PAs are gaining more recognition for the work they do for their companies, but there’s still a long way to go. Being taken seriously by your colleagues is a big step to take, so here are seven ways to do so. 1 Don’t strive to become indispensableLearn your boundaries. Don’t take every task that gets thrown at you for the…
read moreThe National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, have today launched new research into employer-supported volunteering (ESV). The research found a lack of understanding between charities and companies about the costs and benefits involved in ESV, with some companies unwilling to contribute to the costs involved in hosting volunteers. Similarly,…
read moreJobseekers are not taking advantage of technology when it comes to applying for jobs, which is preventing companies saving time and money when recruiting. Three in four (78%) Brits describe themselves as ‘tech-savvy’– adopters and users of all things digital. However, this tech-enthusiasm has not crossed into the world of job-seeking, with just 15% in the UK claiming to…
read moreSocial media platforms have quickly taken over as one of the key ways people communicate in the business world. The responsibility of managing a company’s or an executive’s multiple accounts often falls on PAs, but it’s no easy task. Here, Getting Smart’s marketing and communications manager Catherine Wedgwood gives her top tips for keeping it simple. Be realisticThe internet is…
read moreFinding a job you like and making a career out of it is one of the most important things you can do in life. Professor and coach Carol Morgan recently wrote a blog for Huffington Post Women with her seven top tips for helping your career soar. 1 Know your passion and turn it into an objectiveMorgan says the ability…
read morePacked with 35 useful ideas, the companion guide to National Mentoring Day is essential for those wanting to play a part in raising awareness of mentoring. The countdown to the UK’s first National Mentoring Day has begun, with mentors, mentoring initiatives and organisations across the country about to be put in the national spotlight. The event, which already has…
read moreAccording to author, teacher and speaker Miranda Grey, speaking to MailOnline, the secret of success for women in the workplace can be put down to where they are in their menstrual cycle, Miranda, who has written The Optimized Woman: Using The Menstrual Cycle To Achieve Success And Fulfillment, advised women to start something new the week after their period, schedule meetings for…
read moreThe rise of a new generation of business people means offices are getting more relaxed by the day. However, it’s important to remember to stay professional no mater how casual your workplace is. Here, Mashable’s Jason Kulpa gives his top five tips for relaxed etiquette. 1 Understand your companyBefore you interview for a job – and certainly before your first…
read moreAccording to new data provided by the UK?s leading independent job board CV-Library, the administration sector has the highest level of competition, with 57.3 applicants per job across the UK. Coming in second was the customer services sector with an average of 37 applicants per job, closely followed by the Distribution sector with 36.2. Lee Biggins, founder and managing director…
read moreThank you to all of you who entered our May/June competition. It is with great pleasure that we announce Ann Nock as the winner of the grand prize – a fully catered meeting for up to 10 people at the new prince Philip Building in Edinburgh and luxury overnight accomodation in a Skyline Suite at the 4-star Ten Hill Place Hotel, courtesy…
read moreThere?s an old adage that you shouldn?t judge a book by its cover, but one look at Stuart Martin reveals an out-going person who loves his job. His passion becomes even more obvious once he?s engaged in conversation ? this is one happy management assistant. It would be difficult for Stuart to feel otherwise; he was recently head hunted for…
read moreToday?s top-flying personal and executive assistants are no longer glorified secretaries, they are managing big budgets and making key business decisions. In the first instalment of our PA recruitment two-parter, whether you?re just starting your job search or keen to advance your career, here are things you should keep in mind when looking for your next role. The changing nature…
read moreLooking for a new job, whether you?re in the market for a change or have found yourself suddenly unemployed, is stressful at the best of times. The constant uncertainty, anxiety over interviews and the sting of rejection is enough to send anyone into an emotional spiral. However, there are ways to deal with the situation without losing your mind. Establish…
read moreIntrigued by the lives of the privileged and uber-wealthy and want to know if you?ve got what it takes to work for a high-profile client? Samuel Martin explains what?s involved in this demanding role PA Life: What are the skills that high-net-worth individuals look for in a PA?Samuel Martin: ?The type of skills vary as much as the type of client…
read moreIn the wake of Marissa Mayer?s controversial blanket ban on Yahoo! employees working from home, Barnaby Lashbrooke makes the case for virtual assistants carrying out their role remotely. Huge advances in technology have made working away from the office easier than ever before, as an increasing number of small businesses start to embrace the concept of remote assistants. Over the…
read moreVenue-finding service Classic Venue Solutions is offering PA Life readers the chance to win a fully catered meeting for up to 10 people at the new Prince Philip Building in the city centre of historic Edinburgh, a World Heritage Site. Did we have you at ?win?? As the lucky winner, you?ll also enjoy luxury overnight accommodation in a Skyline Suite,…
read moreFollowing on from our guide to using LinkedIn, PA Life considers the impact our social networking posts have on career development. Most of us use social networks, both for career networking and also as a light-hearted way of keeping in touch with friends. But have you Googled yourself lately? Or checked that your Facebook profile or recent Twitter entries are…
read moreThe role of PA is evolving fast to include many new areas so consider adding key skills to your CV. By doing so, you increase your value to your company and potential employers, making all the difference to your career prospects. There’s no time like the present to think about training for new skills, but how do you decide which…
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