PA Life has previously looked at some ways in which it is possible to manage our modern technology to ensure that it improves our efficiency and productivity without causing unwanted interruption or becoming a distraction. But sometimes phones and computers become more than a distraction when we become over-dependent on our gadgets. The constant stimulation […]

Working with a new executive takes some getting used to at the best of times, but landing a job with one who has never had a PA before can be a tricky situation. Even if you’ve been an assistant for years, your boss won’t know how to use your skills to his advantage. It’s up […]

The PA’s role is fast diversifying, with involvement in events having become a fundamental element of their daily work life. PA Life recently partnered with agency Top Banana to find out more in the #PAEventTips survey As PAs gain greater recognition within senior leadership teams, managing events has developed into a significant area of responsibility. […]

Continuing professional education is essential for all those who aspire to be top management assistants and that’s what makes training so vitally important. PA Life has put together an extremely strong programme for its next training day that includes a huge variety of sessions guaranteed to be of interest to ambitious EAs. The morning sessions […]

All too often, the training opportunities in a company are limited to a few days of induction. But the world of the PA is busy, demanding and fast-changing; you may sometimes need a boost, be it by building fresh confidence and enthusiasm, expanding your skill set, or gaining the latest technical updates. You may feel […]

Studies show that women are more likely than men to agree to help out around the office when asked. While these often-thankless tasks are necessary to keep the business running, saying “yes” too often creates an expectation and you’re more likely to be under appreciated. It’s therefore important to negotiate better terms for your own […]

Matching your image to your ability is a skill that communicates competence, credibility and gives you the edge in today’s competitive corporate world. Jo Smallbones presents her tips for dressing for business success Think of the best two or three key words that describe you. If you find this challenging, ask a friend or colleague […]

I love a vibrant restaurant that’s out of the ordinary but still useful for business dinners, which is why I jumped at the chance to visit the famous Chotto Matte with my fellow PA Life readers. This exciting venue was opened during London Fashion Week in 2013 by Kurt Zdesar, the man responsible for bringing […]

PAs around the world are tasked with a plethora of different duties, some of which can border on things people in other roles would never be asked to do. Sometimes admin professionals receive requests from their bosses that cross the line into the bizarre, as three management assistants told the New York Post. An EA […]

The Meetings Show is now inviting PA Life readers to apply to attend as hosted buyers at the UK’s premier meetings industry event, taking place from 7-9 July at London’s Olympia. The dedicated PA education stream has been created by leading industry experts to provide all admin professionals with the specific education they need in […]

The Institute of Directors (IOD) recently teamed up with specialist event caterer Paella Fella to give its staff party a unique twist – with a sumptuous selection of paella, tapas and desserts, all freshly cooked and served onsite at its London head quarters in Pall Mall. Catering for some 200 guests in the prestigious Nash […]

It’s never too early to start planning your Christmas party and at One Moorgate Place the team wants to make it as easy as possible for you. The venue invites you to experience the stunning surroundings, delicious food and sparkling bubbles of “A Winter’s Eve” this December with a special offer. Begin your soirée with […]

To achieve their purpose, your business letters need to be accurate, purposeful and appealing. The letters you send are the first impression someone gets of your company, the equivalent of that crucial five seconds when people first meet. Business letters have your employer’s company logo on them; they represent the company and as such should […]

Writing a CV is by no means unique to the PA profession and making it impressive utilises many of the same techniques as other occupations. However, there are some simple ways to tailor your CV to the role and boost your chances of landing your dream job. Office workers the world over will have a […]

PAs and EAs can hold the key to effective project management. Esther McMorris explains what you can be doing to ensure a project’s success and strengthen your position within the company in the process Executive assistants hold the key to sustainable project management, yet for every business that understands and supports your unique position, the […]

What makes us happy at work? When we think of making ourselves feel more fulfilled, we think of gaining more skills, confidence, or aptitude. Here are five suggestions for things we could give up to be happier at the office. We’re not talking lunchbreaks, but simple attitude changes that could revolutionise your working life. 1 […]

Today’s business climate is highly challenging and constantly evolving and management assistants need to be on top of things to ensure they can face any challenge confidently and with authority. Here are some valuable pointers on steps you can take to prepare for all kinds of workplace situations. Be braced for change With so many […]

We are pleased to announce that PA Life has been shortlisted as a finalist in the PPA Awards 2015, a highly prestigious annual awards event for the magazine publishing industry. PA Life saw off competition from literally hundreds of other entries to be shortlisted in the Publishing Innovator of the Year category for the second […]