In the recent economic downturn, many companies were forced to make employment cuts to save money. It would appear that no matter how deep these cuts go, however, executives are unwilling to let go of their valued assistants. With organisations continuing to shed staff, the role of the PA has proven to be one of […]

The Ritz (pictured) is a byword for opulence and dining here is something to which all bon viveurs aspire, writes Colette Doyle. Luxury comes as standard, as frock-coated waiters cater to your every whim and each patron, whether they have a title or not, is made to feel special. If you like understated minimalism you […]

The workplace of the 21st century is one where change is virtually the only constant factor. PAs are increasingly required to adapt to new processes, adhere to new rules and change their approaches to projects in order to keep up with the pace. This can seem rather daunting at first, but change is something we […]

Today’s office environment is more hectic, more stressful and more demanding than ever before. PAs are at the forefront of this, often having to work for two or three bosses, taking on a variety of diverse responsibilities and managing projects and teams. In the midst of all this, professional training – and especially IT training […]

Executive assistance is the third-hardest area to find qualified employees for and strong communication skills are most in demand when it comes to hiring admin staff. The findings come from a Salary Guide produced by recruitment specialist OfficeTeam, which also shows that administrative hiring in the UK is gaining strength year on year. Candidates with […]

Performing well at an interview is a skill that can be learnt, so here are some suggestions for success next time you’re face to face with a recruiter. • Match your skills to the job specification Interviews often start with an open question such as, “Tell me about yourself”. Many candidates fall into the trap of […]

I count myself lucky that my role as venue-finder supremo, looking for lovely new places where Mr P can take his important business contacts, allows me to do the rounds of some rather famous chefs. Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at The Ritz, overseen by the MBE-awarded John Williams and I have also […]