Business owners and people in managerial roles often have a lot of things on their hands. Therefore, there might not be enough time to complete their daily tasks. This is where personal assistants come in; they serve as a support to these managers and help them with some tasks.
Personal assistants have an incredible role as they ease the workload of busy managers and business owners. They multitask and handle different activities in the organization. A personal assistant can be hired by a company or an individual as a household staff. Following is the personal assistant job description and other things to know about this position:
Roles of a Personal Assistant
An organization determines what a personal assistant does as they have different roles. They have multiple duties in the organization and can extend to the home. A personal assistant will be responsible for planning, organizing, and scheduling activities. They are involved in running errands, taking notes, and managing calendars.
What Qualifies you As a Personal Assistant?
Irrespective of where personal assistants are functioning, either at home or office, they must be detailed-oriented, organized, and proactive. Although their role is supportive, it contributes significantly to the success of the leader they are assigned. In addition, a good personal assistant must be able to communicate excellently.
On the other hand for household staffing jobs, that involves being a personal assistant at home. It is important that the individual possess excellent organizing skills and be able to handle the domestic jobs.
Personal Assistant Job Description
Personal Assistants work with leaders in the organization to offer support. Generally, they offer administrative help in the organization as they are responsible for monitoring the manager’s email, drafting messages, and scheduling and organizing meetings. In addition, they help senior staff plan their travel.
Personal Assistants must have an understanding of the goal and objectives of the organization. They must be able to identify important personnel in the organization. In addition, they must be professional, well-presented, and possess good interpersonal skills. This is because they are representing a senior member of the organization. Other duties and responsibilities include the following:
- Respond to correspondences, and serve as the link between managers and clients. They will help managers manage all forms of communication that include phone, email, and others.
- Manage and organize diaries
- Schedule appointments and organize meetings and events
- Maintain databases and filing systems
- Manage the manager’s calendar
- Help the manager conducts research
- Collate and fill all expenses related to the business and travels
Personal Assistant Job Requirement
The requirement for personal assistants differs according to the organization and the role. In some cases, a personal assistant might not need any formal academic qualifications for the role. However, some organizations prefer a candidate with an A level, while a small number of people require degrees. If an organization requires degrees, having business-related degrees might be an advantage.
Although, degrees in communication and technology are also recommended for this position. Generally, an organization can require the following:
- Past working experience as a personal assistant
- Computer technology proficiency, for example, Microsoft Office applications
- Great Interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
- Ability to follow instructions clearly and deliver within the timeframe
- Excellent time management skills
- Ability to effectively plan, schedule, and organize meetings and events
- Good customer service skills