Personal Assistants, or PAs, are in so much demand. Leaner teams post-pandemic have led to more emails and meetings both in-person and online, meaning the C-suite is busier than ever. Leaders are always on the lookout for people with great judgment to help them fix their problems and keep them on the right path. And having a human being rather than an AI as support is absolutely critical when handling sensitive information.

All this means that it is a great time to get into working as a PA.

Even so, Personal Assistants roles remain highly competitive, and leaders are willing to wait to find the right person for this critical position. This article helps you learn what in your CV and interview reassures recruiters that you are the perfect candidate.

Essential skills for PAs

Personal assistants must adapt to both the role and the person they are assisting. That being said, here are some typical skills that we have found every successful PA to have in their toolkit:

• Highly organised. This must be at the top of every leader’s wishlist! The C-suite is always busy. PAs absolutely need to be on top of diaries, meeting calendars, travel itineraries, and so on. Glowing PA references almost always start with this skill!
• Problem solver with a ‘can-do’ attitude. Frequently, things will go wrong. Event speakers will cancel, rooms will be double-booked, and connecting flights will be missed. PAs must be prepared for all eventualities and have their Plan B already in motion before disaster strikes.
• Excellent written English. The finance and banking industry relies on succinct and clear communication, from emails to reports. You will be emailing a lot, and those who communicate clearly are so appreciated in the fast-paced world of finance.
• Discrete and calm demeanour. While never okay, senior leaders in finance and banking can have a reputation for being terse and abrupt. Leaders appreciate having a calm force beside them to help them weather the storm.
• Proactive multi-tasker. You will have access to your manager’s calendar and emails, and you should make it your job to anticipate any bumps on the road.  
• Tech literate. Senior leaders are often great communicators and motivators, but they can be a bit behind on the latest tech. Present yourself as an intermediary between them and the technology they need to use, and you’ll give them so much value.

How to get recruiters to see your PA application

Some candidates complain that they can’t find personal assistant roles. This is because many people are discovered and hired through word of mouth. We often put forward candidates directly from our files. This is why it’s so important to send recruitment consultancies your CV on spec, and not to wait until you see a relevant position!

But being on a recruiter’s books is only the first step in getting hired. Some other ways to help your application rise to the top include:

• Getting a qualification. Qualifications like finance-related (or otherwise relevant to your selected industry) short courses, getting a PA-related diploma, or business admin or secretarial certificates can make it easier for recruiters to choose between equally strong candidates.
• Getting experience. It can feel like a vicious cycle where companies ask their entry-level candidates to have experience. But experience can take many forms. Receptionist, customer service, and administrative roles in any sector can offer you great insight into office support work that can translate well across sectors. And we can’t advise enough how useful temp work in banks can be!
• Networking. Talking to decision makers like recruitment consultants can be a low-risk way to keep in their mind. Go to conferences, and reach out to consultants on LinkedIn or by email. Don’t assume that people know you’re looking for a job! And a word of advice for shy PAs: Temping can be the perfect networking tool if you prefer to show rather than tell!

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If you are looking for a role as a PA, visit our jobs board. Can’t find the perfect fit? Send us your CV with a personal note about the role you’d love to have. We are a specialist recruitment consultant in London’s finance & banking industry, and we are always looking to connect motivated candidates to our clients.