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6 Top Tips for Personal Assistant Job Interviews

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6 Top Tips for Personal Assistant Job Interviews

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The role of a personal assistant can be anything but easy, as you’ll need to be the most organised, conscientious member of staff in a company. After all, it will be your job to schedule meetings, manage correspondence, take notes, and assist with phone calls.

If you have an organised nature, excellent time-keeping skills and meticulous attention to detail, it could be the perfect career for you. If so, here are six top tips to ensure you ace your next PA job interview.

  1. Turn to an Experienced Recruiter

If you want to simplify the job search and secure your dream role as soon as possible, you’d be wise to consult an experienced recruiter for assistance. For example, you could turn to one of the best PA recruitment agencies Manchester to secure a job in an SME, privately owned business, or a blue-chip organisation.

  1. Research the Company

Take the time to learn more about the company before you attend an interview. For instance, not only should you visit their website to discover who they are and what they do, but you should read third-party articles and visit their social media profiles. Doing so will allow you to learn as much about a business as possible, which will prove you have exceptional attention to detail and you’re passionate about securing a position at a company.

  1. Be Prepared to Talk About Yourself

As a personal assistant will work closely with the manager, they’ll want to hire someone who they will get along well with throughout the years. That’s why you will more than likely be asked to tell a little about yourself during an interview. Be prepared to talk about yourself in a positive manner, detailing your interests, experience and attitude to the workplace.

  1. Think About Your Strengths and Weaknesses

It’s common for interviewers to ask a candidate about their strengths and weaknesses. As a personal assistant, your strengths should be your ability to type both quickly and accurately, as well as exceptional organisation skills. It might also give you an advantage if you know shorthand.

When it comes to your weaknesses, it never hurts to say you can spend a little too long making a document perfect, but you’re aware of this, which is why you routinely set yourself deadlines to adhere to.

  1. Honesty is the Best Policy

Honesty is the best policy when applying for a personal assistant position. For instance, if you don’t have much experience, don’t be afraid to state this during an interview. However, prove why you are the right candidate by stating any past work you have done that could support a job application, such as organising an event or meeting deadlines.

  1. Send a Follow-Up Email

Wow an interviewer by sending him or her a follow-up email 24 hours later, stating you appreciated the interview opportunity and thank them for their time. It will not only prove you are a polite individual, but it will provide a potential employer with an insight into your communication style, so it might convince them to hire you over another candidate.

Andy McGowan
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