Personal Assistants are the unsung heroes of many high-powered individuals and organisations. They help manage schedules, handle correspondences, and ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly. If you’re pursuing a career as a personal assistant, one of the first significant hurdles you’ll have to overcome is the dreaded interview. While upcoming interviews for a PA role might naturally fill you with a certain level of anxiety, there are some key tips and methods on how to really stand out from other candidates and secure the job. SecsintheCity understand how to stand out in an interview as a PA or and EA…
Here’s how you can make a lasting impression during your personal assistant interview
Understanding the role and requirements
The role of a personal assistant is diverse and demanding. An effective personal assistant should possess excellent communication skills, be adept at multitasking, and demonstrate impressive organisational abilities. Most importantly, though, they need to be reliable and trustworthy since they often have access to sensitive information.
Before your interview date arrives, take time to thoroughly research the role, understand what’s expected of you and think about how you can showcase your experience and unique qualities. Revise the given company’s culture and align your responses to show how your skills fit into its context. You must be ready to provide examples from your previous experience that demonstrate your ability to handle the tasks required.
Displaying exceptional organisational and communication skills
A significant part of a personal assistant’s job involves organisation. This could range from managing diaries and scheduling appointments to organising events. During your interview, highlight your organisational skills and discuss specific instances where you’ve utilised these skills with proven and tangible rates of success.
Furthermore, in a PA role, you’ll be interacting with various individuals at different levels within an organisation. Your communication skills, therefore, must be second-to-none. During your interview, you can stand out from other candidates by showcasing your excellent verbal and written communication skills. Be clear, concise, and articulate in your responses and make sure you adopt positive body language; maintain eye contact with the interviewer and use positive gestures. The best way to prepare for this is by practicing with a friend or family member.
Remember, the interview is a chance for you to see if the company is a good fit for you and not just the other way round. So donโt be nervous!
Demonstrating problem-solving abilities and understanding of confidentiality
Problem-solving is another essential skill for a personal assistant and you may often have to think on your feet in order to resolve issues that arise unexpectedly. In your interview, you should discuss situations where you’ve had to use your initiative to solve a problem. Your potential employers will undoubtedly appreciate your ability to handle difficult situations, as well as your confidence in showing them specific instances of success.
In addition, an air of professionalism is tantamount to the role of a personal assistant. You’ll likely be privy to sensitive and confidential information, so it’s essential to demonstrate your understanding of confidentiality during the interview. You should spend time researching common confidentiality and privacy practices, as well as gaining a broader understanding of GDPR and privacy law.
Preparing for common Personal Assistant interview questions
While every interview will be different, there are a number of common questions that often come up during a personal assistant interview. These include:
- How do you handle pressure and stressful situations?
- How do you manage your time and prioritise tasks?
- Can you give an example of a problem you solved in a creative way?
Prepare thoughtful responses to these questions and practice them beforehand.
Be confident!
The competition for personal assistant roles can be fierce. However, with adequate preparation and by showcasing your skills effectively, you can stand out in your personal assistant interview. Remember, confidence is key, so believe in yourself and let your potential employer see why you’re the best candidate for the role.
Of course, in order to ace the interviews for Personal Assistant positions, you must first find the roles themselves. Thankfully, you can search for the latest Assistant jobs on the PA Life’s jobs page featuring the latest roles by SecsintheCity. For even more PA jobs and EA jobs across a range of industries, SecsintheCity, the UKโs only specialist job site for Personal Assistants, has you covered.
