Check out this list to get in with the boss

An Australian recruitment firm has put together a checklist of what it believes are the most essential qualities that employers look for when hiring a personal assistant. In at number one is having good organisational skills, which includes both those at a personal level and the ability to organise others.

Next up is multi-tasking, which, as the agency notes, is the ability to manage several tasks concurrently, ensuring each meets its deadline. This is followed by knowing how to prioritise your workload through a mixture of common sense and familiarity with your office environment. Job seekers should also pay attention to their appearance, as being well groomed is a prerequisite for the firm’s clients, which has offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Computer literacy, expertise at problem solving, efficiency and strong communication skills round out the list compiled by Sinclair Recruitment. The agency also notes that while higher education is a bonus, it does not believe that this is essential for an executive assistant, noting that 40% of its candidates have an educational qualification equivalent to A Levels in the UK.

In terms of salary, PAs who have worked in the role for less than a year earn on average AUS$43,000 (£23,950), while the top 10% receive annual remuneration of around AUS$75,000 (£41,780), research carried out by the agency shows.

Find out more about Sinclair Recruitment’s services at sinclairrecruitment.com.au/.