Whether you’re an executive looking for your next assistant or an assistant looking for your next move, here are a few tips to help you spot the right kind of recruiter.

The Partnership Playbook Heading

Secrets Have No Place in Recruiting, Lessons from Cold Case Files, and The Force Multiplier Academy

September 10, 2025

I was on a call with an admin recently who needed advice before her next interview. She was on round four for a new role. The first three interviews were with the recruiter. The fourth? With the president of the recruiting firm.

Notice anything missing? Like, say… the principal?

They hadn’t given her the salary yet. Not even a range. She didn’t have a job description. She couldn’t tell me what the actual duties were. Red flags were flying like Vegas on a Friday night.

Secrets, coverups, and games have no place in recruiting. If you’re showing up to interviews unarmed, uninformed, or overly trusting, you’re putting your entire career in someone else’s hands. Come prepared—because your life does depend on it. You spend half your life at work. Make sure it’s worth it.

What to Look for in a Recruiter

I personally have never worked with a recruiter to find a job, but being on this side of the table? I’ve seen some wild things. Let’s just say I’ve been made painfully aware that not all recruiters are created equal.

So whether you’re an executive looking for your next assistant or an assistant looking for your next move, here are a few tips to help you spot the right kind of recruiter—the one who won't waste your time, sell you magic beans, or ghost you the minute things get hard.

Lessons from Cold Case Files

Confession: I have a not-so-secret love for crime shows and documentaries. I’ve been burning through Cold Case Files lately, and I'd say I’ve picked up some solid tips on influence and persuasion.

(Yes, I might be stretching here, but hear me out.)

Watching those detectives work a suspect in one of those tiny rooms? It’s a masterclass in calm, strategic communication. They ask open-ended questions, let silence do the heavy lifting, and build trust before they pounce.

No, I’m not trying to get anyone to admit to murder (yet). But if you’ve ever had to influence a difficult exec, de-escalate a tense meeting, or negotiate something tricky—take a page from the detectives. Ask, pause, listen, repeat. The power is in the quiet.

The Force Multiplier Academy

Finally—a place where strategic EAs can sharpen their leadership skills, not just the tactical ones. If you’re serious about becoming indispensable and learning to think like your principal, this is your next move.

Sniffspot

It’s Airbnb for dogs, and I’m obsessed. Book a private yard, let your dog live their off-leash dreams, and enjoy not having to make small talk at the dog park.

@corporateNatalie on Instagram

Because we all need to laugh at our own work trauma sometimes.

Click here for relatable giggles.

Catch me LIVE at EA Ignite in November!

I’m thrilled to be heading to EA Ignite this November—one of the premier events for high-performing executive assistants and administrative professionals.

This isn’t your average conference. EA Ignite is where strategy meets execution, where support roles are treated like the powerhouse leadership partners they are, and where YOU walk away sharper, bolder, and more equipped to lead from your seat.

I’ll be there speaking on strategic communication and high-impact partnerships, and I’d love to see some familiar faces in the room. Whether you’re there to grow your leadership, strengthen your partnership with your executive, or finally find your people—this event is it.

👉 Check out the lineup and register here.

REGISTER HERE

Title: Executive Assistant and Administrative Manager
Location: Spring Valley, NY | Hybrid
Salary: $78-88k

About the Role:
If you're someone who’s already mastered the Executive Assistant fundamentals and are ready to operate at a higher level—this is your moment.

We’re looking for a powerhouse assistant to support Adam Marlin, a fast-moving entrepreneur in real estate, construction, and operational turnarounds. He’s bold, high-output, and allergic to micromanaging. He needs a right hand partner who can lead projects, manage a team, and keep his priorities on track.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in organized chaos, loves owning outcomes, and isn’t afraid to speak up or take charge. You’ll be managing a small admin team, untangling complex ops, and shaping a calendar that protects the CEO’s focus (and sanity).

If you’ve been waiting for a role where you’re trusted, challenged, and empowered—this is it.

APPLY HERE

PS. Looking for your next powerhouse assistant? Hit "reply" and let's talk!

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