feedback as fuel. The rest use it as proof they’re not good enough.

If you want to lead, you have to learn to hold discomfort. The leaders of the future are the ones who can take both praise and criticism without losing their composure.

Digital Agility

Let’s talk about technology. AI isn’t here to take your job—but it is here to change it.

The assistants who stay relevant aren’t necessarily the most tech-savvy, they’re the most curious.

Every organization has its own tech stack: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, Notion, Asana, ClickUp, CRMs, automations, and AI tools. You don’t get to opt out.

Saying “I only use Microsoft” isn’t a strength, it’s a limitation.

You don’t need to master every tool. You just need to be willing to learn. Experiment. Watch a tutorial. Ask how AI can help. Try something new. Curiosity is the skill that keeps you employable.

No one is coming to hand you a growth plan. Professional development is your job now.

The assistants who will thrive in 2026 are the ones who treat technology like a teammate, not a threat. The tools are here to make you faster, smarter, and more valuable—if you choose to learn them.

Closing Thoughts

The next era of administrative professionals won’t be defined by titles. It’ll be defined by value.

Relevance isn’t a milestone you reach once—it’s something you build every day.

If you understand yourself, communicate with confidence, give and receive feedback with grace, and stay open to learning new tools, you won’t just stay employable—you’ll be indispensable.

The people who get hired and stay relevant aren’t waiting for the future to arrive. They’re already preparing for it.

Experience might open the door, but relevance keeps you in the room.

Need help preparing for your 2026 career move?

I offer 1-on-1 coaching for assistants who are ready to level up their careers. Learn more here.