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Writing an Administrative Assistant’s Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Administrative assistants play an important role in any organization. They are responsible for scheduling appointments, answering phones, managing emails, and providing administrative support.

The job of an administrative assistant requires good organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask. Asides from your resume, a personal statement is a vital document employers typically require to determine your suitability for a job role. The  administrative assistant personal statement examples  in this guide will help you get started on the right note.

A personal statement is your chance to sell yourself to the employer and demonstrate your abilities, qualifications, and skill set. You’ll surely leave a lasting impression on the recruiting manager with a solid personal statement that details what you can offer to the company.

This article will take you through writing the perfect administrative assistant personal statement . 

What Is A Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a document you submit as part of your job application. It is a summary of your skills, qualifications, and capabilities . It details what you can offer an employer regarding your applying job. 

A good personal statement must convince the hiring manager that you’re a perfect fit for the role at hand. You may include your interests, life, and career goals. The personal statement is also a great way to demonstrate your written communication skills. This is because administrative assistants often interact with customers and other stakeholders via email. 

What to Include in an Administrative Assistant Personal Statement

For your statement to stand out, you must include some essential information. Here are some key details to include in an administrative assistant’s statement:

1. Relevant work experience

List any previous work experience relevant to the administrative assistant position you are applying for. This could include experience working in a similar role, handling office tasks, or using appropriate software or technologies.

2. Skills and Abilities

Highlight any skills and abilities that make you a strong candidate for the role. These could be proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Office, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.

3. Education and Relevant training

Include any relevant education or training you have received, such as a degree in business administration or a certificate in office management.

4. Personal qualities

In your statement, highlight any qualities that make you well-suited for the role of an administrative assistant. These could include strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, and working well in a team.

5. Career goals

Finally, include a brief statement about your career goals and how the role of an administrative assistant fits into your long-term plans.

How to Write an Administrative Assistant Personal Statement

Your statement should be written in a clear structure, with each section building on the point you made in the previous one. 

The following steps will guide your writing:

1. Begin with a Hook

Begin your statement with a brief statement that captures the reader’s attention. You may start by explaining why you are interested in the administrative assistant position and what makes you a strong candidate.

2. Highlight your relevant work experience

When listing your relevant work experience, include the names of the companies or organizations you worked. Also include your previous job titles, and a brief description of your responsibilities.

3. Mention your most unique skills and abilities

You might have several skills and abilities, but only mention those relevant to the administrative assistant position. Also include any skills that give you an edge over other job applicants, one that portrays your uniqueness. 

4. Highlight your personal qualities that make you stand out

This is where you sell yourself to the employer. Detail any unique qualities that will make you excel on the job. These may include strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, and working well in a team.

5.  Conclude

Bring your statement to a close by convincing the employer that you’re indeed the perfect fit for the job role. 

Administrative Assistant Personal Statement Examples

I am an experienced and organized administrative assistant passionate about using my unique skill set to provide exceptional service.

My career has been built on the commitment to providing excellent support services, which I have perfected through initiative and dedication. 

As a professional, I take pride in learning complex tasks while working efficiently under tight deadlines. I often display impressive problem-solving abilities by resolving issues related to day-to-day operations in a timely fashion. Additionally, I always strive to increase my productivity by exploring creative methods of executing my duties. 

My strong interpersonal skills allow me to interact easily with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and build meaningful relationships. Furthermore, I always ensure effective communication between all stakeholders, helping create a peaceful work environment. On top of that, I am skilled at negotiating favorable terms and achieving organizational objectives. 

Overall, my experiences and expertise make me an ideal candidate for any organization looking for competent and reliable administrative assistance.

I am an experienced and enthusiastic administrative assistant, passionate about utilizing my diverse skills to help organizations achieve their objectives. With my extensive knowledge, I juggle many tasks while working efficiently and effectively under pressure. I focus on delivering results on time with accuracy and attention to detail that is second to none. 

My technical proficiency includes computer use, data entry, record keeping, scheduling, filing, and other clerical duties. With these abilities and my commitment to learning new software applications, I offer a unique blend of energy and experience to any organization. 

Additionally, I strive to build strong relationships through my active communication skills and problem-solving abilities. I also have excellent interpersonal and organizational abilities.

I hope to be considered for this opportunity to serve as an administrative assistant in your organization.

I am an experienced and enthusiastic administrative assistant, eager to bring my organized and dedicated work ethic to any workplace. 

With a proven track record of handling clerical duties efficiently and accurately, I am confident I will become an essential part of your team. My drive is fueled by my creative problem-solving skills and willingness to take on complex tasks easily. 

Furthermore, I have excellent interpersonal relationship skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues while maintaining professionalism. I strive to improve processes within any organization and possess the organizational skills necessary for achieving streamlined operations. 

Additionally, I can easily prioritize tasks, reduce risks, and keep communication lines open between departments while maintaining confidentiality and topmost discretion. My dedication to superior customer service will be invaluable when interacting with clients or customers. 

Overall, I offer a unique combination of experience, energy, skill, and reliability that would make me an ideal addition to your office.

Administrative assistants are the backbone of every organization, as many things won’t function without them. When seeking the role of an administrative assistant, you must display your uniqueness. And capture the employer’s attention in a way no other person does.

A strong personal statement will set you apart from the competition. So it’s worth investing your time and effort to create a striking statement.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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8 Standout PA Personal Statement Examples to Inspire Your Own

Your PA personal statement is one of the most important  PA school requirements . A well-crafted, memorable statement is your golden ticket to a PA school interview and getting into the  best PA schools in the US or even a PA program in Canad a , so in today's blog, you'll learn what to include in your PA personal statement, common mistakes to avoid and you'll even be able to review PA personal statement examples.

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Article Contents 14 min read

Pa personal statement example #1.

During my kindergarten graduation, I walked on stage and gave my exit speech: “When I grow up, I want to be a teacher because it’s easy.” Reflecting back, I see the comedy in my naivety as every profession has its own unique challenges. I had no intention to pursue medicine, as I often had a sense of jealousy towards the field. Growing up, my mother was also attending school, first undergraduate then medical school. Exposed to the rigor and competition of higher education, she felt the need to share the importance of dedicating my time to education. While my classmates had work-free weekends, I spent my time completing extra homework, assigned by my mother. Initially, I misinterpreted her teachings as favoritism for studies over spending our days indulging in games.

My passion to become a physician assistant took root the day my grandmother fell from the top of a ladder. My mother shouted for my help with two simple tasks: grab a blanket and call 911. Trapped by fear and hesitation, I was unable to react. This response may seem understandable; however, I was my harshest critic and felt shame from my inability to aid. Sitting in the hospital waiting room, I reflected on my actions and vowed to never again be a mere observer. With this experience, my outlook on the medical field began to change from that of jealousy to intrigue. I started to understand that my mother’s intentions were not to spend less time with me but rather she aspired to be in a position where she could offer herself to support others, an attribute I strive to emulate. My kindergarten dreams to teach were expanded to embody care and compassion, with goals to empower and provide protection to others feeling helpless.

Aware of my lack of knowledge pertaining to handling trauma, I enrolled in an emergency medical response course that equipped me with the skills to handle unforeseen situations, and the strength to grow from criticism. Others questioned my ability to complete this physically rigorous course, given that my stature is a mere four feet and nine inches. Using this criticism as motivation, I excelled in the course and partook in a twelve-hour responder shift. This exhilarating experience strengthened my ambition to study medicine, as my interests lie in the shortcomings of human-design.

As an emergency medical responder, I felt qualified to take care of my grandmother who had developed Alzheimer’s. Having younger siblings, I am accustomed to watching over others; however, caring for someone suffering from disease requires a greater state of patience and serenity. When her memories began to slip away, I felt uneasy trying to converse about false stories and recollections. As I spent more time with her, I became accustomed to quick-thinking and no longer felt nervous or scared. I was able to speak with her about any topic and noticed an overall improvement in my confidence. My role as a caregiver tested my ability to handle stressful situations as I learned to deal with feelings of both frustration and anxiety, improving my compassion and understanding of others.

Losing my grandmother sooner than anticipated fueled my drive to provide quality care. Physician assistants require more than academic knowledge, additionally keen characteristics of sociability, emotional and mental strength, and the ability to educate. I have been fortunate to have adopted these lessons and skills. In an effort to pay these gifts forward by healing, supporting, and teaching, I began to shadow a physician assistant in internal medicine.

My experiences alongside my grandmother are not unique to me. Through shadowing, I have seen various forms of physical and emotional trauma that patients face. However, unlike my grandmother, not everyone has a support system. When it comes to dealing with such obstacles, I have a passion to serve as a guide; always trying to consider different perspectives. Some may see my empathetic nature as a weakness, but in a healthcare setting, it is my greatest strength. When rooming patients at the doctor’s office, I would converse and inquire about not only their medical concerns, but their feelings and experiences. When nervous patients thanked me for making them feel comfortable, and patients struggling emotionally held my hand for comfort, I knew I had succeeded in passing on both strength and encouragement.

Although I was raised in a household where education was prioritized over indulgences, I matured to form my own beliefs. Life is not about choosing between learning and pleasure, but rather intertwining the two. I have found a field of study that to me is both a sweet and bitter indulgence, but gratifying nonetheless. Medicine is balanced by both miraculous and shattering moments each requiring their own forms of nurturing. Negative occurrences do not weaken my belief in medicine but rather serve as my motivation to continuously learn and be active in political and research-based medicine. Similarly, positive patient outcomes serve as a reminder for why I cannot let setbacks get in the way of working towards progress. I promise to use my knowledge and experience to foster a tangible outcome of health and manifest invaluable relationships.

• This statement utilizes strong transitional sentences to link paragraphs which creates an easy-to-read essay with excellent flow.
• At the end of each experience, this writer does an excellent job of reflecting. They discuss what they learned, why it was significant, and how it will help them in a career in medicine.
• Instead of discussing a variety of different experiences, the writer focussed on quality experiences over quantity. This allows each experience, whether the experience with their grandmother or the experience as an emergency medical responder to really develop throughout the essay, ultimately creating a unifying theme that ties together well in the conclusion.
• The essay really comes to life due to the inclusion of details that describe experiences and interactions that were significant to the writer such as time spent with their grandmother and patient interactions during shadowing.

Potential areas of improvement

Sarah’s statement was, overall, very well written—this is one we’d have a student submit with their PA application. However, we still asked an advisor to critique this statement (just to provide some perspective) and here is what they shared:

While this statement is compelling, in my opinion, it could benefit from a tighter focus by refining or trimming some earlier details to keep the narrative more concise. Additionally, balancing the emotional reflection with more specific examples of clinical skills would strengthen the overall message and showcase readiness for a PA role. It’s well done and certainly acceptable as-is, but if I had the chance to sit down with this student and offer this as a piece of final advice before they submitted it, I would!

7 More PA Personal Statement Examples

Pa personal statement example #2, pa personal statement example #3, pa personal statement example #4, pa personal statement example #5, pa personal statement example #6, pa personal statement example #7, pa personal statement example #8.

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The PA school personal statement is one of the most important of the PA school requirements.

Before you begin writing your physician assistant personal statement, it's important to understand the purpose of the personal statement. Essentially, your personal statement will serve as your introduction to admissions committees. It's a way for you to demonstrate why you have chosen to pursue medicine, and why you want to become a PA specifically.

Admissions committees want to understand where your first interest in becoming a physician assistant began, what memorable experiences you've had since that moment, and what steps you've taken towards turning that initial interest into desire and passion for the profession. As with all types of personal statements, your personal statement must address the “why” behind the profession. In this case, why do you want to be a PA? Why did you choose PA school over a related discipline, such as medical school or nursing school? What about the PA profession appeals to you and what have you done to explore the field? What contribution can you make to the PA profession?

Your PA personal statement is the first introduction of who you are and serves as a first impression to the admissions committees. It’s also a way to clinch a PA school interview and move on to the final round of admissions evaluations.

Keep in mind that you'll also be expected to answer this question, and other common PA school interview questions during your interview, so be sure to reflect a bit on your answer and craft a strong response for both your personal statement and your interview answer. Similar questions to this can come up during your PA school interview essay or you can explore your “why” when you’re asked “tell me about yourself” during your interview.

In short, your personal statement is an important tool to getting through the initial rounds of PA school admissions, it provides background information on you to admissions committees and puts a face to your application.

Here's a summary of the requirements for PA school:

How to Write an Impactful PA Personal Statement

#1 be honest.

No two personal statements should be alike, each person has had their own set of experiences that have led them to want to pursue this vocation. So don't try to fabricate your statement, butter up the admissions committees, or exaggerate your experiences. Instead, be honest, tell the admissions committees about your exposure to medicine, what you've learned, how you've grown, what you have accomplished, why it was important and how all of these experiences led to you wanting to become a PA. Stick to the main reasons why you want to be a PA and why you want to pursue the profession specifically.

#2 Highlight Your Experiences and Skills

You want to highlight a few experiences that have helped you understand more about the life and work of a PA and ultimately helped solidify your decision to pursue this field. You can talk about your reasons for choosing  PA vs MD  if its relevant to your experience. Reflect on the instances that sparked your interest in the field or made you consider a career as a PA. Think about your volunteering, shadowing, and clinical experiences and reflect on any moments that have stood out for you or were significant in developing your interest in the profession. Remember to use details and specific examples to highlight the skills and lessons you earned from these experiences, including how they’ll help you accomplish your goals as a future PA and why they motivated you in the first place. Perhaps your participation in creating a treatment plan for a particular patient stood out for you or you witnessed an interaction between a physician assistant and a patient during your shadowing that gave you further insight into the profession. In short, you need to be able to answer why the PA is the best route for you, and what you’ve done to prepare yourself for this career.

For example, if you want to work specifically with underserved communities, and you’ve taken on volunteering opportunities that put you into contact with such communities, this is a great experience to include in both your personal statement or as some of the  best extracurriculars for PA school . If you want to work among immigrant or refugee communities and took the time to learn a new language in order to better communicate with these individuals, that will not only show initiative, but also dedication to effectively communicating with patients you want to help serve in the future. Also think about which of the  PA specialties  you might want to work in and what experiences you have which can contribute to this specialty.

When it comes to sitting down and writing your PA personal statement, it's important to note that the most successful statements are those that tell a story. Not unlike a  medical school personal statement , your PA personal statement is not a recitation of your CV. Listing accomplishments, awards, and your education will not interest the admissions committee; as mentioned above, you have to be quite specific and choose only the most important experiences to touch on. Information about your life and accomplishments is already available in your  medical school resume  and elsewhere in your application; the personal statement is a piece of art, not a dry informational document. It should allow members of the admissions committee to gain insight into your personal story and take them on your journey to becoming a PA.

In addition to being captivating (humans love stories; they elicit emotional responses), writing your personal statement in the form of a story is also beneficial because it helps communicate vital information in a chronological manner. The last thing you want, other than a boring personal statement, is one that doesn’t make sense and leaves admissions committee members confused. Jumping from one point in time to the next, from one experience to the next without order will only create a disjointed, unstructured essay. Instead, tell your story chronologically, beginning with an introduction to your interest or exposure to medicine, flowing into a few significant experiences throughout your life, and ending with a powerful conclusion that ties the entire essay together.

#4 Be Original

You are not like anyone else; despite what you might think, you're an original personal with individual thoughts, experiences, and interests. Don't get sucked into using clichés, common quotes, and unoriginal statements. It's not about writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear such as “I want to be a doctor because I want to help people” or “I've always dreamed of becoming a doctor”.

Let your personal statement highlight what makes you unique as an applicant, how your personal qualities complement the profession, and what skills and key competencies you can bring to the entering class. Overall, it's important to consider what experiences and skills distinguish you from other applicants. Admissions committees will be reviewing hundreds if not thousands of PA school personal statements; what is going to make your statement stand out? What do you have to offer? How can you contribute to the profession?

Why show, don’t tell is the #1 rule to follow for personal statements:

Common PA Personal Statement Mistakes to Avoid

#1 reciting your cv.

Admissions committees already have this information, so this isn't suitable for your personal statement. Focus on quality of experiences. When brainstorming, write down the most significant experiences, either professional or personal, which led to you pursuing a career as a PA.

#2 Casting Yourself as the Victim

Many people have experienced difficult situations, such as emigrating from another country or suffering an injury. This can be powerful to discuss in your PA personal statement, but only if you can show resilience and ensure you're not playing the victim. As a general rule of thumb, be sure to only include an experience if you can discuss how it shapes you as a person, how it helped you grow, and will help you become a better future physician assistant.

#3 Telling Instead of Showing

It's not enough to say statements such as “I am a good listener” or “My experience shadowing has made me compassionate”. You need to show, or demonstrate, how you are a good listener, and how shadowing has helped you become compassionate. Discuss how interacting with patients helped you develop compassion or how your listening skills helped a specific patient with their problem. Discuss real experiences that can support and provide evidence for any statements.

The opening sentence in your PA school personal statement is the hook for your entire essay. If it's not enticing, unique, and memorable, you risk your essay blending in with the thousands of other admissions essays and ending up at the bottom of the pile. Your opening sentence and paragraph need to be engaging, you want to create a sense of desire so that admission committee members won't want to put down your statement, they should want to continue reading to find out the rest of your story. Remember that admissions committees tend to read these essays quickly, so if you don’t grab their attention right away, your essay will be quickly forgotten. PA school personal statement editing can be a big help in rewriting or tweaking your essay so it is polished and engaging. It’s always a good idea to get another set of eyes on your essay, too, to make sure there are no mistakes or get objective feedback. For students who want professional feedback on their work, expert physician assistant application help can be a great resource to use.

Having trouble writing a good introduction? Check out our tips:

#5 Failing to Have a Strong Conclusion

Just like a strong introduction, a good conclusion bookends a strong PA personal statement. A strong concluding paragraph not only sums up the main points of your previous paragraphs, but it should end on an engaging note. You want to leave the admissions committee wanting to know more about you, as this makes them more likely to call you for an interview. Your conclusion should be more than just “this is why I’ll make a good PA”, or “and that is why the PA profession is for me.” Your conclusion should bring back your main points, but an excellent closing statement can call back to your engaging opening sentence while also inviting the reader to continue the conversation.

#6 Relying on Clichés

The purpose of your PA personal statement is to stand out, not blend in. So don't use clichés and popular quotes that are tired and dry. Be original and use your own thoughts instead of the thoughts of others. It can be easy to fall into the habit of using common phrases or cliched language, but revising your draft can help you pick these out and rewrite them.

#7 Failing to Reflect

Any experience you describe in your PA personal statement should be followed by thoughtful reflection. You can't simply state that you worked as a research assistant in a lab and contributed to a publication. Think about why you want to discuss an experience in the first place and always be answering, why was it significant? What did you learn from it? How will it help you in your career as a physician assistant? How did this experience encourage me to become a PA? Your personal statement should demonstrate a deeper understanding of yourself and your goals, so self-reflection and self-insight is key here. While you’re brainstorming ideas for your personal statement, take some time to ask yourself these questions.

#8 Grammatical Errors and Spelling Mistakes

Your PA personal statement should be free from all errors and mistakes. Keep in mind that your personal statement is a direct reflection of who you are as a person. Mistakes indicate that you rushed your statement, are not detail-oriented and that you're not really invested in your potential career. An excellent PA personal statement has been through many revisions and has had multiple reviewers. It's a good idea to seek professional help such as a medical school advisor not only to ensure your statement is free from errors but so that you can receive personalized feedback on your statement to ensure you are putting your best self forward.

Want more PA personal statement tips?

Your personal statement will be structured as a short essay, with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Your opening paragraph should serve as a short introduction of yourself and why you want to become a PA. The body paragraphs will outline specific examples or experiences you have which contributed to your journey to become a PA, and the conclusion will sum up your statement while inviting the reader to continue the conversation.

To write a good personal statement for PA school, you’ll need an intriguing and engaging introduction, 1-3 significant experiences or examples of how you are suited for the PA profession or why you want to become a PA, and a strong conclusion which invites admissions committees to learn more about you.

Your PA school personal statement should be between 500 and 750 words. The typical limit for personal statements is 5,000 characters, with spaces included.

PA school admissions committees are interested in your personal statement because they want to know more about your background, personal qualities and why you want to become a PA. It should include significant personal and professional experiences you have which led you to the profession and contributed to your desire to become a PA. Admissions committees expect to see some self-reflection and insight into your goals and motivations. They also want to see that you have the skills and qualities of a good physician assistant.

The best way to stand out in a PA personal statement is to have both strong writing and a strong story. Admission committees will read thousands of personal statements outlining many different stories, but you can stand out by providing interesting details and weaving an engaging story. The details of a personal story will be remembered more clearly by your reader than generic statements about your experience shadowing a PA, so remember to personalize your essay and make it unique!

In a PA statement, avoid reciting your resume or relying on cliches. It’s also important not to have any grammar or spelling mistakes. Most importantly, don’t talk about pursuing a career as a PA due to a failed medical school application or because you view it as a “back-up” option. You should have a strong reason for applying to PA school specifically, not because it is “easier” than medical school or related professions.

Yes. You should write out “physician assistant” in the first instance, but you can include the “PA” abbreviation in follow-up instances. 

Your opening statement needs to “hook” your reader or engage them right off the bat. A good way to start is with a personal story or statement that sums up the key theme of your essay. 

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How to make your physician assistant application stand out, (and avoid the top 5 mistakes that get most rejected).

Write The Perfect PA School Personal Statement [With Examples]

Filling out your PA school application is exciting and overwhelming. You’re beginning the first steps to your career goal, but it includes so much!

You’ll need to complete your application through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants ( CASPA application). The application includes letters of recommendation, service hours, and a personal statement.

Your personal statement is one of the most important pieces inside the CASPA application. A PA personal statement is really a personal essay that offers you a time to shine.

The goal is to pique the admissions committee’s interest in you, in hopes they will contact you for a school interview.

Your PA school wants to learn more about you and your past experiences. If you’ve kept a journal of your healthcare experiences, it will make the process a little easier. If not, take a week to think through your past medical experiences, patient interactions, and shadowing experiences.

Your goal is to be accepted into a PA Program, become a PA student, and join the PA profession . To get there, you have to complete your application essay. So, let’s get started!

What Is the Purpose of a Physician Assistant Personal Statement?

Your PA personal statement might be the toughest part of the application process. Ultimately, your application essay is a sales piece about you, and that can be difficult to write. Inside the application, your PA school sees an academic background that talks about what kind of student you are.

Your work history tells them about what you’ve done professionally. Your letters from your PA evaluators show what others have to say about you. This is the only time in your PA school application that you hold the pen.

The American Academy of PAs recommends you pay attention to a few dos and don’ts as you consider what to put in your personal statement. Remember there is a 5,000 character limit. This means you have 5,000 characters, not words, in which to complete your essay. Often, this will come out to be about 800 words.

In your essay, clearly state why you’re pursuing the PA profession while demonstrating your knowledge of it. Communication skills are a necessity in the PA profession, and this is a chance for your communication skills to shine. Use your personal essay to communicate why you’re up to the challenge.

Don’t be vague, don’t use abbreviations, and don’t use informal language like contractions. Instead, write formally and identify the theme that brings the whole essay together.

Be sure to make every word count. Most importantly, do not make your personal statement a reiteration of your application. The admissions committee has already read your application. This is time to make yourself unforgettable.

As you are brainstorming, outlining, and writing your application essay, keep your audience in mind. Admission committee members are physician assistants, and they’re looking for good future PAs.

They’re interested in your desire to be part of a growing profession and your passion for patient care. Communicate this through your application essay.

Your PA School Wants To See You Shine in Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your unique story of why you want to become a physician assistant. To tell your story well, it’s important to do your homework on your audience. Start by investigating the physician assistant school and take note of their mission, ideas, and values. You can find most of this information on their website.

Look for the emphasis the school places on primary care or specialties. Do they encourage out-of-state applicants? What’s their vision for the future of education? As you find these answers of the PA program you hope to attend, ask yourself—How am I a match? Answers to these questions will help you as you write your personal statement.

Each week, skim through the articles that pop up in your news feed to get to know your intended school. The key word here is “skim;” it’s not necessary to read each word. You only need to read enough to find information to include that will help set yourself apart from other candidates.

Unless you’re perfect, you likely have had to overcome some challenges in your education or your personal life. Recount these challenges in your application essay and identify how you’ve overcome them. Above all, be human in your essay so the admissions committee connects with you and is excited about meeting you.

Prepare, Then Write Your PA Personal Statement

Let’s begin at the beginning. Don’t procrastinate! Some prospective PA students put off writing until they feel inspired or they feel the deadline is disturbingly close.

Sadly, this only feeds the anxiety that often accompanies writing a physician assistant personal statement. If you avoid procrastinating and instead use the process below, it becomes easier. The process includes brainstorming, outlining, and finally writing. But first, let’s start with the structure of the personal statement.

Anatomy of a Physician Assistant Personal Statement

The first thing you need to understand is the structure of the document. Once you know that, it’s easier to brainstorm the type of information you’ll need to write it. A PA personal statement includes an opening statement, a body, and a strong conclusion.

Opening Statement

Your opening statement sets the tone for the rest of your essay. It must grab your reader’s attention and make them want to stay along for the ride. This is where your research into the school comes in handy. Some schools prefer a straightforward statement while others are looking for a compelling story that sets the stage for your desire to become a PA student.

Opening statement stories can recount:

• When you were cared for by a physician assistant.
• What you learned from your personal medical experiences.
• What you discovered from a friend or family member in the healthcare field that touched you.
• Your volunteer experiences.
• What it was like to live in a medically underserved area.

Providing a personal experience helps the admissions committee decide if they want to invite you to a school interview. Be sure to brainstorm multiple personal experiences to use in your opening statement. That way, as you move forward and start writing your first draft, you can change the opening statement to fit the flow of the rest of the essay.

Body of the Essay

This part of your essay tells the admissions committee why you decided to apply to their physician assistant school. Include in the body of your essay how you built an understanding of medicine and what drove you to want to become a physician assistant.

For instance, shadowing other healthcare professionals, reading, healthcare experience, and personal experience are ways of showing your knowledge and passion for the medical field.

It may also help to touch on why you chose to be a physician assistant and not a nurse practitioner or an MD . Remember, you’re speaking to PAs who already know what a PA does . Instead, address what it is about being a physician assistant that speaks to you personally.

Mention specific skills that make you a great PA, such as teamwork, communication, compassion, and your desire to work as a healthcare provider.

If you were faced with challenges and obstacles during your high school or college career, address them and discuss how you’ve grown from the experience. Don’t make excuses; just take ownership of the situation and address it honestly.

Strong Conclusion

You’ve finally finished the body of your PA school essay. This last paragraph of your personal statement should reemphasize your desire to attend physician assistant school, and, specifically, that school’s PA program. In your last paragraph, let your empathy, passion, skills, and dedication shine through.

Make a Personal Statement List, Then Check It Twice

If the process makes you feel overwhelmed, be assured you’re not the only one. However, taking these next two steps can make writing the essay much easier and less intimidating. Let’s start with a personal statement list from which you will later write an outline.

Schedule a date for when you’ll start writing your first draft. Mark this date in your calendar so you won’t forget or procrastinate. Then, on your calendar, mark one week before your “start writing” date. This is your brainstorming date.

On your brainstorming date, make a list of points you want to cover in your application essay. Because this is a brainstorming session, you don’t consider the character limit, it does not need to be in logical order, nor does it all have to follow the same theme.

Your list should include from 3 to 5 experiences that demonstrate the path you’ve taken to become a physician assistant. Patient interaction, academic experience, shadowing, clinical experience, and volunteering all fit the bill. If you have a particular story that you would like to weave throughout the essay, then include that on the list as well.

If you’re considering beginning your application essay, with a story, it’s helpful to brainstorm multiple ideas. A good opening story will build the structure of the document, so add all potential ideas to the list. Again, this is brainstorming, so there’s no need to nail down your opening story right now.

Now, put the list off to the side for at least 4 days. This will give you a chance to mull over your ideas without pressure, so when the time comes, the essay flows naturally.

Create an Outline of Personal Experiences

After 4 days, pull out the list of your personal experiences and begin to structure your essay in the form of an outline. An outline can help you organize your thoughts, so your content flows together.

Remember, there is a 5,000 character limit, so the outline will help you stay on track as you write on the proverbial paper (because you’re writing it on the computer, right?). .

Most pre-PA students write their essays in chronological order. And, truth be told, this is also the best way for the admissions committee to absorb the information. If you do choose to flashback, make it clear so your reader isn’t confused.

Do not try to be perfect—neither in your writing style nor in how you portray yourself.

Your ability to be vulnerable about your challenges makes you more of a real, relatable person. Set aside 2 or 3 days to nail down the outline for your personal statement. Not 2 or 3 full days, but 2 or 3 days to write, mull, and contemplate over the structure, stories, and theme you’ll use.

Start Writing Your Personal Statement: It’s Time to Put Pen to Paper

It’s time to start writing. Set aside quiet time when you won’t be interrupted, and find a space where you can relax. Turn off your phone notifications and shut the door. Take time during the process to do what helps you to calm the butterflies. Simple exercises, music, prayer, and meditation are all popular methods of quieting your mind.

Then start writing using the outline. As you write, remember this is a first draft; you’ll spend time editing, rearranging, and proofing later. Writing your first draft might be one of the fastest steps in writing your personal essay. This is because you’ve already put in the time and effort to develop the ideas. Now is the time to depend on them.

If you feel stuck, many writers find freewriting loosens the creative juices and helps the words flow.

Freewriting is the practice of continuously writing the thoughts that come to you. It was discovered by Peter Elbow in 1973, and it’s been found to help “un-stick” content development. Plus, since you’re using a keyboard, this technique is much easier for you than it was for Mr. Elbow using pen and paper.

After you write your first draft, you’ll need to edit it. One editing technique is to speak your essay out loud as if you were telling it to someone. Use a recorder so you can playback your thoughts—especially those well-worded statements you can’t seem to recreate later.

Seek a Personal Statement Review

Once you’ve polished your personal statement to the best of your ability, it’s time to seek a personal statement review. This is a review process undertaken by an expert, licensed PA who can help improve the flow of your essay and guide you to produce your best possible personal statement for PA school.

Your PA school essay should not be the area of the application process that limits your acceptance.

Potential PA students do well to have a personal statement review, so they don’t get lost in a sea of applicants. The admissions committee is not looking for a cookie-cutter essay, but rather your strongest response to their prompt.

Some PAs that do personal statement reviews also offer services to review CASPA applications. Consider this when choosing a PA to perform your personal statement review. As you weigh your options, costs, and timing, remember the importance of the personal statement to your PA school application and ultimately getting a school interview.

Examples of a PA School Essay

It’s always easier to understand how to write your essay after you’ve read several examples. The PA Life published and analyzed 31 examples for you to read through. At the end of each of these real-world examples are brief comments to help guide the writer to produce a better essay.

The first time you read through a personal essay example, you may miss some points, so be sure to read through examples multiple times.

Here are two short examples using different perspectives to help you determine what the best option is for your personal statement. Neither of these meets the 5,000 character limit since the objective is to offer you different options in the way they could be written and not to develop a full physician assistant program essay.

Personal Statement: Example One

I was seven and my mother was once again giving me cough syrup. I took it standing over the toilet because the cherry flavor made me nauseous, and I was sure I would throw up. This went on for years.

Years of springtime coughing and cherry cough syrup. Years of coughing all night and well into the day. Years and years—until as an adult, I realized I had allergies. In those years, I was cared for by my family physician who was gentle, caring, and took the time to talk with me and my parents.

Over the years I have been treated by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians. Thankfully my lungs have healed well, and I use my inhaler once every two to three years.

But in those years, I grew to have an understanding of the different roles of mid-level providers and physicians. And, from that understanding, I grew to appreciate the flexibility, professionalism, skills, and abilities that a physician assistant brings to their practice each day.

During my hours of healthcare experience as an EMT, I have also had the privilege of working alongside physician assistants who have demonstrated the unique combination of communication skills, teamwork, and compassion that I believe I also hold.

My desire to practice as a physician assistant is driven by my own healthcare experiences as well as those I have witnessed at work.

Over the past five years, I have volunteered at homeless shelters and nursing homes, while working as an EMT. In that time I have come to realize I am driven to help others, and being a physician assistant is the best way for me to fulfill that life mission. [Character count: 1588, Word count: 281]

Personal Statement: Example Two

In the past three years, I have held the hands of children as they died, comforted their parents, and watched their siblings mourn. For three years I have watched the doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in our hospital work to save lives, and I have seen the difference they make.

As a nurse, I had always assumed I would go on to become a nurse practitioner, so I could see my own patients. But, in the past three years, I have had the chance to see these professions in action, and I have come to realize my goal is to become a physician assistant.

Growing up I lived in a medically underserved area of our large metropolitan city. I saw first-hand the injustices that led to the loss of life or permanent disability. Today I am a nurse in a large city hospital serving those same people, the people from my neighborhood.

In these years I have developed strong communication skills that have served me well as I teach my patients how to care for themselves at home. My experience has been that positive patient outcomes rely on patient understanding and a belief in their necessary care.

My patients and colleagues have taught me the meaning of teamwork, compassion, and understanding of cultural differences. In watching the practice of different medical professionals, it has become obvious that physician assistants are the embodiment of the kind of care I want to offer my patients.

Each medical professional comes from different backgrounds, with different perspectives. I know that my perspective has been impacted by the neighborhood and community of my childhood.

I believe this impact has been a positive one, as it has driven home the need for people who are sensitive to cultural differences, have the time and desire to work with patients, and who have the skills and knowledge to care for them. These characteristics describe me, and I believe they are a deep and integral part of the physician assistant’s practice.

During my freshman year of undergraduate school, my grades faltered as I was learning how to live away from home and control my own schedule. By my sophomore year, I understood what was needed to get the grades I desired, and I achieved high marks through the rest of my education.

To achieve my goal requires my diligence, focus, and ability to absorb and utilize knowledge. I believe I have demonstrated these characters in my undergraduate degree and during my work experience. I am confident in my ability to successfully complete my education and close the gap in healthcare as a primary care provider. [Character count: 2,562 Word count: 444]

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Pa school personal statement: complete guide + examples.

Reviewed by:

Akhil Katakam

Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Reviewed: 11/6/23

If you’re applying to a Physician’s Assistant program, you will be asked to write a personal statement. Continue reading as we outline the dos and don'ts of your PA school personal statement. 

Are you wondering how to write a unique, stand-out personal statement for PA school? We’ve got you covered with our complete guide to writing a stellar personal statement. 

This one document has the power to set you apart from the competition, giving admissions committees a deeper understanding of who you are beyond your academic achievements and test scores. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through the dos and don'ts of crafting a compelling personal statement that will leave a lasting impression. 

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

How To Write a Strong PA School Personal Statement

The first step is understanding what a personal statement is. A personal statement is a piece of writing that shares who you are to admissions committees. Many programs like humanities and social sciences ask applicants to write personal statements to learn about the applicant on a more intimate level. 

Unlike a statement of purpose, a personal statement focuses more on you and your interests and hobbies rather than academic achievements and accomplishments. 

A personal statement is usually less formal and may take a storytelling approach as you share how your experiences have shaped you and led you to apply to the specific program. 

While the tone is less formal than a statement of purpose, make sure your personal statement is well-written and engaging to your reader. You should proofread and edit your writing multiple times before submitting it. 

When writing a personal statement, think about answering some of the following questions: 

• Why did you pick this program?
• What experiences do you have that makes you a good candidate for the Program?
• What can you bring to the program?
• What can the program bring to you?
• What achievements are you proud of?
• What setbacks or challenges have you overcome?
• What are your career goals, and how does this program help you achieve them? 

As most personal statements are about 500 to 600 words, or two pages double-spaced, you won’t have the space to answer all of these questions. Pick a few to focus on. 

Now that we have a pretty good understanding of the expectations and tone of a personal statement let's discuss how to write a strong personal statement for PA school. 

The first thing to do before you begin writing is to read the school’s instructions carefully. Different schools may ask you to include specific pieces of information in your statement. The key to impressing the admissions committee is to demonstrate that you are detail-oriented and have actually read through the instructions. 

Admission committees for PA schools want to know if you are right for the field before admitting you into the program. If they think you won’t make a good PA, then they most likely won’t accept your application. 

Your personal statement for a PA school should demonstrate why you want to be a Physician Assistant and why you would make a good PA. When writing your statement, highlight specific attributes and characteristics that make up a good PA. Some specific traits to highlight may include:

• Attention to Detail 
• Compassion 
• Confidence 
• Problem-Solver
• Emotional Intelligence 
• Commitment 
• Professionalism  

All of these traits make up a successful Physician Assistant . Use specific examples from your personal experience to show off your great traits. As the saying goes, show, don’t tell. Pick a couple of examples that demonstrate you possess one or more of these traits for your personal statement. 

Successful PA essays are not about job experience; in fact, you should think of a well-rounded approach to medicine. For example, think of extracurricular activities that have shaped your interest in medicine and helped you grow as a person. 

Make sure to work on your personal statement well in advance of submitting your application. This will help ensure you have ample time for revisions, meet the application deadlines and can present the best possible version of yourself to the admissions committee.

What To Avoid In Your Personal Statement for PA School

There are a lot of tips on how to write a good personal statement for med school that you can use for a PA personal statement. However, it is important to know what to avoid doing as well. 

Don’t be dishonest and disingenuous in your personal statement. Admissions committees read thousands of personal statements and can spot those who feel off or insincere. 

You don’t have to be a perfect person or perfect applicant to get accepted; be yourself and be honest. In fact, acknowledging challenges or setbacks that you have faced and overcame is a great way to demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving skills that make you a stronger candidate! 

Also, avoid generic clichés and overused quotations in personal statements. This can include statements such as “I want to be a PA because I love helping people.” General statements such as this are overdone and come across as dull and impersonal. 

Also, steer clear of fixating on salary details. Focusing too much on the money aspect might make it seem like your main motivation for becoming a Physician's Assistant is financial gain, rather than a true passion for patient care and healthcare. Instead, let your personal statement shines with your real-life experiences and genuine enthusiasm for this profession.

Instead, try some suggestions for engaging ways to start your PA personal statement from Hamilton University: 

• Standard: Simply state what you will be talking about in your paper, basically like a thesis statement. 
• Creative: Find a creative and unique way to begin your personal statement. For example, you can start your piece with a relevant quotation that speaks to you and relates to your experiences. 
• Action: Begin in the middle of a story to draw your reader right into the action. 
• Personal: Start off your statement by revealing something personal about yourself that has led you to your interest in medicine. 
• Informative: State a fact that leads into your personal experiences. 

Avoid academic jargon or overly complicated language in your personal statement as well. Keep it simple and easy to read. Being over-dramatic can be off-putting and impersonal. Your personal statement should reflect who you are, so be authentic and genuine. 

It can be difficult to write something intimate about yourself for strangers to read. It can also be hard to balance between humility and boasting. If you need some extra help, you may find some tips on how to write a recommendation letter for yourself helpful. 

While a personal statement is not the same as a letter of recommendation, there are some core similarities. 

PA School Personal Statement Example

Now that we have discussed the components of a personal statement for PA school, let’s check out some essays that were accepted for PA programs to give you an idea of what a good personal statement looks like. 

Here is an example of a well-written personal statement: 

“Hey Doc, you might want to have a look at this.” On my computer rested a radiology report for a patient I saw with my rural preceptor. She came to the office with left upper quadrant pain, early satiety, and abdominal distention. Due to the patient’s age and family history, I was worried that her vague symptoms could be related to ovarian malignancy; thus, I enquired to my preceptor if he thought ultrasonographic imaging would be appropriate. He readily agreed with my rationale. This report reflected my gut feeling that something was wrong: “There are multiple solid masses in the liver…dominant mass measures 17.0 x 12.9 x 18.1 cm. Follow-up CT recommended.” Although it may sound strange, reading those words convinced me I wanted to become a radiologist. 

I wanted to be the person to give an answer for that patient. I wished I could have performed the patient’s ultrasound examination and subsequently analyzed the findings. One of my family medicine patients suffered mortal complications from the rupture of a massive basilar artery aneurysm, and I used his tragic CTA findings to give insights on how to understand the Circle of Willis and how its anatomy explained the patient’s unfortunate condition. 

I had done research one summer centered around using microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound to characterize indeterminate renal lesions. I began the project as someone who was incapable of understanding what those series of words actually meant, but by the end I was trying to explain the various septations and wall patterns of lesions suggestive of malignancy to my exasperated, but thankfully supportive, parents. It is this constant teaching aspect of radiology that attracts me to the field. The most obvious instruction one gives as a radiologist is assisting physicians with disease diagnosis and pathology localization, but I see a burgeoning, ever-questioning group of pupils waiting ahead for radiologists: their patients. 

As society becomes increasingly tech-savvy, there will be an increasing desire from patients to access their medical images digitally. With that, there comes the concurrent expectation that radiologists will have to be responsible in disseminating this information, as well as explaining the abnormalities. As this latter role has traditionally been in the hands of primary care physicians and/or specialists, radiology will have to adapt and rise to this challenge. 

I am looking for a residency program that wants to prepare its students for this inevitable future. Such a program would obviously need to be strong in giving its future radiologists extensive breadth and depth in commonplace and emerging image modalities with distinguished skills in fostering student independence. As part of that independence, the program must have a strong emphasis on how best to explain radiologic findings for both physicians and laypeople. Additionally, I hope for ample opportunities for resident research, as well as strong mentorship from both upper level residents and faculty.”

Why this personal statement works : The student clearly outlines their goals and how these goals relate to the PA program. The student also clearly demonstrates how their background and personal experiences support their career goals which shows the reader that they are capable of being a great candidate for a PA program.  

Here is another excerpt from a statement that shares a personal story: 

“Do you think we can take in a 2-year-old?” Unsure if my wife was joking, I stopped midway up the steep hill on 19th Street in Birmingham to catch my breath, which was now short for reasons other than the strenuous walk. My wife went on, explaining that her niece, Gabby, needed a home. Nobody else in the family was able to help, and if we didn’t, she would likely end up in foster care. Though we later discussed it at great length, my mind was made up before I submitted the hill. My parents, who worked at a children’s home in Alabama for most of my life, showed me the impact a loving home could have on a child’s life. I couldn’t imagine saying no to this little girl. Less than a month later, we received full custody of Gabby and it became the three of us (plus the cat). It was my first year of medical school, my wife worked full-time, and we were the sole caretakers of a toddler. Through all the stresses of those early times, one thing stands out in my mind as perhaps the most stressful of all—her nighttime cough. That cough kept us awake at night. Each time Gabby let out a string of coughs, I crawled down to the edge of the bed and put my hand on her chest to make sure she was still breathing. We had been told that she might have asthma, but that was all we knew. We didn’t have any of the documentation most places required for care. We had no Medicaid information, Social Security number, birth certificate, or medical history—only a piece of paper signed by a judge that said we were responsible for her. My wife and I were at a loss—how could we care for this child if we could not get her most basic healthcare needs met? Thankfully, we stumbled upon Christ Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health center (FQHC) in Birmingham. 

Christ Health Center was exactly what our family needed. In addition to caring for Gabby’s needs when most other places would not, I saw there a model of the sort of clinical work I intend on doing after residency. I was so impressed I signed up to do an elective rotation with them between first and second year. Prior to that, I was fairly certain I wanted to practice family medicine and work with the underserved in some way; after my first day at Christ Health Center, there was no doubt left in my mind. My draw to family medicine in general, and FQHCs in particular, is the potential for community change. At Christ Health Center, patients often came in with their entire families and everyone in the room had an issue to address, medical or otherwise. I learned some of the nuances of working with a community and gained skills necessary to help meet these needs. Usually, it was just a word of reassurance; other times, it was patient and family education; and occasionally, it was setting them up with resources for food and housing. 

The lessons of those few months are often in my mind as I see patients. During my family medicine clerkship, I was tasked with doing the H&P for three different children in the same room. Inside, I found a frazzled mother completing paperwork while the kids scrambled about the room. She tried her best to calm them as I started on the histories, but to little avail. She grew more and more dispirited as she continued answering, “I don’t know.” Finally, on the verge of tears, she said, “I’m so sorry. I just got custody of all three of them and don’t know anything about their histories.” I paused, remembering Gabby’s nighttime cough. Finally, I said, “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of them. I know exactly how you feel.” 

Why this personal statement works : This student takes a slightly different route than the first example but is also an effective way to write a captivating personal statement. 

This statement reads more like a story, and the reader gets to know the student on a closer level. 

By creating this sense of intimacy, the student demonstrates that their empathy and their ability to overcome personal challenges makes them a great candidate for a PA program. 

Both examples are strong, so the route you want to take is up to you.

Still have some questions? Keep reading as we answer some of your frequently asked questions. 

1. What Should Be In A Personal Statement for PA School?

You should highlight some of your traits and experiences that make you the right fit for the program and the field. Make it personal and make it about you, but remember to also be genuine and humble. 

A personal statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee. Think about how you want to present yourself and what you want the admissions committee to know about you. 

2. How Do You Write A Unique Personal Statement for PA School?

The most important piece to writing a unique personal statement for PA school is to be yourself and write from your heart. 

3. How Long Should a PA School Personal Statement Be?

This all depends on the school and their instructions. However, most personal statements range from 500 words to 1,000 words. Unless stated otherwise, they should never be longer than 1,000 words. 

Final Thoughts

A personal statement is a key piece of your application. Like your interview , it’s your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and really stand out amongst other applicants. A PA school personal statement is also a great opportunity to show off your writing and communication skills. 

Remember to read through the instructions posted by the school, keep it personal and honest, and proofread and edit before submitting. Follow these key steps to write a personal statement that will impress admissions committees.

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Crafting the Perfect Administrative Assistant Personal Statement

Dirghayu Kaushik

18 August 2024

In today’s competitive job market, standing out as an administrative assistant candidate is essential. Your administrative assistant’s personal statement plays a pivotal role in showcasing your qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm for the role.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of creating an outstanding personal statement and cover letter to help you land that coveted administrative assistant position.

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• Why Your Administrative Assistant Personal Statement Matters

Your administrative assistant personal statement is your first opportunity to capture the hiring manager’s attention. It’s a brief yet powerful introduction to your application, allowing you to make a lasting impression. Here’s why it matters:

Setting the Tone for Success

The personal statement sets the tone for the rest of your job application. It provides a snapshot of who you are as a candidate and what you bring to the table. A well-crafted personal statement can pique the hiring manager’s interest, encouraging them to delve deeper into your qualifications.

Standing Out from the Crowd 

In a sea of applicants, standing out is crucial. Your personal statement is your chance to shine and differentiate yourself from other candidates. It allows you to showcase your unique blend of skills, experience, and passion for the administrative assistant role.

Demonstrating Your Fit 

Employers seek candidates who not only have the necessary qualifications but also fit seamlessly into their organization. Your personal statement should articulate why you are the perfect fit for the administrative assistant position and how your skills align with the company’s needs.

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• Crafting Your Administrative Assistant Personal Statement

Now that you understand the significance of your personal statement, let’s dive into the process of crafting one that leaves a lasting impression. We’ll break it down into actionable steps:

Step 1: Start with a Strong Opening 

The opening sentence of your personal statement should grab the reader’s attention immediately. Consider sharing a compelling anecdote or a concise summary of your qualifications to draw the hiring manager in.

Step 2: Highlight Your Qualifications 

In this section, delve into your qualifications for the administrative assistant role. Mention your relevant education, certifications, and any specialized training. Emphasize how these qualifications make you a strong candidate.

Step 3: Showcase Your Skills 

One of the key aspects of your personal statement is showcasing your skills. Administrative assistants need a diverse skill set, including communication, organization, time management, and multitasking. Provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in previous roles.

Step 4: Express Your Enthusiasm 

Your passion for the role should shine through in your personal statement. Explain why you’re enthusiastic about being an administrative assistant and how your enthusiasm translates into exceptional performance.

Step 5: Tailor to the Job 

Customization is key. Tailor your personal statement to the specific administrative assistant job you’re applying for. Mention the company’s values, mission, and how your contributions will align with their goals.

Step 6: Conclude with a Strong Call to Action 

Wrap up your personal statement by expressing your eagerness to contribute to the organization’s success. Invite the hiring manager to get in touch, and thank them for considering your application.

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• Crafting the Perfect Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Your administrative assistant’s cover letter complements your personal statement. It provides an opportunity to expand on your qualifications and demonstrate your written communication skills. Here’s how to create an effective cover letter:

Introduction: Addressing the Hiring Manager 

Begin your cover letter with a professional salutation, ideally addressing the hiring manager by name. Express your interest in the administrative assistant position and briefly mention where you found the job posting.

Body: Expand on Your Qualifications 

The body of your cover letter should elaborate on the qualifications and skills mentioned in your personal statement. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the job requirements.

Company Fit: Demonstrating Alignment 

Explain why you’re drawn to the company and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Mention the company’s values, culture, and mission, showcasing your commitment to becoming an integral part of their team.

Closing: Reiterate Your Enthusiasm

In the closing paragraph, reiterate your enthusiasm for the administrative assistant role and your eagerness to contribute. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, and express your hope for the opportunity to interview.

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Crafting an exceptional administrative assistant personal statement and cover letter requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a compelling application that sets you apart from the competition.

Remember, your personal statement is your chance to shine, so make it count. Stand out from the crowd, demonstrate your fit for the role, and leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. Your dream administrative assistant position awaits!

Q1: What is an administrative assistant personal statement?

An administrative assistant personal statement is a brief but powerful introduction to your job application. It highlights your qualifications, skills, and why you are the ideal candidate for the administrative assistant position.

Q2: Why is the personal statement important in a job application?

The personal statement is your opportunity to make a strong first impression on the hiring manager. It sets the tone for your application and can help you stand out from other candidates.

Q3: What should I include in my personal statement?

Your personal statement should include a brief summary of your qualifications, relevant skills, and a compelling reason why you are the perfect fit for the administrative assistant role.

Q4: Can you provide an administrative assistant personal statement template?

Yes, we offer an administrative assistant personal statement template in our blog. It will guide you in creating a well-structured and effective personal statement.

Q5: How can I tailor my personal statement to a specific job application?

To tailor your personal statement, carefully review the job description and requirements. Highlight the skills and qualifications that align with the specific job, and explain how you can contribute to the organization’s success.

Q6: What are some key skills that should be mentioned in an administrative assistant personal statement?

Important skills to mention include communication skills, organizational skills, time management, multitasking abilities, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and previous administrative experience.

Q7: How long should my administrative assistant’s personal statement be?

Your personal statement should be concise, typically no more than a few paragraphs. Aim for clarity and impact rather than length.

Q8: Can a well-written personal statement improve my chances of getting hired as an administrative assistant?

Yes, a well-crafted personal statement can significantly improve your chances of getting hired. It demonstrates your enthusiasm and qualifications, making you a standout candidate.

Q9: Should I address the hiring manager by name in my cover letter?

Whenever possible, address the hiring manager by name in your cover letter. It shows that you’ve done your research and adds a personal touch to your application.

Q10: What’s the best way to conclude my administrative assistant personal statement?

Conclude your personal statement by expressing your eagerness to contribute to the organization’s success. Invite the hiring manager to get in touch, and thank them for considering your application.

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Table of Contents

• • Why Your Administrative Assistant Personal Statement Matters
• • Crafting Your Administrative Assistant Personal Statement
• • Crafting the Perfect Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
• • Conclusion

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January 26, 2024

Writing Your PA School Personal Statement with Impact [Including a PA Personal Statement Example]

There are approximately 300 accredited PA (physician assistant) schools in the United States. In the most recent application cycle, these schools received more than 27,000 applications. The matriculation rate for PA schools hovers near 30%, which is lower than the approximate 40% matriculation rate for medical schools. Is becoming a PA a competitive process? Yes! Is it impossible? No!

For you to stand out in this crowded applicant pool, your  personal statement for your PA application  has got to shine from the first sentence to the last. It needs to tell a compelling story that focuses on your sustained interest in the field, while at the same time building a case for your qualifications. It should not rehash your CV, be loaded with clichés, or focus solely on a story that portrays you as a victim.   

The character limit for the CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) personal statement is 5,000 – which includes spaces ! Some people at first believe the limit is 5,000  words  and end up having to severely cut back their overwritten drafts. Don’t let this happen to you! 

The following successful essay responds to the question, “Why PA?” After reading this essay, you’ll understand why the candidate was accepted into a PA program.  The individual has given permission for their essay to be shared publicly. All personal identifiers and details have been removed to protect their privacy.

PA School Personal Statement Example

I was nine years old and in the middle of Mrs. Russell’s third grade class when my stomach began to itch uncontrollably. I remember thinking to myself, “Did I get bitten by a bug?” Completely distracted by the incessant itching, I asked Mrs. Russell if I could go to the nurse’s office. When the nurse lifted my shirt, I saw the biggest “bug bites” I had ever seen covering the majority of my stomach. She quickly called my mom, who took me to several different doctors as the “bug bites” continued to spread all over my body. None of the doctors could figure out what was wrong with me until I saw a Dermatology PA. He immediately diagnosed me with a delayed allergic reaction. He gave me a medication that almost immediately made the hives disappear. I no longer struggled to open my eyes! It was like magic! To this day, I still have no idea what caused that allergic reaction, but I am grateful for this experience, because it introduced me to a PA who continued to touch my life and cultivate my interest in medicine and healthcare.

Year after year, my love of learning continued to flourish. I began taking gifted classes in math and science in the fifth grade and continued to take honors and advanced placement classes when I reached high school. In addition to my studies, I also began to play volleyball and softball. Through these sports, I learned the skills that a textbook could not teach me, such as accountability, integrity,  teamwork , and leadership. Through my academic achievements, active participation in numerous school clubs, and leadership role as the captain of my volleyball team, my high school nominated me to participate in a National Youth Leadership Forum in the summer of ——. I attended lectures by a PA, a nurse, a chiropractor, a veterinarian, and several physician specialists. In addition to the lectures and countless group activities, I visited several medical facilities. In one of the labs, I saw a table displaying human organs infected with different diseases and cancers. To my surprise, I was eager to touch them and learn why the people they once belonged to could not have been saved. From that experience on, I became determined to pursue medicine.

My  interest in the PA profession  quickly became a driving force in my life after my mom was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma in February —— and quickly passed away in October of that year. I was devastated upon hearing her diagnosis. How could this happen when she went to the Dermatologist every three to six months? The same Dermatology PA who had healed me with his “magic pills” spent a significant amount of time with my mom after her diagnosis. He met with her and my dad following a long day of seeing patients, to determine if he had missed something in her regular exams. He also made himself available to my entire family and recommended specialists and experimental treatments. He explained everything we did not understand along the way. It is because of the compassion, sincerity, and care he provided to my mom and my family during this difficult time that I became certain I wanted to pursue my love of medicine as a PA.

Throughout my undergraduate career, as well as the time since I graduated, I have continued to explore the medical field to learn as much as I can about becoming a PA. Through countless hours of  shadowing and volunteering  as a medical assistant at —— Dermatology, I have learned how crucial teamwork, effective communication, detailed note-taking, and compassion are for effective patient care. There have been numerous instances where doing a simple and nearly painless biopsy could have turned into a serious and most certainly uncomfortable medical situation. By taking thorough patient histories, accurately noting any allergies, and verbally communicating these notes to the practitioner, I have been able to ensure that patients receive the best care possible while averting any avoidable crises.

Every challenge and opportunity that I have encountered since I was the itchy little girl sitting in Mrs. Russell’s class has brought me to this decision. My mom’s passing has only made me more passionate about this profession and has given me a new appreciation for life that I hope to share with my patients and community. With my love of learning and helping others, as well as the skill set I will gain from a PA program, I am certain that I will have the tools needed to become a valued member of a larger care team. I am eager to see how these opportunities will positively impact not only my life, but also the lives of others.

What makes this PA personal statement outstanding?

This essay shows that the writer invested the question “Why PA?” with a great deal of thought. It is exceptional for the following reasons:

1. The writer specifically explains “why PA” from the first paragraph to the last.

She writes with honesty and skill, directly responding to the essay prompt. Each paragraph illustrates an additional reason that becoming a PA is the only profession for her. She builds her case by discussing her academic achievements (advanced placement and honors classes in math and science), shadowing and volunteering as a medical assistant, and learning to appreciate the essential “soft skills” of compassion, sincerity, and care in a PA, which convinces the reader that she is grateful for, dedicated to, and thirsts for knowledge in the field of medicine. For these reasons, the candidate was  invited to interview  and received an acceptance.

2. The writer demonstrates a longitudinal pattern of behavior and involvement that supports her educational goal.

In my experience,  past behavior predicts future behavior . This candidate’s pattern of behavior aligns with the work and responsibilities of a PA. With a love of learning and teamwork, as demonstrated by the experiences she chose in the medical arena, the writer proves through her long-term involvement with medicine that she will seamlessly fit into the role of PA. It is clear how much effort she has invested into preparing for this career.

3. An appealing balance of personal motivations and professional goals are represented in the essay.

From her childhood experience of being successfully treated by a PA to appreciating the clinical skill and sensitivity of PAs she encountered over the years, this writer’s motivations are a perfect blend of the personal and the professional. She writes convincingly about why this career path will be so meaningful on multiple levels. By drawing on both her personal contact with the profession and her preparation for it, she convinces readers of the variety and depth of her commitment. Each paragraph builds from personal to professional motivations, culminating in a conclusion where she ties the two threads together.

The profession of PA continues to grow in stature and popularity. When submitting your CASPA, remember you will be evaluated on the competitiveness of your holistic portfolio, with the personal statement being a critical component. Take time to craft your narrative, leave yourself additional time for reviewing and editing your drafts, and ensure that the statement you submit will captivate the admissions committee!

As the former assistant dean of student affairs and career development at the William Beaumont School of Medicine, Dr. Valerie Wherely worked directly with the dean of the School of Medicine, the associate dean of student affairs, the associate dean of clinical curriculum, and the assistant dean of admissions, as well as with Year 4 students on both residency application reviews/critiques and mock interview preparation. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!

Related Resources:

• How to Get into Physician Assistant Programs , podcast Episode 515
• Reapplying to PA School: Tips on Polishing and Refining Your NEW Application
• Why Should I Consider Allied Health Careers?

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Examples of a Teaching Assistant's Personal Statement

A teaching assistant position gives you the chance to work with kids, even if you don't have a teaching license. The application and hiring process varies, but it may include writing a personal statement covering your beliefs about education, discussing your teaching skills as well as other relevant information that highlights your qualifications. Taking time to craft a well-written statement can put you ahead of the competition, when applying for teaching assistant positions.

Succinct Opening

Your entire personal statement should be to the point. A large block of text may cause the hiring manager to skim or skip the section entirely. Personal statements typically start off with a simple description of your job title as a teaching assistant, how much experience you have in education, and the expertise you have or specific position you're seeking. This is your first impression and your chance to hook the hiring manager, so choose powerful words that make an impact.

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Examples of a letter of intent for a teaching job, how to avoid burnout as a preschool teacher, good objectives for resumes for working with kids, role of teacher assistants in kindergarten classrooms, list of goals for elementary teacher aides.

"Energetic teaching assistant with two years of classroom experience in supporting elementary students with reading, writing, math and science activities."

Education and Teaching Experience

Describing your training and education in the field shows that you're qualified and knowledgeable about how to work with students. If you have experience in the classroom as a teaching assistant, highlight that work to show that you're ready to work with students. Other experience outside of the classroom can also fit into the personal statement, if it somehow relates to teaching or can translate to work as a teaching assistant.

"While completing my studies in elementary education, I gained knowledge on child development, teaching strategies and behavior management. I completed three practicum experiences in elementary classrooms, which gave me the opportunity to plan lessons, manage behaviors in the classroom and support student learning."

Strengths and Skills

The goal of your personal statement is to set you apart from other applicants. To do that, you want to highlight your special skills and strengths that relate to being a teaching assistant. Some people excel at connecting with students. Others have excellent communication skills with parents and colleagues. Some might know how to support kids who struggle with the learning activities.

"As a teaching assistant, I have a unique ability to see where students need support, enabling me to reteach the ideas in a way the students can understand. I also communicate well with lead teachers and with other teaching assistants, to support a team atmosphere."

Reasons for Wanting the Position

Your personal statement usually includes a section that explains why you want the position. It's your chance to emphasize why you're a good fit for the role and what you can offer the school.

"This position offers the challenging environment I enjoy, while allowing me to work with elementary students, which is the level in which I have the most experience. I welcome the opportunity to support the classroom teacher, while continuing to add to my experience."

• University of Kent Careers and Employability Service: PGCE Personal Statements
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Writing the Personal Statement
• Fish4Jobs: Teaching Assistant Personal Statement
• Total Jobs: How to Write a Personal Statement

Based in the Midwest, Shelley Frost has been writing parenting and education articles since 2007. Her experience comes from teaching, tutoring and managing educational after school programs. Frost worked in insurance and software testing before becoming a writer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with a reading endorsement.

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The Complete Guide to Finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job

This comprehensive guide will show you, step-by-step, how to find a new assistant position..

I know finding an Executive or Personal Assistant job can be a difficult and often frustrating journey. So much of it can come down to personality, qualifications, or experience within a specific industry.

The Complete Guide to Finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job is designed to help you navigate each step of the job search process. Here, you will find everything you need to prepare for the perfect Personal and Executive Assistant job search, including templates for CVs and covering letters, questions and answers for the interviews and those all-important keyword search terms that will get you in front of the right recruiters.

Once you have landed the dream role, this guide will ensure you make the right first impression with your new Executive.

We are there every step of the way!

Here are the topics we will cover in The Complete Guide to Finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job.

So you want to find a new Assistant role?

• Looking for an Assistant role online
• Building a brilliant CV (resume) for Executive Assistants
• Cover letters and messages when applying for an Assistant role

Working with an Assistant Recruitment Agency

Preparing for an assistant interview, recruiting your replacement and saying goodbye graciously, jon our free accelerate your job search online course.

This step-by-step course will help you prepare for a new job search, take control, and minimise the time it takes to land a role that works for you.

5 in-depth modules

Workbooks, Copy-and-paste swipe files, checklists, resources & templates

Video-based lectures with world-leading tutors

• Certificate delivered on completion of the course

For whatever reason, you have decided it is time for finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job. It can be tempting to take the first offer, particularly as finding that perfect Assistant role can be long and arduous.

However, with some planning, Assistants can increase their chances of landing the ideal job that pays the bills and lets them shine.

This chapter will cover your motivations for finding a new Assistant role. It is a long process, and we want to ensure you have everything covered!

We all know that looking for a new job isn’t easy.

It can take a lot of time with hours of searching through job descriptions, speaking to recruitment agencies and then preparing for and going to job interviews.

It is a job in itself!

But, most Assistants start a new job search because they are ready to move on from their current role.

So, often Assistants jump into a new job search without considering what they want from the next job, what they have learnt and what they can contribute to a new organisation.

Asking yourself questions and following a proven process will hold you in good stead regarding your next job search.

Are you outgrowing your Assistant role?

I think we’ve all been there.

You’ve been working in your role for a few years. You know everything there is to know about the job, and you’ve settled into a reasonably easy routine that doesn’t come with too much pressure.

Life is good.

But then comes the day when you start to feel a bit bored and unmotivated; the stuff that used to make you feel excited just doesn’t anymore.

I’ve felt like that in some roles, particularly after a few years when every day was good but not in the slightest bit challenging.

If you feel the same, maybe it is time to ask yourself, ‘are you outgrowing your PA role?

There are tale signs that you are outgrowing your PA or EA role, and here are just a few….

You’re not feeling motivated

This is a biggie.

When you are not engaged with your work or don’t feel like you are helping the organisation, it is time to think about your role.

Are you unmotivated because you need a more challenging role ultimately?

A new role and environment will undoubtedly give you that creative spark again. Or, are you just bored with your day-to-day role and perhaps you could ask your Executive for something more challenging?

Every day is the same

I would be worried if I was in your shoes and every day was the same. Definitely a reason to start finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job!

In pretty much every good role I’ve been in, I have been able to say that variety is the best thing about the job. For most PAs, every day is entirely different; that is what we love.

If every day is the same and you have little or no variety, you could have outgrown the role.

Also, if you are so good at your job, any problem is easily solved, and you don’t get that rush of excitement when something new crops up – also a sign!

There is no room for growth whatsoever

Okay, this is tricky for PAs because we often ask ourselves, ‘where is this role going?’

Firstly, many of us are put in pay brackets that don’t reflect our worth.

Secondly, our role is not part of the career development path within the organisation, so there aren’t any promotions or job title changes available, and thirdly moving from being a PA to a non-board level Executive to an EA to a CEO doesn’t necessarily mean that the tasks and the day to day change.

So traditional growth within an Assistant’s career is challenging anyway!

Suppose you find that you are not being given any new opportunities to grow within your current role, which could be new projects, being allowed to travel with your Exec or having a new job title to get a pay rise. In that case, it is time to ask if you are outgrowing your PA role.

Your expertise is not being used

Assistants have many skills and knowledge; obviously, some will be used more than others, depending on the role.

If you find that your favourite skills, the stuff that you are good at and what you love to do, are not being utilised, then it might be that you’ve outgrown the role.

Especially if you have skills that came with a degree or skills that took years to perfect through hard-fought experience.

What should you do if you have outgrown your PA role?

If you have read this and thought, yup, that’s me, then don’t quite pack up your bags just yet!

The first thing you have to do is talk to your Executive.

If they are a good manager, they will probably have noticed you aren’t wholly as motivated as you were.

Be honest. Tell them how you feel. Tell you are finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job.

Your manager’s answer will tell you everything you need to know about your next move.

Either they will be supportive and help you rediscover your love of the role, or they will say something like (and this happened to me), ‘oh, yeah, it’s not great being an assistant. It must get a bit dull after a while.’

At this point, I decided to start my next job search.

Before you get fully involved in your job search, there are a few questions you should ask yourself that will start the process correctly.

Five questions to ask before you start your next job search

These five questions will hold you in good stead regarding your next job search.

1. Is my CV up to date?

Many people lock their CVs away when they have a new job and rarely look at them again.

If you’ve been in your current role for a while, you will have gathered many new skills to add to your CV, so it might take longer than you think to whip your CV into shape.

Take the time to perfect your CV to reflect the best version of you when you send it out into the world.

2. Should I leave this job?

Why are you starting a new job search? Is it because you’ve been at the company extended and are ready for a new challenge? Have you been made redundant or just out of school?

If you hate your job, lack motivation and can’t stand your boss, then take a moment to ponder whether or not you can turn the situation around without moving to a new employer.

Have you had an honest and open conversation with your Executive? Is there more you can do?

Suppose the answer is no, then great! Start looking for a new job. It is always worth reflecting on your current situation before starting a new search.

3. What are my salary expectations?

Your salary expectations are worth thinking about before you start your job search.

Many Assistants only get significant pay increases when we job hop (move from one position to the next quickly).

So do think about getting to that next pay level seriously.

You will have increased your skillset in your current role and are worthy of a pay rise (even if your current employer disagrees).

Look at the job market and go for those roles with a higher salary. You never know. You might be a great fit and what the employer was looking for.

4. What do I want in my next role?

More responsibility? A better office culture? An increase in pay and benefits?

Hopefully, all of the above, right?!

Do spend some time reflecting on what you want in the new role. This will help you narrow your job search and deal with recruiters who try to put you forward for positions that don’t fit your expectations.

If your criteria are specific, it might take you longer to find that perfect job, but it will be worthwhile.

5. Do I have all the requirements for the next job?

Once you have decided what you want to do in your role, start building the skills required.

Once you’ve done this exercise, you might realise that you need further qualifications or a bit more experience and decide to take a new job that gets you moving in the right direction.

Or you stay in your current role until you finalise your qualifications. The job you accept now might not be your dream role, but it is a stepping stone in the right direction. If you have everything you need for the dream job now, go for it! Start finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job.

Five steps to take before you start actively looking for a new role

One: what are you looking for in your new role.

It’s time to think about you. As Assistants, this is not something we do very often, but when looking for a new role, you must reflect on what you want.

Asking yourself this question will not only help you understand what jobs to apply for it will also help you prepare for the interview process.

• Do you want to advance your career?
• Do you want a better work/life balance?
• Do you want more responsibility in your new role or more creative tasks?
• What type of work excites you?

Before you begin looking for a new Assistant role, it is worthwhile defining what exactly you want from your new role and what your aspirations are for your future (not just salary but what you enjoy in your work).

Two: Tailor your cover letter and CV

We will cover this in greater detail later in the guide, but make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for each job you are applying for.

For example, applying for an Assistant role that supports a Communications Director emphasises your marketing skills. Or, if you are using this for your first role working with a board-level Executive, ensure you highlight any previous experience working with senior staff members.

Three: Applying for roles through a Recruitment Agency

Recruitment agencies want to find candidates that their clients are happy with.

Usually, this will mean that they only place a candidate in a position they have experience in, ideally one that they have done in the past and have a proven track record.

This is why you must tailor your resume before approaching an agency; otherwise, you will do what you have always done.

Ensure you are clear with the type of role you want and stick to it, so the agency doesn’t send you unsuitable opportunities.

When applying for jobs through a website, ensure your CV has all the keywords appropriate for the job you are applying for. The agencies will only call you if your CV has passed their keyword algorithm.

Unfair but accurate!

Once you are invited to see an agent remember that they are the gatekeepers to the organisation you want to work for, do think of it as an interview.

Dress appropriately and be prepared to answer questions about your career to date and experiences. Also, remember that you can interview them too. You have every right to make sure they are the kind of agent you want representing you.

Four: Remember to apply directly too!

Targeting organisations you would like to work for and connecting directly with them is an excellent idea. They may not be recruiting then but might keep your CV on file if anything arises.

As ever, it is also worthwhile making sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and you stay connected to your ideal employers on social media just in case they post any recruitment opportunities. Also, network with other Assistants and attend local events; you never know which contact might think of you when a job arises.

Five: Should you go to every interview?

It depends on where you are in your career.

Don’t waste time going to interviews that are unsuitable for you.

However, if you are not confident in interviews or are not 100% sure what you want your next career move to be, you have nothing to lose by attending most interviews.

You will gain interview experience, learn more about the job, and like its sound or meet the Executive and click. Once you are at a level where you are confident in yourself and your skills, you will become much more selective with the jobs you pick and the interviews you attend.

Job hunting tips when you are already employed

It can be tricky job hunting when you are already employed, but the research suggests that the most desirable candidates already work full-time.

So, how do you search for a new job without jeopardising the one you already have?

Here are our five tips for those of you who are job hunting when you are already employed.

Find the time to search

You will have to dedicate some of your time to the job search because it is unethical to research a new role during your working hours.

While your current employer still pays you, please don’t spend time researching new roles on their computers. Plus, you’ll probably give the game away that you are looking for something else.

Recruiters work the same hours as you, so if you need to take a call or answer an email, wait until your break, and never use your current work address to communicate with a recruitment agency or new employer.

Everything can be done online now, so you can look at job boards, apps, LinkedIn and other sites in your own time and outside of working hours.

When updating your LinkedIn profile, it is worth turning off your notifications so that your current colleagues cannot see you making changes and don’t change your status to ‘looking for a new job’.

When you post your CV onto all the various job boards, remember that you will initially be inundated with calls from recruitment agencies, so either turn your phone off during working hours or at least put it on vibrate!

When do you go for an interview?

Good question.

Before or after work or during your lunch break, if your new employer insists that you interview during work hours, you could take a personal day or vacation.

If you have flexible working hours, now is the time to use them.

To tell or not to tell

I wouldn’t recommend telling your current boss you are seeking a new job.

Even if they know you are unhappy in your role, things will differ between you. Sometimes job hunting doesn’t lead anywhere, or it takes forever, so best to keep the search to yourself until you are sure you are leaving (when you have a firm offer from your new employer).

I also suggest you not tell your colleagues that you might be the best of buddies, but why share something that will negatively affect your personal life and money situation if word gets back to your Executive?

Who should you ask for references?

You can ask a past employer to provide references (that isn’t your current one), or you can ask someone that is an old work colleague or someone high standing in your community or someone that knows you well and can sing your praises (not your mum).

Your references do not have to come from your current employer.

What to wear for the interview?

How often have you dressed up for work, and someone has said, “going for an interview?” Ha Ha… Anyway, best to change into your interview outfit once you’ve left the office.

Or switch back to your regular office clothes after the interview, especially if you usually wear casual stuff to work.

My last piece of advice would be this.

Don’t check out of work once you decide to look for a new job.

Job hunting can take a while, and if you go to work every day with a ‘couldn’t care less attitude, you will be sussed out immediately and remember you’ll need these people to give you a reference in the future.

So, be on your best behaviour until the day you leave!

Now that you have the information and the motivation to set out and find your ideal Assistant role, it’s time to start researching your next opportunity.

Break down any mental obstacles you may have built up in yourself, and take action today. Instil confidence within yourself as you go through the job search process. Be proactive; connect with contacts, network, sign up for relevant newsletters, browse job sites, and create strong CVs and applications.

A successful job hunt requires days, if not weeks, of dedicated effort. The reward for this hard work is immense: that perfect job which helps you achieve all the goals you have set out for yourself! So keep a positive attitude while finding a new Assistant role – it will pay off in the end. To best help with your job search process, why not look at our Accelerate Your Assistant Job Search Online Course? We wish you luck on this exciting journey!

Looking for an Executive or Personal Assistant role online

When Assistants are looking for a new role, most will apply online either directly through the organisation’s website or via an online jobs board.

The internet is wonderful, and it makes finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job much easier!

Most organisations, recruitment agencies and entrepreneurs use the Internet to employ new staff members, so this is the best place to start if you are looking for a new role.

However, searching online for a new assistant role can be challenging.

Tips on how to start your Assistant job search online

We have suggested defining precisely what you are looking for in your next Assistant role.

This is even more important if you use the internet to find your next role. The internet is vast, and many websites advertise Assistant roles.

Knowing what you want in your next role will save you a lot of time searching through various websites. Making finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job much easier.

Search Engines

This seems the obvious place to start, but using a search engine like Google will throw up a lot of stuff that may not be relevant to your job search.

If you were to Google ‘Assistant jobs’, over a million results would appear.

That would take quite some time to work through. So you must refine your search.

This is where keywords come into play. This is really important when finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job.

Using a specific search term or keywords based on your ideal role will help you narrow down the number of results in your search engine.

So, for example, using Personal Assistant role to Communications Director in London in Google will bring up jobs relevant to your specific search.

Jobs Boards

Thousands of websites are dedicated to recruitment, so it is worth being selective with the job boards you use.

Ideally, you want to use a website with roles specifically for assistants in your location and roles within the industry you want to work in. Most job boards will have filters that you can use to narrow your search.

Most job boards will also let you set up an alert to receive an email whenever a new role is posted on their website. This is a great way to keep up to date with the latest posts.

Remember that with so many jobs posted on these websites, the roles can be filled quickly, so it is worth following up with the recruitment agent if you find your dream role.

Recruitment Agency websites

Although most agencies will post their new roles on wider job boards, it is still worth checking their websites directly.

Generally, they post new roles on their website before anywhere else, so it is worth setting up an alert if you find an agent that recruits for your preferred position.

Social Media

Social media platforms are critical to any online job search. The obvious social media platform to start using is LinkedIn. Here you will find a considerable amount of resources to aid your job search, and numerous articles and books are written about LinkedIn. We will go into more detail later in this chapter.

Again, most organisations and recruitment agencies will post new roles on LinkedIn.

You may be approached directly with job offers if you are active on LinkedIn. So, when looking for a new role, firstly, you must have a LinkedIn profile, and secondly, it must be up to date. Most potential recruiters will look at your LinkedIn profile when reviewing your application.

LinkedIn is also useful for researching your potential employer, particularly when preparing for your interview. It is also a great place to network professionally.

Having a strong network will help your job search significantly. Twitter and Facebook are also powerful social media platforms for networking and keeping up to date with jobs.

Again, if you have an interview coming up, check out the organisation’s Twitter and Facebook accounts to get a flavour of what is happening in the business.

Your online profile

A word of warning!

Before you look for your next role, make sure you Google yourself. Your potential employer will.

Usually, you will not find anything remotely embarrassing or unprofessional, but if you do, make sure you have an explanation for it.

Your potential employer will look at your online profile, so make sure it is up-to-date, professional and shows you in a positive light.

How to clean up your online presence before starting a job search

Social media has been part of our lives for a long time now, and we all have a lot of information about ourselves online.

Most of you know that recruiters will look at your online data as much as they will look at the perfect CV you hand over when you apply for a job.

The online information will include your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts and any other social platforms you post details about your life.

Hiring managers look at online profiles as much as they look at your CV, so you have to ensure that your online presence sets the right tone.

Here are the steps to follow before you start job hunting.

The first thing to note is that you don’t have to and shouldn’t delete every social media account. It would probably look odd to a hiring manager if they didn’t find anything about you online.

You have to be selective about who sees what.

Check your privacy settings.

This is an obvious one, but social media platforms change their privacy settings, so you regularly want to ensure that your settings are up to date. Make sure that only friends can see what you post and what people post about you and add to your timeline, including photos and videos. For example, on Facebook, I have set up my profile to approve everything posted on my profile before it goes live. Again, take the time to ensure your settings are secure so that anyone doing a stringent search will struggle to find out or see too much.

Make your professional achievements visible.

You want to impress the person looking at your online profile, so spend time ensuring they can easily find your professional profile. Make your LinkedIn profile easy to access (follow Jennifer’s tips here), bring everything up to date and ask for recommendations and reviews of your performance. If you have photos from your recent charity fundraiser or sponsored run, add them to Facebook or Instagram and open them to view. Anything that puts you in a good light and makes you attractive to a potential employer can be visible.

Share posts relevant to your industry or the industry you want to work in.

Follow the right people (here are two valuable lists of people to follow on Twitter), re-post and highlight articles that are relevant and will be helpful for other people in your network. Of course, you should also follow and re-post articles from leading voices in the Assistant industry to show you are passionate about your career. Remember to follow the organisation that is interviewing you! This is really important when finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job.

Deactivate old accounts and delete anything that doesn’t put you in a great light.

We’ve all heard the tales of prominent people who have had to apologise for old tweets, inappropriate posts and pictures. It isn’t worth the trouble, so delete anything on any of the profiles that puts you in a bad light. Remember, you can also ask Google to remove unwanted searches on your name or image. Here is the link.

Change your profile pictures.

Your profile pictures are the first images that come up on your search, so make sure yours is up to date and professional and remember to delete any profile pictures that are not appropriate.

Using LinkedIn effectively

As I’ve said many times, I think Assistants should use social media to enhance all aspects of their careers.

Here are a few tips on how to use LinkedIn effectively.

Complete your profile

Ensure all aspects of your profile are current, and all the details have been completed using your CV as the foundation.

Use a professional photo

Save the party photos for Facebook, and use a professional snap for your LinkedIn profile. It is the way of the world that your image will judge you, so keep it professional, especially if you are job hunting.

Join groups

Groups are an excellent way to connect with other Assistants, read helpful articles and seek advice from like-minded people. Here are 5 of the most popular groups that I would recommend:

• Executive/Personal Assistants
• Executive Assistant / Secretary
• PAs, EAs, VAs and Senior Administrators
• Administrative Assistants to CEOs
• Executive Support Magazine

Connect with everyone relevant

You are on there for business opportunities and networking, so you never know where that chance might come from. Be proactive if someone in a group or a particular recruitment agency would be helpful to network with.

Recommendations

Recommend people you work with, people you’ve worked with in the past or have provided you with excellent service, an exceptional recruitment agency or a brilliant colleague.

Schedule LinkedIn time

Find 30 minutes a week to read articles, comment, or update your profile. If you set up a rule on your emails to move all your LinkedIn emails into a separate folder, you can read through these at your convenience without clogging up your inbox.

Job hunting

When you are job hunting, make sure your profile is current. Follow companies on LinkedIn you would like to work for to post their latest news and jobs. Follow any companies you have interviews with and use LinkedIn to view the profiles of those you will be working with and interviewed by.

Network in real life too

Before going to any training, conference or networking working events, mention this to your contacts to see if you can connect in real life.

If you have a few friendly faces to meet at these events, it may be easier to go along alone.

25 ways to get noticed on LinkedIn

LinkedIn expert Jennifer Corcoran at My Super Connector gives 25 great examples of raising your profile on LinkedIn.

Congratulations! You have an ‘All-Star’ LinkedIn profile. You must be doing something right. Before you become too complacent, please ask yourself the following questions.

• Am I leveraging LinkedIn to its full effect?
• Am I using LinkedIn strategically to grow my Personal Brand?

Having an ‘All-Star’ profile can mean adding various sections to your profile. You may have very little content in these sections.

“Having a LinkedIn profile is no longer enough, especially if no one sees it. Or worse, people see your profile, but it does a poor job of representing you and what you do.” (Melonie Dodaro, LinkedIn Expert).

Okay, so hands up, you admit you are not doing as much as possible.

Does this matter?

Yes. Did you know that when someone googles you, your LinkedIn profile will usually come to the top of the profile search? Try it now and see your LinkedIn profile often ranks higher than your website.

Did you know LinkedIn users are statistically four times more likely to visit your website than Facebook users? 40% of all users sign in daily, and 94% of B2B marketers use LinkedIn to distribute content. LinkedIn also generates the highest visitor-to-lead conversion rate of 2.74%, so you are missing out if you are not optimising this platform.

Fear not. Here are my 25 top tips to help get you noticed on LinkedIn.

• First things first, create a bespoke LinkedIn URL. I’ve seen some shockers full of digits, which does not make a great first impression.
• Add your LinkedIn profile to your email signature.
• Add your Linked URL to your Business Card.
• Add your LinkedIn URL to your CV and application letter.
• Post status updates on your home page. Let your connections know that you are active and relevant in your industry. Out of sight means out of mind. Use the AIDA copywriting formula (Attention, Interest, Desire and Action).
• Tag people and companies in your status updates. This is quickly done by adding @ and their name.
• Join LinkedIn Groups. There is currently a maximum limit of 50. Join ones that are relevant to your industry and personal brand.
• If you are active on other social media platforms, such as Twitter, and don’t have a website, you can add your LinkedIn profile.
• Write LinkedIn Pulse posts and share these on your social media platforms.
• Write your blog and put the link in your profile. This is an excellent way of establishing yourself as an expert in your niche.
• Check your privacy settings. Are you visible to all?
• Invest in a professional headshot that stands out for all the right reasons.
• Add a cover photo. You can easily create one on Canva to complement your brand.
• Do you look at who is viewing your profile? If they look impressive, why not reach out and connect with them? Always think of quality and not quantity.
• Constantly personalise invitation requests. You wouldn’t throw a business card at someone and then walk away, would you? If someone accepts your request, adhere to polite etiquette and say hello and thanks. Be social and engage.
• Contribute to LinkedIn Groups. Share interesting content and actively contribute to discussions. Always follow the 80/20 rule. When in doubt, ask yourself, ‘so what’? Will this inform, educate, inspire or motivate? Don’t self-promote too much. This is equally as boring in both the online and offline worlds!
• Contribute to industry forums, show your knowledge, experience and insights, and link to your URL.
• Create your own LinkedIn profile badge.
• Check updates from your network, as you may spot opportunities that may be perfect for you or other connections. Remember, it’s often not what you know but who you know.
• If you don’t have an up-to-date CV, you can turn your LinkedIn profile into a PDF. I don’t usually advocate using a Premium Account, but if you are actively job-seeking, this will help as you can email people outside your usual network.
• Be a super-connector. If you have two contacts who you think would work well together, introduce them and explain why you are doing so.
• Have a call to action at the end of your summary and experience. Have you listed your email address or how people can contact you?
• Tag on media at the bottom of your summary profile (videos, pdfs, blogs, etc.) Unlike a traditional CV/resume, LinkedIn allows you to inject some personality, so why not make the most of this opportunity?
• Use keywords throughout your profile. When people search on LinkedIn, they mainly search for ‘people’ versus things, so bear this in mind when listing what you do. I’m listed as a Social Media Consultant. If people search, will they find you? Consider the words and keyword phrases your ideal clients will use on LinkedIn to see you. Your headline should grab attention and include keywords.
• Recommendations are the most potent social proof, so don’t be shy. Get tooting that horn and ask current and former colleagues, clients and connections to recommend you.

Job searching can be difficult and often overwhelming for many Assistants, with so many resources, job postings, and qualifications to consider.

By following the steps outlined in this article, Assistants can successfully find new roles online with much more confidence and control. As you begin your Assistant job search online, remember to use the internet and rely on your skills and expertise, as they are your best tools for achieving your goals. Above all, have faith in yourself and always strive to believe that you deserve the best opportunities out there. And don’t forget: if you ever wish to take a deep dive into advanced topics relating to finding a role as an Assistant, take a look at the Accelerate Your Assistant Job Search Online Course for further support.

Building a brilliant CV for Personal and Executive Assistants

A good CV should always be the first step on the long walk to a new Assistant job.

The details in your CV reflect your experiences. But a well-crafted resume will help you stand out from the crowd (and trust me, these days, there is a crowd). This is so important when finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job.

Looking through the various job boards for Assistants, plenty of opportunities exist. But where to start? This chapter will show you how to build a brilliant CV for Personal and Executive Assistants.

The details you need to add to your Assistant’s resume

Start as you mean to go on when building a brilliant CV for Personal and Executive Assistants.

Your name should be at the top of your CV; this is slightly obvious, but you would be surprised that some people forget to do this!

Below your name, write a short personal statement that spells out the skills and attributes you have acquired during your career. These are the keywords that recruiters will use to select your CV and match it to the job you have applied for.

Place your personal statement at the top of your CV so that you are selling yourself from the moment your potential employee picks up the piece of paper with your name on it. This is important when building a brilliant CV for Personal and Executive Assistants.

Here is an excellent example of a personal statement for a Personal or Executive Assistant CV:

I am a competent, highly organised and confident individual with an enthusiastic and proactive approach to work. I have developed excellent management and interpersonal skills while working in busy commercial environments. I have an aptitude to communicate with people and am very flexible in my skill set. I am passionate about my career and take great pride in my work.

Don’t repeat yourself.

We recommend that you do not include your contact details on your CV because you will typically apply for the job online or through an agency, and you have to give them your details anyway.

Also, your details will be included if you write a cover letter or email, which should always accompany an application.

The same applies to other information that doesn’t need to be on the application, such as your age or health status.

Think of your CV as a list of your skills and achievements, a concise and well-written list but a list neither less.

Always start with your most recent job first and work your way backwards.

Generally, the most recent role should have the most information, but the detail should reflect how long you were in the role and the skills you gained there.

For example, if you were only working at your last company for a short period, your CV will not have as much detail as your previous employer, where you may have worked for twice the amount of time and did a more substantial role.

Make use of bullet points.

The CV has to be easy on the eye, it can be packed full of information, but it also has to be easy to read. This is so important when finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job.

Write a small paragraph on the role and the company, then have a bullet point list of the tasks, skills and work below.

Don’t just copy your job description. Ensure you add colour to the role so the potential employer can get a flavour of how you work, what you like to do, and your skills.

What does your potential employer want in a new Assistant?

You will be filling a specific role and should tailor your CV accordingly. We will go into this later in the chapter.

Write a few versions of your CV that reflect your different skills so that if you apply for a role, for example, which involves lots of event planning, make sure the knowledge you have in that area comes through, the same with a board-level EA role.

Never, ever lie on your CV. If you know you can do the job you are applying for, then showing your skills in a way that will push you ahead of everyone else can only be a good thing.

Most applicants will send off a generic CV by tailoring their application. You will immediately jump ahead of the queue!

What makes you different?

When building a brilliant CV for Personal and Executive Assistants and tailoring your CV to the specific role, you should also consider what will make you different from the other candidates.

You have a unique career history and will have the skills and attributes that no other candidates have. This is your brand, and you must be able to sell it to your potential employer.

Additional information and extracurricular activities

Do you have additional information on your CV that shows your background and personality? At the same time, please keep this to a minimum and put it after your work history. Include the following in this order:

Professional qualifications – Anything relating to the job you are applying for will show interest in furthering your professional development.

Education – Do put down where you went to school or university (your interviewer might have gone there too!) but do not put all your grades down. Instead, give an overview starting with your most recent qualification.

Computer skills – Relate your skills to the job you are applying for. As an Assistant, we have to have excellent computer skills, so make sure this has been noted down on your CV.

Interests and activities – Keep your interests professional! Do add a touch of your personality here too. Add any unusual hobbies if you have them. If you don’t, here is the place to make slightly more out of that time you went scuba diving, horse riding, or anything that you could talk about for 5 minutes at the end of an interview!

Last but not least, your CV should be no longer than two pages! So important when building a brilliant CV for Personal and Executive Assistants.

The keywords to help you land your next Assistant role

The whole process may be daunting if you haven’t looked for a new role in a while. Firstly, you will probably have to apply to an agency first through an online application. You then have to cross your fingers, hoping that your CV passes through whatever keyword algorithm they have that matches your CV with your potential employer’s job spec.

This in itself can put anyone off finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job.

But! Don’t let the keyword algorithm scare you! Get that CV out, dust off the cobwebs, and ensure you have the right keywords to land your perfect PA role. Starting building a brilliant CV for Personal and Executive Assistants!

So many searches can be performed when trying to find that perfect candidate.

The requirements vary depending on what the employer is looking for, and there are pros and cons of doing extensive searches and more narrow searches.

When looking for an experienced Assistant for a more ‘traditional’ supporting role, recruiters often begin their search with the following:

(‘Executive Assistant’ or ‘EA’ or ‘Business Assistant’ or ‘PA’ or ‘Personal Assistant’) AND (‘Founder’ or ‘CEO’ or ‘Chairman’)

Depending on whether the opportunity is business or personal, recruiters may search the following:

(‘PA’ or ‘Private Assistant’ or ‘Household Assistant’) AND (‘Celebrity’ or ‘HNWI’ or ‘UHNIW’)

It is always a good idea when writing a CV that you state the position of the Executive that you supported and the industry. In addition to the above, recruiters will search for specific industries too:

(‘PA’ or ‘Personal Assistant’) AND (‘advertising agency’ or ‘Media Agency’)

Recruiters can add as many industry variations here in these brackets.

Similarly, they will also search for specific computer packages or languages or anything else that is a prerequisite for the position:

(PA or ‘Personal Assistant’) and ‘PowerPoint’ / (‘PA’ or ‘Personal Assistant’) AND (‘Spanish’)

Recruiters find that more and more clients with roles supporting at that very senior level ask for experienced EAs from top universities. So we need to search for academics as well as experience.

To search for candidates with strong academics, recruiters go about this two ways – searching for top educational institutions or searching for candidates for post-graduate qualifications.

When searching for candidates who have studied at the top educational institutions, we would search as below. This is an example search looking for candidates from the top universities across the UK and Europe:

(‘PA’ or ‘personal assistant’ or ‘EA’ or ‘Executive Assistant’) AND (‘The University of Oxford’ or ‘University of Cambridge’ or ‘Imperial College London’ or ‘University College London’)

When searching for candidates with top university degrees, recruiters might restrict the search further and look for candidates with first-class degree qualifications. Candidates will write this one of two ways on their CV: First class or 1st class. So the search would look something like this:

(‘PA’ or ‘personal assistant’ or ‘EA’ or ‘executive assistant’) AND (‘University of Oxford’ or ‘University of Cambridge’ or ‘Imperial College London’ or ‘University College London’ or ‘Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich’ or ‘Heidelberg University’ or ‘University of Edinburgh’) AND (‘first-class’ or ‘1st class’ or ‘first-class’)

This search does not necessarily produce the desired results every time, as there will be candidates who have perhaps worked at one of these institutions or have used the words “first-class” when discussing a particular skill set.

Advice to Assistants would be to write it as “1st class” as this seems to be the most common way of displaying this qualification result. Using “first-class” (with the hyphen) potentially is too uncommon for all recruiters to include this in their search.

If, for instance, recruiters want Assistants with post-graduate qualifications, we would search for either “masters” or the specific abbreviation for a master qualification. There are many, but we would perhaps look for the most relevant ones: MA OR MSc OR MBA.

I would suggest candidates with post-graduate qualifications use the word Masters – perhaps in their profile when discussing their level of qualification – and the specific abbreviation for their type of Masters in their educational history.

They could also go one step further and use “post-graduate” in their CV.

A search for this would look something like this:

(‘PA’ or ‘personal assistant’ or ‘EA’ or ‘executive assistant’) AND (‘post-graduate’ or ‘post-graduate’ or ‘MA’ or ‘MSc’ or ‘MBA’ or ‘masters’)

(‘PA’ or ‘personal assistant’ or ‘EA’ or ‘executive assistant’) AND (‘academics’ or ‘principal’ or ‘professor’ or ‘educational’)

Alternatively, recruiters may look to pick the top institutions in a specific location, such as:

(‘PA’ or ‘personal assistant’ or ‘EA’ or ‘executive assistant’) AND (‘London School of Economics’ or ‘Imperial College London’)

The difficulty for recruiters with these searches is that they risk finding many candidates who have just studied at these locations.

So, if Assistants can make themselves stand out by using multiple keywords for their chosen industry, they have the opportunity to make themselves more visible.

The key for candidates is to try and include as many relevant keyword searches in their CV.

Job boards will often filter candidates by the most relevant first. It will either be done by this or filtered by the date you last logged in or registered.

The relevancy is based on a keyword search from the CV.

So, if an Assistant is seeking work in a particular industry – in this case, academics – they should try to include as many keywords in their profile as possible (such as ‘academics’ or ‘educational’ or ‘educational establishment’).

It’s key to make it clear in the profile that you are seeking work in your relevant industry (if that is the case), and that is one of the best areas of your CV to include these keywords.

Your second opportunity is within your Career History. For instance, rather than calling yourself an EA or PA, consider putting who you support (if this is industry-relevant), for instance, ‘PA to Professor’.

CV Template for Assistants

This template covers everything you need to get your CV in front of the right recruiters and employers. It is a free downloadable PDF; you can adapt it to create the perfect resume for your career history.

With just a few clicks, you can create a professional-looking document that will impress employers and help you get closer to landing your dream Assistant job.

The key hard skills to include on your Personal or Executive Assistant CV

We all know that it is getting more challenging to get your CV past the recruitment algorithms employed to filter applications, and we also know that we need our CV to stand out in a crowded market.

My advice has always been to tailor your CV depending on the role you should do. However, collating a good list of skills to add to your CV that you have developed over the years is also a good idea.

This way, you don’t have to write your CV repeatedly. You can, instead, drop and drag the required skills into your CV and hit send. I have collated a list of critical skills to include on your EA CV. This will save a lot of time when finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job.

These typical hard skills will help you as a critical business asset in your organisation. I have also given an example of how you can phrase this skill in your CV to showcase the attributes that will make you a great employee.

Don’t have time to read all of our skills today? Download our list of skills for Executive and Personal Assistants to keep for your next job hunt!

• Accounting/Financials: Maintaining and managing budgets and expenses for complex projects and events and reporting on financials.
• Administrative Support: Overseeing all administrative processes, including ordering stationery, filing holiday requests and sick leave and providing administrative support to my Executive and department.
• Calendar Management: Managing complex calendars and scheduling requests. Full access and accountability for every detail in my Executive’s schedule, including attending meetings with my Executive.
• Collaboration Tools: Experience using collaboration tools, including Trello, Slack, Yammer, and GSuite.
• Correspondence: Dealing with all incoming and outgoing mail. Including processing telephone calls and requests.
• Creating and Maintaining Databases: Creating and maintaining all databases for my Executive and department, including our CRM system.
• Email Management: Managing and maintaining my Executive’s email correspondence, including answering emails on behalf of my Executive, prioritising emails, filing emails and scheduling time for my Executive to respond to emails.
• Errands: Running errands on behalf of my Executive to ensure they can concentrate on the organisation and its objectives.
• Event Planning: Experience managing complex events, including the company Christmas party, departmental team building events, off-site meetings, training and conferences and planning every aspect of the event, including budgets, objectives, themes, seating, and working with event suppliers.
• Foreign Language: Fluent in *language* in both written and verbal communications.
• Greeting Visitors: The first point of contact for all visitors arriving at the office, making a great first impression for my Executive.
• Handling Inquiries and screening calls: Managing every aspect of communication on behalf of my Executive, including handling inquiries, making decisions on what my Executive should be made aware of, and screening calls on their behalf.
• Information Management: Managing the flow of information across the department to ensure that my Executive has everything they need for their work while ensuring everyone who needs to be in the loop is aware and has what they need.
• Implementing Procedures: Experience implementing and maintaining procedures so that the Executive office runs smoothly.
• Maintaining Filing Systems / Recordkeeping: Maintaining all physical and digital filing systems. The first point of contact for filing queries within the Executive office.
• Managing Relationships with Clients:
• The first point of contact for all clients, attending client meetings and representing my Executive in all aspects of client relations and arranging activities for overseas clients and their partners.
• Managing Teams / Staff: Managing all aspects of my team, including career development, delegation, task management and guidance, training, providing feedback and solving any issues.
• Microsoft Office: Advanced Microsoft skills, including Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint and Word.
• Minute-taking: Taking complicated minutes in Committees, Board meetings, team meetings and meetings attended by my Executive and disseminating and maintaining minutes to ensure that actions are met.
• Onboarding Process: Managing the onboarding of new staff, including their critical meetings, arranging the correct equipment and starter packs, making introductions and touring the offices.
• Office Management: Advanced office management experience, including managing relationships with suppliers, maintaining records, and managing supplies and office equipment.
• Organising Meetings: Organising every aspect of team meetings, board meetings, stakeholder and client meetings and committees, including agendas, actions, minutes, board papers and confidential material and arranging complex meetings with multiple time zones and high-level participants.
• Preparing Reports: Prepare reports for my Executive and team, reading and disseminating the information into a bite-size report for my Executive. Formatting and preparing reports.
• Presentation Preparation: Preparing slide decks and presentation materials for my Executive’s speeches and public-speaking engagements.
• Processing Expense Reports: Processing all expenses for my Executive. Approving expenses for my Executive’s team and direct rep, maintaining expense reports, and liaising with the finance team.
• Project Management: Experience working on complex projects and project teams, managing projects from start to finish and supporting my Executive on organisation-wide projects. Awareness of project management tools including Scrum, Prince2, Six Sigma
• Proofreading: I proofread all documents sent out by my Executive and department, ensuring the correct grammar, spelling, tone, and message.
• Purchasing, sourcing and working with suppliers: Making decisions on which suppliers to work with, approving spend and managing relationships with third-party suppliers.
• Recruitment: Supporting all aspects of a recruitment drive, from working with HR and recruitment agencies to drafting job descriptions and participating in the interview process.
• Research: Researching so that my Executive is fully prepared for meetings, reading reports and complex documents, briefing stakeholders, and liaising with clients.
• Social Media Management: Managing and maintaining my Executive’s social media presence, adding posts and updating social media profiles.
• Strategic Planning: Working closely with my Executive to support the organisation’s strategic goals, objectives and priorities. Always aware of the strategic needs of the business and how my Executive fits into that framework.
• Taking Dictation: Advance dictation skills and experience using tools to process voice memos and voice-recorded notes.
• Travel Arrangements: Arranging every aspect of complicated global travel plans, including managing visas, flights, hotel and ls, and local ground transport. Experience working independently and with a travel management company to maximise travel plans with multiple flights and destinations. Experience travelling withExecutivestive and managing their trip from the local office.

How to adjust your CV depending on the role

Most of you know that you should have a few versions of your CV tailored to different types of roles, but you should also slightly adjust your CV depending on each position you apply for. Yeah, I know what you are saying!

This is a lot of work, right?

Yes, it is, but evidence suggests you have much more success getting past recruitment algorithms when you slightly adjust your CV to reflect the job description attached to the role. So how do we adjust a CV when finding an Executive or Personal Assistant job without too much extra work so that we get through to the interview?

Here are some examples of how to do just that.

Let’s use a current example of a description I saw posted for a role in London. Here is the text:

We are looking for a polished and experienced EA to join a tight and dynamic team, providing seamless support to the Chief Executive.

WHAT YOU’LL DO This is a varied role in a fast-paced environment, supporting at the top of the business. You will take responsibility for the professional and personal affairs of the Chief Executive, ensuring the smooth running of a high profile Private Office that is associated with the luxury industry. Duties will include: Extensive diary management, using Outlook Extensive inbox management Acting as Gatekeeper Building and maintaining database of contacts Events planning Ad-hoc private support, including personal travel arrangements, booking restaurants, property management Meet and greet of guests, representing at events WHO YOU ARE You will be a polished EA with proven experience, ideally in the luxury or hospitality industries. You will have excellent communication skills and telephone manner. You will be adept at working in a fast-paced environment and responsive to last-minute changes. You will have a strong work ethic and be willing to muck in with anything that is required. This is a small team that work cohesively together, so they are looking for a positive individual with a good sense of humour to fit in with their fun working environment.

The first step is this.

Look through the job advert and description and pull out the keywords for building a brilliant CV for Personal and Executive Assistants.

If you are unsure what the recruiter is looking for, then use something like a word cloud generator to pull all of the keywords out of the text (I got this idea from an article in The Muse, which is brilliant).

Use something like TagCrowd, copy in the job description text, and see which words are prevalent throughout the text, and them to your CV.

Some of the keywords in this particular example were:

• Professional

Once you can see the keywords, it is much easier to put them directly into your CV; for example, you could add a ‘proven track record of high-level executive support and management in the luxury industry’ within your personal statement.

What are the essential requirements?

Make sure your skills match the critical requirements of the job description. It should be evident to the recruiter that you can do this job, ensuring the key elements appear at the top of the CV and are highlighted throughout your career history, experience and education.

What are your transferable skills?

If you are applying for a role that doesn’t precisely match your experience, it is always worth applying for if you want it. Just ensure you add some transferable skills that make up for anything specific.

Using our example, if you wanted to apply but don’t have experience using Outlook, you could write that you have experience managing diaries and emails. You could also write that you quickly learn new IT systems and software.

Transferable skills will always help you compensate for any lack of experience, and as Assistants, we are lucky because more of our abilities are transferrable.

Sometimes the job description can be pretty basic, and although the role might look okay, the company might be fantastic, so you want to apply anyway.

If that is the case, you should check out the company website, particularly look at their company culture page and again pull out keywords and phrases to add to your CV.

Soft skills, personality and team fit, are often as essential as your experience and hard skills, so adjust your CV to reflect the character they are after, not just the knowledge. In our case, they want a team player with a sense of humour who doesn’t mind getting stuck into things – make sure that is obvious on your CV.

Covering letters and messages when applying for an Assistant role

So many roles are searched and applied for online these days that after we have completed the online form and uploaded our CV, how many of us write a cover note, and if we do, how much effort do we put into it?

If we put much effort into a cover letter, will the recruiter even read it? Many don’t, so what is the point?

I always add a cover letter to my CV because I think it can help with landing an interview.

A few years ago, I applied for an internal role that would move me out of my PA role into a marketing and communications position. I wasn’t qualified then, and I applied, thinking I had nothing to lose. It might show my current manager that I wanted more creative tasks. I spent an age updating my CV to reflect all my communication and marketing experience (which wasn’t a huge amount). Still, I spent even longer writing a cover letter expressing my passion for the company, the role, and why I felt I could do the job.

I did secure a first and a second interview before the job was offered to another candidate. I know the cover letter made a big difference from the feedback I received, and I certainly wouldn’t have gotten a second interview if I hadn’t put the effort in.

Here are a few other reasons why covering letters is still relevant when finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job.

A recruiter might not read the cover letter, but then again, they might, and it could make a big difference, so why take the risk of missing out?

You can write with your voice, style and personality, which is hard to convey on a resume. You don’t have to stick to a chronological list of your skills to emphasise your achievements over your career and which aspects fit in well with this job opportunity.

You can tailor a cover letter detailing your passion for your career, your excitement about working at this company, and why you think you would fit there. This will show that you are a human being and not just a ‘candidate’.

You can take each section of the job spec and demonstrate why you are the perfect person. Do they want someone with event experience? If so, write about the weeklong event you organised for your team and why it was successful. Do they want an excellent communicator? Explain why being able to communicate is so important as an assistant and give examples of how you achieve this.

If you don’t include a cover letter, you may be perceived as lazy and not too fussed about getting the job. Again, is it worth taking the risk if you want that job?

Here is a template for a standard Executive Assistant role. Remember to tailor it to the job application!

Cover Letter Template for Assistants

Writing a great cover letter is essential for impressing potential employers and getting noticed. It’s your chance to make a great first impression, highlight critical skills and experiences, and demonstrate why you’re the perfect candidate for the position you’re applying for.

Dealing with recruitment agencies can be a mixed bag and a frustrating experience, particularly if you are desperate for a new job.

In my experience, some terrible agencies out there don’t understand the Assistant role and will put Assistants forward for unsuitable jobs.

Dealing with employment agencies like this can be exhausting and a waste of time when finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job.

There are dedicated recruitment agencies out there who understand the role and want to place candidates in the right organisations, but you need to know how to work effectively.

Five considerations when working with recruitment agencies

Here are a few things I’ve learnt about agencies over the years:

Agents are salespeople

They are there to broker a deal between you, the candidate and the organisation who are their client. The agent’s interests are in the organisation, not you. Most agencies want to place a candidate in a position they have experience in, ideally one they have done in the past and have a proven track record. This is great if you are looking for a similar job to the one you have currently but not brilliant if you want to move up the career ladder or try a new industry. This is why you must tailor your resume before approaching an agency; otherwise, you will do what you have always done.

Agents are not there to further your career

They want to find several suitable candidates and place one in the role at a cost-effective price that makes them a commission and keeps their client (the employer) happy. Agencies have several jobs and will select the candidate that fills the requirements, and they won’t proactively look for a role that suits you personally. It is worth bearing that in mind when looking for a new position. Ensure you are clear with the type of position you want and stick to it, so the agency doesn’t keep sending you unsuitable opportunities.

When finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job through a website such as LinkedIn, monster.com or secsinthecity.co.uk, ensure your CV has all the keywords appropriate for the job you are applying for. The agencies will only call you if your CV has passed their keyword algorithm.

Quality, not quantity

When finding an Executive or Personal Assistant job only join a few agencies, so you are not bombarded with calls. If your search takes longer than you thought, you could join a few more depending on how urgently you need to find a new job. Remember, it is quality, not quantity, and as I’ve already said, some agencies are better than others.

Interview them too

Once you are invited to see an agent remember that they are gatekeepers to the organisation you want to work for, do think of it as an interview. Dress appropriately and be prepared to answer questions about your career to date and experiences. Also, remember that you can interview them too; they are making money from you, so you have every right to ensure they are the kind of agent you want representing you.

10 questions to ask a recruitment agent

Here are a few questions you can ask the recruitment agency to help you understand how hard they are working to place you in a relevant position and not waste your time.

1. What type of organisations do you tend to recruit for?

If you have always worked in Insurance and want to stay in Insurance, a recruitment agency with only clients in the hospitality industry will not find you a relevant role.

2. Who are your top clients?

This will give you an idea of the organisation you can expect to work in and the calibre of the agency’s clients. If you are used to working for a global organisation, you will want to know if they have similar clients.

3. How do you select the candidates that go forward for job interviews?

It is helpful to know how the agency selects its candidates. Is it solely based on qualifications and experience, or do they spend time speaking to the candidate and finding out a little more than what they can read on the CV?

Ultimately you can spend hours speaking to a recruitment agent, and they will still select you for a role based only on your experience but at least asking this question will give you a chance to see how they react to it and if their answer is genuine.

4. How will you contact me, and how often should I expect to hear from you?

I have spent my hours chasing recruitment agents, for example, to find out if my CV was forwarded, if there was any feedback following an interview and if I got the job.

It can be a nightmare.

Again this question will give you an idea about their communication methods.

5. Do you currently have any positions that match my preferences (type of role, location, salary, industry, etc.)?

It is worth asking this question straight away. Why waste your time registering with them if they don’t have any jobs you want? There are loads of recruitment agencies, and only some of them will be suitable for you.

6. Have you got any feedback on my CV?

What I really mean is: “Have you read my CV!”

7. How many people are you putting forward for this job?

Once you have been selected for a job, this question will give you a sense of what and who you are up against.

8. Which skills make me suitable for this role?

The agent will have spoken to your potential employer about you and your work experience, so it is worthwhile finding out what they said to the organisation and what skills they have promoted on your behalf.

The answers to this question will also help with your interview prep.

9. Have you placed people with this firm before?

If they have placed people in this organisation before, you can ask many more questions about the organisation and what it expects of its employees.

10. Can you tell me a few details about their personality type?

I asked this question to a recruitment agent, and they said the personalities tend to be quiet and studious. The organisation was an old law firm and was not a particularly social bunch. In other words, not an organisation where I wanted to work. I didn’t go for the interview because it would have been a waste of time, and I would have hated working there.

All in all, finding and dealing with recruitment agencies can be a challenging process when finding an Executive or Personal Assistant Job. Although there can be pitfalls along the way, finding an agency that understands the Assistant role and is passionate about getting you into the right organisation is still possible.

You don’t have to go through it alone either – courses such as our Accelerate your Assistant Job search Online Course exist to guide you through this often stressful process, giving you tips on how to make sure you get the job you want. It’s an invaluable resource for Assistants of all levels, so why not take advantage of it today? With the right information and support from a recruitment agency, the perfect position could finally be within your reach!

These days, employers are inundated with job applications. Therefore, you have to be prepared to sell yourself and stand out from the crowd. So what happens when you do land that all-important first interview?

In this chapter, you will find a list of 20 standard questions asked at most interviews for Assistants. Practising your interview answers is important when finding an Executive or Personal Assistant job.

We will then look at specific questions around career development and competency/scenario-based questions. The answers are here to help you think about your responses. Remember to make them personal to your career and your experiences.

There are also different interview formats, including how to conduct yourself during a video interview.

20 questions and answers for Personal and Executive Assistant interviews

The best way to prepare for an interview is to consider the subjects you will cover.

Let’s face it; there will always be a set of standard questions you will be asked, so you should prepare the answer before you go into the interview.

Why do you want to leave your current job?

Unless you have been made redundant, this question can result in quite a negative answer. There is the temptation to have a bit of a moan about your current /previous employee. But, try to find a positive response to this. There is nothing worse than hearing someone complain about their last job. It just sounds unprofessional.

“For a long time, I enjoyed working for my current employee, and I have felt that I learnt a lot from the role and my Manager. However, the job is limited and doesn’t give me much room to grow (you can expand this for whatever reason that fits your circumstances). This position will allow me to expand my skill set and advance my career.”

What are your strengths?

Referring back to your core PA/ EA skills would be best. Also, think about the environment you will be working in. If it is a fast-paced commercial company, mention that you are not easily flustered if it is a traditional company with exact working methods. You state that you are organised and have a natural eye for detail.

“I’m very organised. I don’t get stressed out easily and can deal with most situations. I’m also very intuitive and can juggle many different tasks”.

What are your weaknesses?

This is tricky because you should try to sell yourself in an interview, not dwell on your bad points. Turn this question from a negative answer into a positive one; note that you have a flaw, but tell the interviewers what you have done to overcome it.

“In my previous role, I had to work with many strong-minded and opinionated consultants and found that I could not be assertive with them, and sometimes I felt they could get me to do work that I was uncomfortable with. After discussing this with my Manager, I attended an assertiveness course and gained the training to deal with them. I find it hard to say no. It is a work in progress, but I am getting there”.

What are your present job’s most satisfying and frustrating aspects?

Again, try to remain diplomatic with this question. For the “satisfying” part of the question, refer back to aspects of your role that will benefit your potential employee. For the “frustrating” factor, consider the new position and how it will improve your career and working environment. Please don’t make the frustrating aspect personal to anyone; make it about the company environment.

“The most satisfying aspect of my role is helping the Executives make informed decisions that affect the rest of the Company. I enjoy working with and supporting successful people at the top level of their careers. The most frustrating aspect is the slow pace in the office, and it can be difficult to get things done on occasion.”

What do you think you can contribute to this Company?

This is the question that allows you to sell yourself. Look through the job description and pick out the key attributes required for the role; this should form your answer.

“I’m incredibly hard-working, focused and organised, so I can quickly get through a lot of work. I also have advanced IT skills to support senior staff members with their work while managing various other tasks. I am proactive, so I am good at finding ways of delivering better services and anticipating any problems that might come up. I can be very flexible, so happy to help others in my team. I’m also quite friendly and like to organise nights out and other team-building activities.”

Why should we employ you rather than one of the other candidates?

Use this question to sell yourself. You want the interviewer to pick you, so emphasise your strong points, unique attributes, and why you would be a brilliant person to employ. Remember to link your answer to the job description and add other skills you have that the other candidates might not.

“I do think that I would be a great asset to the Company as I have the skill set that I know you are looking for in the right candidate. I am also a brilliant event organiser. I can write marketing material and can help with other creative projects. I know that I will support you in your work and ensure you can concentrate on high-level projects while I take care of the daily tasks. I’m not sure the other candidates will have my full set of skills and my unique experience.”

Have you done anything or taken any courses to further your experience?

If you have completed any courses at a previous employer, here is your time to shine. Let the employer know what you have achieved, and take pride in your work. It will make you look like you care about your career and take it seriously. If you are new to the profession or haven’t had the chance, emphasise the skills you already have by saying:

“I am constantly looking to improve my skills. My IT skills have improved greatly and are now very strong, and over the years, my interpersonal skills have grown as I work with different people at all levels of the Company. I haven’t had the opportunity to complete any formal training. Still, I keep up to date with the industry by reading many articles on LinkedIn and other publications for assistants. I am open to additional training and would love to develop myself further.”

How do you work under pressure?

When this question arises, try to inject humour and show that you don’t take yourself too seriously.

“I’ve had jobs in the past that have been highly pressurised, and I’ve found that I cope well with that and don’t mind working to tight deadlines because at least I know what has to be done each day! I always find that chocolate and a nice glass of red wine help to alleviate any pressure at the end of a long day!”

What motivates you at work?

Think about the aspects of the job that excited you when you first read the job description. You should reference these tasks in this question and talk about how you like to use these tasks to motivate yourself and the actual working environment.

“I like to have a mixture of tasks that allow me to use my varied skill set. For example, I like to be creative, but also I am quite detailed driven, so I can happily work away on a PowerPoint presentation or an excel report. I like to know that I am contributing to a team and that my work makes a difference, which is one reason I enjoy being a PA. I know I am supporting people who make big company-wide decisions. I also like to have fun at work and enjoy my time there, so I like to be involved socially and know my colleagues personally. I find that it also helps to keep me motivated.”

How do you work with two or more Executives?

If you are applying for a role that requires you to work with two or more Executives, you will need to demonstrate that you can do this without a hitch. Use specific examples of how you have juggled both workloads and are happy to continue this. If this is the first time you have worked with more than one Executive, stress that you are a good organiser and can prioritise your work well.

“I like the challenge that working for two directors can bring, and it does help keep me motivated as the work can be quite varied. To work effectively for both Executives, I ensure that my work is well organised, aware of any deadlines, and understand each of their priorities. I also stress to the Executives that I need to stay in touch with them throughout the day if their work becomes more urgent than the others, and I also make sure we have regular catch-ups so that I am fully informed of their schedule. It can be a juggling act, but one that I enjoy.”

How do you handle a demanding Executive?

Undoubtedly, the demands on Executives are higher than ever, which means they can become pretty demanding and put a lot of pressure on their Assistants to shoulder some of the burdens. That is part of our role. This question is becoming more common in interviews, and it is worth asking yourself if you want to work for a demanding Executive. There are other options and other roles. If you feel that you can handle the demands, here is a great answer to showcase your skills.

“I always say that I work with my Executive, so if they are demanding, I like to find out why. If they are under a lot of pressure, I can help reduce that pressure by working with them calmly and professionally, getting through the work, and meeting deadlines. If it is in their nature to think everything is urgent and needs to be done immediately, I make sure I communicate so that I am not on the back foot. I find that once I work well with my Executive, we understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we frequently communicate the difficult aspects of their character to become less abrasive.”

What are you looking for in your career development?

This question is always tricky for Assistants to answer because you don’t want to respond in a way that suggests you are using the job as a stepping stone to something better. Secondly, you don’t want to look like you lack ambition. Your answer wants to land somewhere in the middle of ‘just an assistant’ territory and world domination.

“I want to progressively earn more responsibility and participate in more projects and activities over time. I want to manage a team at some point and lead projects. I want my career development to reflect the new challenges I am setting for myself. So ideally, I’d like to attend courses or have some time for self-study to learn new skills which will progress my career and benefit the organisation as a whole.”

What has been your biggest professional disappointment?

Oh, this is a horrible question! It is, however, fairly common, so don’t let this question get the better of you. Don’t, whatever you do, give an example of something that was entirely your fault and caused many problems – like that time you forgot to organise your Manager’s Visa to Russia, and they ended up in prison. Yes, it is a funny story but not one to share with your new employer! Instead, describe something that was not in your control, which impacted you personally, how you overcame it, and what positive outcomes you have taken from the experience.

Do you consider yourself to be successful?

Yes, it should be the only answer to this question, but a little humour will help you answer without sounding like an egomaniac. Think of an example that shows you have achieved more than your roles required, such as that great event you managed or the incredibly complex trip you organised for your Executive. With any example, you demonstrate that you set your objectives and goals, worked hard to achieve them, and are proud of your successes. If you are applying for your first assistant role, refer back to your studies, this would be my example:

“During University, I worked part-time while completing my course. I had to balance my studies with a part-time role that ultimately paid for my education. I quickly learned how to manage my time and not neglect my job or studies. I am proud that I achieved my results while gaining work experience to help me in my chosen career. I feel like my time at University has given me the confidence to be successful in the future.”

Give me an example of a goal and how you achieved it.

The example could be something personal like completing your first marathon or work-related – either way, make sure you pick something that gives you a chance to shine. If you use an example from your career, mention the impact on your career development and what you have learnt.

“After a few years working as a Personal Assistant, I wanted to take the next step and move up to an Executive Assistant working with board-level directors. I felt this was the best way to move forward in my career, so I challenged myself to achieve the promotion within two years. Firstly, I ensured that I was getting all of the basic functions of my role right and could complete every fundamental task easily and quickly. Once I had procedures to deal with my administrative tasks, I started to ask for more challenging tasks. My Manager knew I could take on more work, so they asked me to help on various business-wide projects. I worked hard to ensure that on each of these projects, people knew who I was, what I was capable of and that I was willing to work hard. Just after a year and a half, I was headhunted by a board-level Director to work as their Executive Assistant. I was pleased with my success. Setting that goal meant I received a promotion and picked up many new skills along the way.”

Can you give me an example of a positive change you have made in an organisation?

The thing to remember with scenario-based questions is that you don’t have to give a complicated answer, and you don’t have to pick examples that make you sound amazing. You must provide an example that shows you in the best light but doesn’t spend half an hour describing the scenario. Keep your answers short and, more importantly, structured.

“I was working with a Director that was not the most organised person regarding paperwork. He would often attend meetings without the correct supporting papers, or they would have doodles all over them, which didn’t help his reputation. He was self-reliant and didn’t want me to touch his unique filing system. I knew I could help him, so I started printing out his email attachments and anything he might need for an upcoming meeting in the first few months of working together. Before I went home every evening, I would print out his calendar and attach the correct paperwork for his meetings the next day. I would pop the file on his desk for everything he needed the following morning. He loved the idea and became more reliant on my help. It was a positive change, and his colleagues were pleased he was arriving at meetings with the right paperwork.”

Can you give me an example of a time you have worked with a difficult person and how you dealt with the situation?

You will be asked about your people management skills during every competency-based interview. It is always worth having a story or two in the back of your mind, as this is such a common question. In your answer, show that you dealt with the situation yourself (rather than referring it to HR). Suppose you have had a horrendous experience. Either tone it down or use another example. Again, don’t spend too long answering questions that provoke negative answers; you want to move on to questions that allow you to shine. Remember, with any negative item, make your answer as positive as possible, and inject humour to show that this person has not affected your self-esteem.

“I did work with a manager a few years ago that I struggled to get on with. I thought at the time his position in the Company was under threat, and to compensate, he would try to exert power over me by giving me very menial tasks. For example, he would ask me to fill his stapler with staples, which could be disrespectful. I put up with his behaviour for a while because I wanted to understand why he acted that way. I did have to push back, and in the end, I think he respected me because I stuck up for myself.”

Can you give me an example of excellent customer service?

This question could come in a few different forms, but it ultimately relates to you doing something above and beyond your usual duties. Have a few examples ready because you will probably be asked this question several times throughout the interview. Remember, your answer doesn’t have to be related to your experiences as an assistant; it could be a job you had at a University or a volunteer role outside of work.

Can you give me an example of a complex task you have worked on and how you ensured its success?

This is a great question and deserves an answer that makes you stand out. Assistants must always deal with complex tasks, so use something related to the role you are applying for. For example:

“I once organised a trip for a boss touring our offices in Asia and Australasia. It wasn’t easy to organise because of the time difference and distances between each location. There was also the issue that my Manager had not been to a few destinations. They were worried they wouldn’t be able to navigate public transport as they usually do in New York or other locations they had been to numerous times before. I initially worked on the travel plans but ultimately contacted a fellow PA in each office and asked for their help. I needed to have local knowledge, and they were able to put me in touch with the best hotels and car hire companies. Another issue was the different temperatures in each country. Australia was still experiencing warm weather, but it had started turning cold in Japan, so I ensured my Manager knew what to pack. During her trip, I kept in touch with her every day, despite the time difference, and ensured everything was running smoothly.”

Can you give me an example of how you have handled multiple priorities?

This is another common question asked at interviews for assistant roles, particularly if the position assists more than one Executive. The answer to this question should include the competencies required to handle multiple priorities, such as flexibility, dealing with tight deadlines, working with multiple personalities, time management and coping with pressure. Again, it is well worth having one or two examples to demonstrate these abilities because they will undoubtedly come up in an interview for an assistant position.

Preparing for an Assistant video interview

Most recruitment agencies and employers now use video for their interview process because it saves time and money in the early stages.

In our recent interview with Hayley Lawrence, PA, for the Regional General Manager on Necker Island, she told us that she had to submit a video before the interview rounds for her new role. Here is what she said:

When I saw the job being advertised online and gone viral, a friend joked to me that I should apply. Challenge accepted! So I made a short (and pretty cringe-worthy) video and sent it off and didn’t give it a second thought. When I got the email asking me to interview, I checked the email a few times to make sure it wasn’t my friend playing a trick.

Never in a million years did I think I would be the one to get the job, mainly when I had found out over 5,000 had applied. One day after I had been through the interview process, I got a call from Richard’s assistant advising that he would be calling me shortly as part of the interview process. I couldn’t believe it! I was on a train at Waterloo East at the time, and I remember frantically running around the station trying to find somewhere quiet to take the phone call. After Richard had told me, I got the job, and we said our goodbyes, I remember just bursting into tears in the middle of Starbucks and walking around the station in a daze.

Video interviews are not going anywhere when finding an Executive or Personal Assistant job. They will only become more popular, so if you are looking for a new position, consider how you want to present yourself on video. Here are a few tips on preparing for an Assistant video interview.

Surroundings

Ensure you are somewhere quiet to be heard clearly and not disturbed. Check what’s behind you and that the background is interview-appropriate. Move anything you don’t want a potential employer to see out of the shot. Doing a video interview in your current office is probably not a great idea. But, if you have to, make sure it doesn’t look like you are in your current office – put your chair against a plain white wall rather than a glass wall or anywhere you can see company logos and branding.

Dress the part

First impressions count, so use this opportunity to make a great one! Office dress codes vary from sharp suits to jeans and shirts, but you want to look professional and presentable. You shouldn’t dress down just because you’re not in front of the interviewed person. Instead, where what you would wear for a physical meeting. It will help you feel like you are in an interview setting, even if you are on the sofa in your home.

The easiest way to ensure the lighting’s good is to sit facing a window, with your phone or computer in front of you. If you are going to sit in front of a window, make sure whatever is behind you is neat.

Practice with your webcam and your microphone set up. Ensure everything works well and you know what you are doing before the interview starts. When doing the interview, talk naturally and, if you can, without notes. Look at the person interviewing you rather than off into the distance or at yourself on camera. Ensure you rehearse your set-up using Zoom or Skype so that everything works correctly and you sound and look fantastic. Remember, you can record yourself, watch yourself back, and make any changes if you need to.

What questions should Assistants ask at an interview?

So you’ve bagged a job interview, picked your outfit, researched the Company and planned a few answers. You’ve made your way to the company building and managed to get through all the tricky questions. You think you’ve done well and might have gotten the job when the interviewer tells you… ‘do you have any questions?’… eeekkk!

We all know this part of the interview will happen, and we all know the questions not to ask. But, how many of us ask the potential employer questions that will make them want to hire us, and more importantly, how many of us ask questions that make us want to work at that Company?

When I go for a job interview, I ensure every aspect of the job has been covered. If the interviewer hasn’t discussed all the details I need before I decide, I ensure I ask as much as possible during the ‘do you have any questions?’ stage of the process.

Here are a few questions that I think Assistants should ask during an interview if the interviewer has not covered them:

The business

• What is the Company proudest of? What can be improved?
• How does the Company see itself changing shortly?
• How do the Company’s departments work together, and how does the management team promote interaction?
• What are the organisation’s key issues now, and how does this affect the Assistant role?
• Working with the Executive
• How do you like to work with their Assistant regarding diary and email management?
• How do you like to communicate with their Assistant?
• Are you self-sufficient, or do you prefer a more hands-on approach from your Assistant?
• What are the biggest challenges, and how can an Assistant help ease the workload?
• How much empathises is placed on career development within the Company? Is there a budget for training?
• Is there scope for additional responsibilities once the Assistant is established?
• Does the Assistant have a six-monthly and yearly job review, and are objectives set yearly?
• What have previous Assistants in this role achieved, and what are they doing now?
• The culture
• What advice would you give to someone starting in the Company?
• What is the atmosphere like in the office?
• Do you socialise much outside the office, and is the Assistant expected to organise team-building occasions?
• What do you enjoy about working here?
• When you reviewed my CV, was there anything, in particular, you thought would complement the job?
• What do you think are the most challenging aspects of the role?
• Which software packages are most often used in the role, and will the Assistant have to learn any bespoke technology?
• What does a typical day/week look like working in this role?
• What personality type would be the ideal candidate for this role?
• What does success look like within this role?

So, there you have it: the top 20 most common questions for an Assistant interview and guidance for different interview formats.

So you’ve landed the perfect role and are ready for your next adventure. Congratulations!

Assistants must take the steps when saying goodbye to their Executive and leaving graciously.

5 things Assistants should consider before accepting a new role

So you’ve aced your interview and been offered the job. How exciting! However, it would be best if you considered a few things before accepting a new role. Here are my top 5 considerations…

1. On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you?

I asked this question because you can get easily overwhelmed by the excitement of a new role. Your new employer may have done a fantastic job selling the position and the organisation to you. The new job may have come with a huge pay increase, and you’ve started spending the money in your head already, or you may hate your current role so much that anything to get out of there is worth taking.

But wait. Stop. Take a moment to reflect on your true feelings. Is the role perfect? If not, weigh the pros and cons and ensure you make the right choice. The excitement only lasts so long!

2. The culture

This is important. It would be best if you considered the culture of the organisation. If you didn’t ask this question during the interview, you could always ask to speak to your potential employer again to get a view of the culture. Once you get some details, do take the time to think about how this reflects your personality.

Is the office a crazy mad startup with many Millenials running around making snap decisions – is that your work style? Is it a quiet law firm with strict regulations and procedures that must be followed – would that stifle your creativity? Whatever the culture is, make sure you are happy to work within it.

3. The future of your role and the company

Again, this is a subject that you should raise during the interview process. What is the future of your role within the organisation, and what are the organisation’s overall objectives? Your potential employer should happily give you an overview of where they see your part going and hopefully suggest lots of room for you to grow.

Firstly, the organisation should have objectives and, secondly, give you confidence in the security of your job. If your employer doesn’t answer these questions, it should give you pause for thought before accepting the role.

4. The relationship between you and your Executive

As an Assistant, you must work closely with your Executive(s). It is essential that you get on and can work well together. This is a little difficult to tell during the interview, but you should get an insight into their personality if you ask the right questions.

Before accepting the job, consider whether you can work closely with this person. If you are unsure, it might not be your best role.

5. Salary and reward

I put pay and reward last because although it is crucial (it made my top 5 after all!), it is not as important as some other considerations. We all work to pay our bills. This goes without saying.

But, once you get past the salary you need to live comfortably, there are other considerations because it can be hard to stay in a role you hate despite the pay being good. Reward packages are slightly different. I think it is essential to consider the benefits offered by the employer because that reflects how they treat their staff.

Please make sure you look through your benefits package and consider its impact on your life. If the rewards and salary make a big difference, but the role isn’t significant, make sure you can cope with the pressure of not particularly enjoying your job.

Actions to take when you resign from your Assistant role

The first thing to remember is that this happens all the time. Leaving an organisation for a new role is common, and most people change positions a few times. It is challenging for Assistants to resign because we work closely with our executives and form a solid team. But, when you are ready to move on, you must have that awkward conversation. Here are a few things to consider when you resign.

Say thank you

Even when you hated the job, there wasn’t any point in burning bridges. Be gracious, and say thanks for the opportunity and the new skills you learned while working there.

Think about the explanation you are going to give

Why are you leaving? You will get asked this question, so prepare an answer that will come some way to explain your reasons. Be honest but don’t go into too much detail.

Offer to help with the transition and recruiting your replacement

We will cover this in greater detail later in the chapter. But make an offer to assist with the change and ensure everything is organised when you leave.

Work your notice

Before you hand in your resignation, if you don’t know, check the length of your notice period. If it is a minimum of two weeks, great, but it might be three months, and you must plan accordingly. If you would like your notice period to be shorter than the time stated in your contract, you can negotiate this. Speak to your Executive and your HR department.

Prepare a resignation letter

Stating your intentions to leave, a brief explanation of why you are moving, a note of thanks for the opportunities and a date that you would like to leave the organisation.

Recruiting your replacement – where do you start?

When I started researching this topic, I found a lot of articles on why businesses should never, and I mean NEVER, let the incumbent staff member recruit their replacement. There were many reasons that I agree with, but from experience, this is something that many assistants have done in their careers and will do in the future. I’ve had to recruit my replacement twice.

Once when I was promoted and hired a replacement Administrator who I line managed, and secondly, when I left the role to move to a different business. I have also been interviewed a handful of times by an EA who was leaving the position.

To give you an example of why you shouldn’t probably recruit your replacement, I was once told by an EA interviewing me, ‘you seem nice. Please don’t take this role. It is awful!’ I left the interview pretty quickly!

So while it might not be the best idea for your organisation to ask you to recruit your replacement, it is something that you might get asked to do before you leave for pastures new.

There are some benefits to the process for you. Here are a few:

You get to leave your old position knowing that you have handed the role over to someone capable

You know that you’ve left your Executive in good hands, which means you can ask for that fantastic reference in the future.

You haven’t burnt any bridges. You’ve moved positively, which is always an excellent way to leave your old employer.

You are part of the recruitment process, a great skill to add to your toolkit.

So, if you have been asked to recruit your replacement and haven’t hired a new staff member before. Where do you start? Here are a few tips.

Meet with HR straight away so that they are part of the process. It would be best if you worked with them on the recruitment, interview and offer stages.

Arrange a meeting with your Executive about the replacement and ask the following questions:

What are the objectives of this new recruitment?

Is it a like-for-like replacement, or do you want to recruit a new assistant with different skills?

Is the job description still relevant for this new role? Can you update it, so the new Assistant has more clarity around the tasks and responsibilities?

Can you recommend any recruitment agencies that you have worked with in the past that understand the Assistant role? You can put these forward to your HR team to not rely on their standard recruitment practices.

Are you going to promote the role on LinkedIn or other social media? What can you say on your profile that will help promote the job?

Can you recruit internally? Is there anyone you know who would be perfect for replacing you or has the potential to grow into the role?

Once you start receiving applications, make sure you take the time to review each one thoroughly, these are people looking for a new role that could be life-changing, so do give them your time and attention. Look for the evident skills and requirements but try to understand their personality will fit well with your Executive. It might be easier to gain this level of detail by looking at their LinkedIn profile.

The Interview Process

Once you have selected your candidates, you will need to interview them. Depending on the level of the role, the candidates might have to go through a series of interviews. Still, you should interview the candidate with your HR colleague (this is important if you haven’t conducted an interview before) and then do a second round of interviews with your Executive. There are loads of great resources out there to help you prepare for the interview, but here are a few tips that I found helpful:

Be prepared.

It is your role to know everything there is to know about the position but plan out how you want to portray it to someone coming into the organisation for the first time.

Everyone will be nervous; you will be if it is your first time conducting an interview, and of course, the candidate will be too, so make sure you put the candidate at ease as soon as you can so that you can start to relax. Although you are there to interview the person, they are fellow assistants, so you should have their back and make them feel comfortable.

Make sure you listen more than you speak.

You might love the role and want them to know everything about the office, the culture, and your boss, but it is their interview, so make sure you let them do most of the talking!

The ideal candidate might not be who you expect from the applications you receive, so try to remain flexible and allow everyone to shine. You might end up selecting the candidate with the potential over someone with all the skills upfront.

Onboarding your replacement

Once you have hired your replacement, you will likely have to onboard them, so do make sure you review the onboarding process and add any additional details that you think will set the new Assistant off on the right foot. Think back to your onboarding experience and write down all the answers to your questions when you started. This will mean that the new Assistant will hit the ground running, and you can leave knowing that you have done an excellent job recruiting your replacement.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of leaving gracefully, it’s time to focus on preparing for your next role. Good luck!

If you’ve stuck with us through this entire guide on finding an Executive or Personal Assistant job, then you’ve taken an important step in preparing for an Assistant job search!

And I hope you’ve gained valuable insights, practical tools, effective strategies, and new possibilities to explore as you venture into the dynamic field of personal or executive assistance.

Like any career endeavour, the results you achieve in your job search will reflect the effort and approach you to bring to it.

If you treat your job search as just another task, you might find it challenging to land that perfect role.

But if you see it as an opportunity to showcase your skills, build professional relationships, and grow in your career, then there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

So now that you’ve reached this point, what’s next?

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with a solid foundation and a wealth of resources to support you as you aim to become a successful Personal or Executive Assistant.

This guide on finding an Executive or Personal Assistant job will always be here as a free resource, ready to assist you whenever needed.

And beyond these resources, I’d love for us to stay connected as you progress in your career.

We frequently cover career development, job searching, and professional growth topics on our website and in our newsletters , so sign up to stay updated. If you ever want to reach out, whether it’s to ask a question, share a success story, or discuss anything related to your job search, feel free to contact us. We are here to support you, so let us know how we can best assist you!

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How To Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out

Table of contents

Laura Jane Bradbury

A personal statement is a chance to highlight your unique qualities, skills, and experiences, all while showcasing your personality.

But whether you're applying for university, a job, or funding, it can be daunting to write about yourself. To increase your chances of getting accepted, it's important to know how to create an effective personal statement.

In my six years as a copywriter, I’ve written many personal statements that get results. In this article, I’ll guide you through what to include, what to avoid, and how to tailor a personal statement based on your application type.

Key Takeaways

• A personal statement is an opportunity to share your unique qualities, experiences, and skills.
• It should always relate to the course, job, or funding you are applying for.
• Include accomplishments and experiences that demonstrate how suited you are to the position or course you are applying for.
• Use clear and simple language to ensure your points are understood.

Your personal statement should be concise and demonstrate how you fit the position or opportunity you’re applying for. It’s important to keep information relevant, rather than listing all of your skills and accomplishments.

Follow these steps to accurately write and tailor your statement.

Understand your prompt

Before you start, make sure you understand what's expected of you. Are there specific instructions, keywords, or phrases that stand out in your prompt? Read through it thoroughly and note the requirements. You can then brainstorm ideas for each point.

Let's say I'm applying for a university journalism course. I've been asked to write a statement that shares why I'm interested and why I would be a good fit. I can use columns to plan my content:

Putting your ideas together first makes it easier to stay on track. Otherwise, you might lose focus and include irrelevant information. 

Show, don't just tell

Once you’ve listed your experiences, skills, and accomplishments, consider how you can demonstrate them with examples. Take a look at the list you created during the previous exercise and organize your points so you have clear examples and proof.

This technique helps you demonstrate your experiences and how they tie in with your application.

When telling anecdotes, use engaging stories that demonstrate your skills. For instance, a story about how I handled a fast-paced news internship proves I work well under pressure. 

Start strong

Recruiters, application tutors, and funders read lots of personal statements. You can make yours stand out with an engaging introduction.

Examples of a strong opening include:

A meaningful statistic

This draws readers in and increases credibility: 

"Communication is the key to marketing success, according to Business Marketing News. With five years of experience communicating and delivering campaigns to global clients, I have the skills and passion to add value to your team."

A personal story

Anecdotes connect the reader with the author’s real-life experience: 

"My first exposure to microbiology was during my time as a research assistant for a microbiologist. I was fascinated by the complex and intricate processes within cells."

An alarming statement

This piques the reader’s interest by making an issue seem urgent:  

“ The fashion industry churns out clothes at an alarming rate, causing mass production of synthetic fibers and harsh chemicals which have a detrimental impact on the planet. Funding my sustainability initiative is vital to mitigating this environmental impact." 

Avoid cliches such as "From a young age, I have always loved...." and "For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for..."

Pro tip: Use Wordtune Editor 's Shorten feature to cut unnecessary fluff and make your intro sharper. Simply type in your sentence and click Shorten to receive suggestions.

Get Wordtune for free > Get Wordtune for free >

Admission committees and employers appreciate sincerity and authenticity. While it may be tempting, avoid exaggeration. You can better emphasize your skills and personality by being honest. For instance, rather than claiming I read every type of newspaper in my journalism application, I can focus on my dedication to reading The New York Times.

Your writing style should also feel genuine. Instead of trying to impress with complex language and fancy words, keep sentences simple and direct . This makes them more effective because they’re easier to read. 

Address weaknesses

Addressing weaknesses can show your willingness to confront challenges. It also gives you a chance to share efforts you have made for improvement. When explaining a weakness, exclude excuses.

Instead of saying "I didn't achieve my expected grades due to work commitments impacting my studies," try “While I didn't achieve my expected grades, I am now working with a tutor to help me understand my weak areas so I can succeed in your program.”

Wordtune’s Spices feature can help you develop counterarguments to weaknesses. In the Editor, highlight your text, click on Spices, and then Counterargument . Here’s an example:

Using Wordtune’s suggestion, I can highlight my eagerness to learn and provide examples to support my argument.

Highlight achievements

This is your chance to shine! A personal statement should highlight your best qualities — provided they relate to your prompt.

Ask yourself:

• What are your skills and strengths? Identify both academic and non-academic abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• What challenges have you faced? Reflect on how you have overcome significant challenges and how these experiences have helped you grow. For example, completing a course, learning a new language, or starting a business.
• What are your unique selling points? Consider what sets you apart from other applicants. For example, you may have a unique set of technical skills or experience learning in a different country.
• How have your achievements shaped your goals and aspirations? Sharing your goals shows that you think long-term and have taken the time to make sure you’re applying for the right opportunity.

Connect with the institution or company

Tailor your statement to the specific institution or company you're applying to — this shows you understand their values and have carefully considered where you want to seek opportunities.

To do this, head to the company or institution’s website and look for the About page. Many organizations include a mission statement on this page that conveys its purpose and values.

For example, universities often include their values under “Community” or “Student Life” sections. Here, Princeton University’s “In Service of Humanity” section highlights how they value using education to benefit society. Applicants can engage with this by explaining how they interact with their communities and seek to use their education to help others.

You can also research a company or institution’s social media. Look for similarities — maybe you both prioritize collaboration or think outside the box. Draw upon this in your personal statement. 

End with a strong conclusion

A strong conclusion is clear, concise, and leaves a lasting impression. Use these three steps:

• Summarize the main points of your statement. For example, “My experience volunteering for the school newspaper, along with my communication skills and enthusiasm for writing, make me an ideal student for your university."
• Discuss your future . Share your future ambitions to remind the reader that you’ve carefully considered how the opportunity fits into your plans.
• Include a closing statement. End on a positive note and offer the reader a final explanation for why you would be a great match. For instance, “Thank you for reviewing my statement. I am confident my skills and experience align with the role and your company culture.”

Tip: Learn more about writing an effective conclusion with our handy guide . 

Different types of personal statements

Now you know how to write a personal statement, let’s look at what to focus on depending on your application type.

The length of your personal statement will vary depending on the type. Generally, it should be around 500 words to 650 words . However, a university application is often longer than a statement for a job, so it’s vital to determine what is expected of you from the beginning.

Whatever the length, it’s important to remove and edit content fluff , including any repetition or copy that does not relate to your prompt.

Personal statement checklist

Use this checklist to ensure that your statement includes: 

• An engaging introduction.
• Clear examples of your experiences, skills, and expertise. 
• A commitment to improvement, if required.
• Any applicable achievements. 
• A direct connection to the company or institution’s values.
• A strong conclusion that summarizes information without adding new content.
• Authentic, simple language.

Personal statements are an opportunity to delve deeper and share who you are beyond your grades or resume experience. Demonstrate your ability with anecdotes and examples, address any weaknesses, and remember to use genuine and simple language. This is your place to shine, so follow our tips while displaying your unique personality, and you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd.

Want to get started and create a powerful introduction? Read our step-by-step guide .

What is the difference between a cover letter and a personal statement?

A cover letter expresses your interest in a position and introduces you to an employer. It’s typically shorter and focuses on your qualifications, skills, and experience for a particular role. A personal statement, however, is common for a job, internship, funding, or university application. It explores your background, goals, and aspirations, as well as your skills and experience.

What is the purpose of a personal statement?

A personal statement is an opportunity to stand out by detailing your background, experiences, and aspirations. It should explain why you are interested in and a good match for the company or institution you are applying to.

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Administrative Assistant Personal Statement

• CV Templates & Advice

Have you found your ideal admin job, but are struggling to write a great personal statement for your Administrative Assistant CV?

Personal statements are the perfect opportunity for you to show your potential employer what you’re all about and where your talents lie. We recommend using this short personal profile to promote your strengths, work experience and key skills.

Use this 100-150 words at the beginning of your CV to provide examples of how you match the job specifications and why you are perfect for this role.

If you are looking for further information and useful tips, then read our expert guide on  how to write a personal statement .

What to include in your administrative assistant personal statement

Why you are applying for the role:

• Refer to the knowledge you have of the position to show awareness of the demands of the role.

Why you are applying for this specific role:

• What is it that attracted you to this specific role?
• Why do you want to work for this specific company?

Provide details about your education:

• Provide a brief overview on your previous education (School/University/Higher Education Courses)

Your admin experience:

• Where have you worked previously?
• What were you required to do in your last role?
• Did you have any additional responsibilities in your previous roles?

Your vision:

• What are your career aspirations?
• What are you hoping to achieve in this role?

Example Admin Assistant Personal Statement:

Organised and adaptable administrative assistant with four years’ experience working in various office environments. My attention to detail and excellent time management skills means that every task is completed efficiently and to the highest possible standard. I have a calm and patient disposition meaning that I am able to work effectively under pressure and focus on the task in hand. I am proficient working in a team, but also work well independently. In my previous role, I was responsible for providing administrative support to a large sales department reporting directly to the regional sales manager. To succeed in this role i had to be exceptionally organised and demonstrate strong communication skills. In my next role, I am looking to take on new challenges and additional responsibilities.

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Personal Assistant CV Example

Cv guidance.

• CV Template
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• Related CVs

CV Tips for Personal Assistants

• Highlight Your Experience and Skills : Detail your experience supporting executives, managing schedules, and handling administrative tasks. Don't forget to mention any specialized skills such as event planning or project management.
• Showcase Your Achievements : Quantify your impact wherever possible. For example, "Managed a busy executive's calendar, reducing scheduling conflicts by 50%" or "Implemented a new filing system, improving document retrieval times by 30%".
• Customize Your CV to the Role : Tailor your CV to match the specific requirements of the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences, such as managing travel arrangements, coordinating meetings, or handling correspondence.
• Detail Your Tech Proficiency : List your proficiency in software like Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, or any CRM systems. Also, mention any experience with virtual meeting platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
• Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism : As a Personal Assistant, you'll often handle sensitive information. Highlight instances where you've demonstrated discretion, trustworthiness, and professionalism.

The Smarter, Faster Way to Write Your CV

• Managed and streamlined the executive's calendar, reducing scheduling conflicts by 30% and increasing productivity by optimizing time allocation.
• Implemented a new digital filing system, improving document retrieval time by 50% and enhancing the efficiency of administrative tasks.
• Coordinated and executed high-level corporate events, resulting in a 20% increase in stakeholder engagement and improved company reputation.
• Facilitated communication between the executive and internal departments, improving information flow and decision-making efficiency by 25%.
• Conducted comprehensive market research for business development initiatives, contributing to a 15% increase in new client acquisition.
• Managed travel arrangements and itineraries for the executive, saving an average of 10 hours per month in planning and coordination time.
• Provided exceptional administrative support to the executive, resulting in a 20% increase in the executive's availability for strategic tasks.
• Developed and maintained a customer relationship management system, improving client satisfaction rates by 30%.
• Handled sensitive and confidential information with discretion, ensuring company compliance and protecting against potential data breaches.
• Exceptional Calendar and Time Management
• Efficient Digital Filing and Document Management
• High-Level Corporate Event Coordination
• Effective Interdepartmental Communication
• Comprehensive Market Research
• Travel Arrangement and Itinerary Management
• Outstanding Administrative Support
• Customer Relationship Management
• Handling of Sensitive and Confidential Information
• Business Development Initiative Support

Personal Assistant CV Template

• Coordinated with [teams/departments] to manage [task or project, e.g., executive schedules, event planning], demonstrating exceptional [soft skill, e.g., organizational skills, communication].
• Handled [administrative function, e.g., correspondence, record keeping], streamlining [process or task, e.g., document management, meeting arrangements] to improve [operational outcome, e.g., efficiency, executive productivity].
• Implemented [system or process improvement, e.g., new scheduling software, digital filing system], leading to [quantifiable benefit, e.g., 20% time savings, improved document accessibility].
• Played a pivotal role in [project or initiative, e.g., corporate event planning, office relocation], resulting in [measurable impact, e.g., cost savings, improved office environment].
• Managed [type of responsibility, e.g., travel arrangements, expense reports], utilizing [tools/methods, e.g., travel booking platforms, expense tracking software] to ensure [outcome, e.g., cost-effectiveness, accurate reimbursements].
• Key contributor to [task or responsibility, e.g., executive support, team coordination], ensuring [quality or standard, e.g., timely communication, smooth operations] across all tasks.
• Major: Name of Major
• Minor: Name of Minor

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Personal Assistant (PA) CV Tips and Examples

If you’re on the lookout for a job as a Personal Assistant, it’s crucial to make sure that your CV catches the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. This will greatly improve your chances of landing that perfect personal assistant position.

Creating a stand-out personal assistant CV requires keeping things concise, expressing yourself eloquently and tailoring it to fit the role and company. Showcasing your relevant skills and accomplishments is crucial, but don’t forget to let your personality shine through too. After all, your CV should give recruiters a peek into who you are as a person.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll delve into the recommended structure and format for a personal assistant CV. We’ll also share some of our valuable tips on how to compose an impressive personal assistant CV, including a practical example.

How to Write a Personal Assistant CV That Stands Out

When crafting your CV for a personal assistant role, it’s crucial to present your relevant skills and experience clearly and concisely. It is also important to tailor your CV to the specific job you are applying for. 

To tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for, you should review the PA job description carefully and make sure that the skills and experience you highlight in your CV align with the requirements of the position. Consider including specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your relevant skills.  

Here are some valuable tips on structuring your CV when applying for personal assistant positions :

Step 1: CV Formatting

When creating your CV, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of the position and industry you’re applying for. 

While most support roles call for a CV in a PDF format, there may be some exceptions depending on the company and position. 

In certain instances, companies may request that you apply directly through a website or a third-party recruitment platform . Some platforms may require you to upload a separate file for your CV, while others may require you to input information into a designated form. Make sure to review the platform’s requirements and submit your CV accordingly.

Joss Search Tip: Formatting

At Joss Search , we emphasise the importance of designing a visually appealing and easy-to-read CV. Opting for a format that is clear and incorporates bullet points and headings will help hiring managers quickly navigate through the information.

There are a range of options to choose from when creating your CV. You can choose a basic text document format, which is simple to create and widely used. Alternatively, if you’re inclined towards adding a touch of creativity, you can explore CV creator software. 

The number one goal is to make your CV visually appealing while maintaining clarity and ease of reading. Choose a format that suits your style and the position you’re applying and try not to make the design too complicated as this can make it difficult for the recruiter to read.

Step 2: Personal profile

The next step in the CV-building process is to write a personal profile. A personal profile is a concise overview of your qualifications, skills and experience that demonstrate why you’re a strong fit for the position. It is typically placed at the beginning of your resume and serves as a compelling introduction to your professional profile.

A well-crafted personal assistant profile should include a summary of your key skills, strengths and any relevant experience or accomplishments that showcase your ability to excel in a support role. It provides hiring managers with a clear picture of your capabilities.

Your personal assistant profile may also incorporate a brief statement that offers insight into your personality, values and work style. This helps hiring managers gauge whether you would be a good match for the company’s culture and the tasks you’ll be assisting with.

How to write a personal statement

When writing your personal profile, pay attention to the following points: 

• Start your personal statement with one to two sentences that reflect your personality, work style and values.
• Highlight the key qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the position, focusing on the ones most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Tailor your professional experience summary to match the specific requirements of the personal assistant role. Emphasise relevant roles, responsibilities and noteworthy achievements that showcase your capabilities.
• Include any relevant degrees or certifications related to the personal assistant position, along with relevant online courses you’ve completed.
• Conclude your profile by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and dedication to supporting the executive and contributing to the organisation’s success. 

Example of a PA personal statement

I am a motivated and adaptable personal assistant with a proven track record of successfully supporting high-level professionals and ensuring seamless operations. My strong communication and organisational skills, combined with acute attention to detail, enable me to excel in this role.

Managing multiple tasks, prioritising deadlines and upholding confidentiality are second nature to me. I am dedicated to providing exceptional support that goes above and beyond expectations.

I am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills and expertise to contribute to your continued growth. With our collaborative efforts, we can achieve exceptional results. 

I look forward to embarking on this journey together and making a positive and impactful difference.

Step 3: What to include in your PA CV

The next step in the process is to decide what information you should include in your PA CV. As previously mentioned, it is important to highlight experience, qualifications, achievements and responsibilities that align closely with the position you are applying for.

Relevant experience

Put the spotlight on your relevant experience, showcasing your notable achievements and responsibilities. Highlight your actual accomplishments and how they contributed to the success of previous employers or projects.

To make your experience stand out, use action verbs and quantitative results whenever possible. This helps to demonstrate your impact and the value you bring to potential employers. Consider including specific examples or projects that showcase your skills and expertise in action.

Remember, relevance is key. Tailor your experience section to highlight the aspects that directly relate to the desired position, industry and company. This will help hiring managers quickly recognise your qualifications and suitability for the role.

Education and certifications

The education and certifications section of your CV is an opportunity to showcase your formal qualifications and any relevant short courses you’ve completed. This information provides evidence of your knowledge and expertise in specific areas that are pertinent to the position you’re applying for.

Start by including your highest level of education, such as a degree or diploma, along with the institution you attended and the year of completion. This gives employers an immediate understanding of your educational background.

If you have obtained certifications or professional qualifications that are directly related to the role, be sure to include them as well. This could include online courses , industry-specific courses or software accreditations that demonstrate your proficiencies.

By highlighting your education and certifications, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary qualifications and knowledge to excel in the role. It adds credibility to your application and shows hiring managers you are committed to continuous learning and personal development. 

Core skills

The core skills section of your CV allows you to highlight the hard and soft skills that make you a strong candidate for the role. These skills demonstrate your ability to effectively perform the tasks and responsibilities associated with the position.

Start by identifying the core skills that are most relevant to the role. Here are some potential core skills to include in a personal assistant CV:

• Communication: Strong communication skills are essential for a personal assistant. Highlight your ability to effectively communicate with executives, team members and external stakeholders. 
• Organisation: As a personal assistant, you will be responsible for managing multiple tasks, schedules and priorities. Showcase your organisational skills, such as calendar management, meeting coordination, travel arrangements and efficient time management.
• Attention to detail: Attention to detail is crucial in the role of a personal assistant, as you will be handling sensitive information, preparing reports and managing administrative tasks. Emphasise your ability to maintain accuracy, thoroughness and meticulousness in your work.
• Problem-solving: Personal assistants often encounter challenges and unexpected situations. Highlight your problem-solving abilities, including your capacity to think critically, make decisions and find creative solutions to complex problems.
• Confidentiality: Confidentiality and discretion are crucial attributes for a personal assistant. Showcase your understanding of the need for privacy and your ability to handle confidential information with the utmost professionalism and trustworthiness.
• Technology proficiency: Personal assistants often work with various software and tools. Highlight your proficiency in relevant software, such as Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), project management software and CRM systems.

Step 4: Cut the fluff 

To stand out, your CV should be concise, targeted and tailored specifically to the job you are applying for. Ideally, a personal assistant’s CV should not exceed two pages. This necessitates careful selection of information, emphasising the most relevant and impactful aspects of your professional experience.

Joss Search Tip: Editing

Once you have all the details of your CV mapped out, review the information and remove any non-relevant or repetitive information. 

The primary objective of maintaining a concise and tailored personal assistant CV is to enable recruiters and hiring managers to quickly grasp your qualifications and experience. By focusing on the most pertinent details, you enhance your chances of capturing their attention and progressing to the next stage of the hiring process.

Personal assistant CV example

Contact details.

• Name: Max Goodwork
• Location: Surrey
• Contact number: 0123 456 7890
• Email: [email protected]

As a seasoned Personal Assistant with over a decade of experience, I am well-versed in the demanding role of supporting busy executives. I bring a wealth of expertise in seamlessly managing tasks and resources, ensuring optimal efficiency at all times. 

My ability to collaborate and communicate effectively has been a cornerstone of my career as a Personal Assistant. I excel in bringing people together and facilitating seamless teamwork, resulting in staff feeling happy and supported . 

In addition to my strong communication skills, I am highly proficient in managing complex travel arrangements and meticulously maintaining calendars. I take pride in my ability to flawlessly coordinate meetings and events.

Complementing my hands-on experience, I hold a diploma in office administration and have pursued online courses in office management to further enhance my skills in the personal assistant role.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the success of your organisation. With unwavering dedication and a commitment to providing exceptional support, I am eager to discuss how my qualifications align with your needs. 

• Office Administration Diploma – Global Edulink – Completed 2017
• Managing Office Politics – LinkedIn Learning – Completed 2021
• Soft Skills: Excellent communicator with a passion for organisation and finding ways to improve company processes and efficiencies
• Software: Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Sage Pastel and SAP
• Languages: Fluent in English (reading, writing and speaking) and Dutch (reading, writing and speaking)

Work experience

Personal assistant to the managing director.

• January 2012 – Present
• Top Recruiters UK – Surrey

In my current role, I provide comprehensive support as a Personal Assistant to the MD at Top Recruiters UK. This entails managing business and personal calendars, travel arrangements and special projects effectively.

Responsibilities 

• Prepare monthly reports for all departments, analyzing and synthesizing data from various sources to provide comprehensive insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Maintain and manage the Managing Director’s calendar, scheduling and organising an average of 30 appointments per week with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Coordinate company travel arrangements for a team of 50 employees, successfully managing an average of 100 travel bookings per month, ensuring cost savings of 15% through negotiated deals. 
• Manage confidential company correspondence, handling an average of 50 sensitive documents per week with strict adherence to confidentiality protocols.
• Setup and manage management meetings, organising an average of 20 meetings per month, ensuring timely distribution of agendas, minutes and action items
• Effectively communicate and keep the management team well-informed of upcoming commitments, sending out weekly status updates and reminders, resulting in a 20% decrease in missed deadlines.
• Office management includes overseeing day-to-day operations, maintaining office supplies and equipment and reducing expenses by 10% through efficient procurement strategies.
• Support the smooth functioning of the workplace environment, implementing workplace satisfaction surveys resulting in a 15% increase in employee satisfaction scores.

Achievements

• Developed and implemented an innovative asset management system that replaced manual tracking methods with a digital solution, allowing for real-time visibility and control over company assets. As a result of the enhanced asset management system, operational efficiency increased by 25%, reducing time spent on asset tracking and minimising the risk of loss or misplacement.
• I coordinated a management meeting with 16 international executives. I managed all logistical aspects, prepared comprehensive itineraries, facilitated seamless communication and successfully executed the meeting, resulting in strengthened global collaboration, improved understanding and the alignment of strategic goals.

Personal Assistant to the Founder

• July 2005 – December 2011
• Keith’s International Staffing Solutions (KISS) – Surrey

As a Personal Assistant, I reported directly to the company founder. My responsibilities included calendar management, office management, event planning and communication. 

Responsibilities

• Manage the founder’s calendar and schedule appointments, meetings and team events, handling an average of 40 appointments per week with precision and timeliness.
• Handle correspondence and communication on behalf of the founder, drafting and proofreading an average of 20 emails, memos and documents per day to ensure accuracy and professionalism.
• Assist in the organisation and coordination of company events, conferences and workshops, successfully executing an average of 10 events per year, ensuring seamless logistics and attendee satisfaction.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support, including managing expense reports, processing invoices and handling travel arrangements for the founder, resulting in efficient financial management and cost savings of 10%.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination between the founder and various stakeholders, departments and team members, ensuring efficient collaboration and timely information flow.
• Support the founder in executing key projects and initiatives, managing timelines, milestones and deliverables to achieve objectives on time and within budget.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion, upholding privacy and confidentiality standards to protect the founder’s interests and maintain trust.
• Proactively identify areas for improvement and implement streamlined processes, resulting in a 15% increase in the founder’s productivity and efficiency through enhanced workflows and optimised task management.
• Implemented an efficient calendar management system using Calendly . This significantly improved the founder’s schedule and reduced conflicts, resulting in seamless appointment scheduling and increased productivity. 
• Successfully coordinated and executed the company’s annual conference, ensuring smooth logistics, effective communication and a memorable experience for all attendees. The event received positive feedback from participants and contributed to enhancing the company’s reputation and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.

Beyond work, I am an avid enthusiast of endurance sports, including running, cycling and swimming. I enjoy competing in triathlons, where I can showcase my skills in all three disciplines. 

I recently achieved a significant personal milestone by completing the London Marathon. I believe this is a testament to my determination, perseverance and commitment to pushing my physical and mental limits. 

Engaging in these activities allows me to maintain a healthy work-life balance and fuels my passion for setting and achieving goals both in and out of the professional sphere.

Please note that this is a fictional example CV based on the provided information.

Crafting a standout Personal Assistant CV is crucial to increase your chances of landing the perfect position. 

By keeping your CV concise, expressing yourself eloquently and tailoring it to the role and company, you can catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. It is important to structure your CV effectively, paying attention to formatting, personal profile, relevant experience, education and certifications and core skills. 

By following these steps and tips, you can create an impressive and impactful CV that highlights your qualifications and sets you apart from the competition.

Joss Search is an experienced recruitment agency that specialises in placing professionals in business support roles. With a strong reputation for successfully pairing high-calibre candidates with prestigious companies worldwide, our team of experienced recruiters is committed to finding the ideal match for both clients and candidates. If you’re seeking a new personal assistant position, contact us today to explore our current job openings and learn how we can assist you in advancing your career.

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Crafting Your CASAA Personal Statement Essay: Key Insights for Aspiring Anesthesiologist Assistants

Crafting a solid personal statement for your CASAA application is crucial in showcasing your passion for the anesthesiologist assistant profession and why you're the ideal candidate. Here's a breakdown of the key elements you should consider as you embark on this important writing journey.

Let's start with the CASAA personal statement prompt. Here it is.

Please explain your motivation for selecting a career in healthcare and specifically why you are interested in becoming an anesthesiologist assistant. Describe how your personal and professional background will help you achieve your career goals and eminently suit you for this profession.

CASAA allows you to use 4500 characters, including spaces to answer the prompt. This is about one page of 12 point Times New Roman font, single-spaced.

Formatting Your Personal Statement

It's important to create paragraphs so that the admissions committee can quickly and easily read your essay. One big block of text without an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion makes it more challenging for the reader.

Keep your formatting simple because tabs and multiple spaces are NOT saved in CASAA. This means you won't be able to indicate a new paragraph through indentation. The best way to denote paragraphs is simply pressing "enter" twice (aka a double return) between each paragraph.

By doing a double return between paragraphs, you'll avoid one big block of text, which is difficult for admissions committees to read.

Essential Content

Addressing the prompt comprehensively is paramount. Focus on two critical aspects: why you're passionate about being an anesthesiologist assistant and how your background uniquely qualifies you for this profession.

• Why Anesthesiologist Assistant? Delve BOTH into your fascination with anesthesia itself (whether it's the intricate physiology, the nuanced pharmacology, the critical thinking involved, or some other aspect) AND delve into your interest in being part of the anesthesia care team model (whether it's the teamwork aspect, 1-on-1 patient care, or something else). If you can answer both aspects of this question, your personal statement will be more robust.
• Fit for the Role: Demonstrate your understanding of the qualities required of a certified anesthesiologist assistant. Draw from your shadowing experiences and interactions with CAAs to articulate how your skills, traits, and experiences align with the demands of the profession. This section is your opportunity to showcase your depth of understanding and commitment to the role.

Tips for Success

Refer to the profession title correctly

Use the terms "certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA)" or "anesthesiologist assistant (AA)" accurately to demonstrate your familiarity with the profession. Do NOT use incorrect terms such as anesthesiology assistant or anesthesia assistant. Using an incorrect term can raise suspicions that an applicant doesn't have firm knowledge of the profession.

Show, don't tell

Use concrete examples to illustrate your attributes and achievements. Whether it's demonstrating tenacity in overcoming challenges or showcasing your dedication to patient care, vivid anecdotes strengthen your narrative.

Remain professional, don't overshare

While the personal statement provides insight into your personality, maintain a professional tone and avoid divulging overly personal details. Keep in mind you're writing to a stranger, so strike a balance between authenticity and professionalism.

Proofread thoroughly

Eliminate typos and grammatical errors to ensure a polished final draft. Since you can't edit your personal statement post-submission, meticulous proofreading is essential. Consider seeking feedback from multiple sources to catch any overlooked mistakes.

Your personal statement serves as a pivotal component of your CASAA application, offering a glimpse into your motivations, aspirations, and suitability for the anesthesiologist assistant profession. Approach it with care, allowing your passion and qualifications to shine through, and leave the admissions committee with a compelling portrait of your candidacy. This is your opportunity to stand out and make a lasting impression—make it count!

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Author: Sarah Whitfield, CAA

Sarah is the founder of Aspiring CAA, a practicing certified anesthesiologist assistant, clinical preceptor, and assistant professor at a master of medical science program. With admission committee experience and an intricate knowledge of the admissions process, she helps guide prospective CAA students on their career journey.

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About this blog

Aspiring CAA is the go-to blog for expert advice on how to become a CAA. Founded by a practicing certified anesthesiologist assistant, clinical preceptor, and assistant professor at a master of medical science program in anesthesiology, Aspiring CAA makes admissions guidance readily available to all aspiring anesthesiologist assistants. With admission committee experience and an intricate knowledge of the admissions process, Aspiring CAA takes the guess work out of applying to CAA school.

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Personal Statement Examples

• personal statement

By stephenpac October 25, 2015 in Personal Statements

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For anybody looking for real world examples of physician assistant school personal statements we have compiled a list of 31 essay samples submitted through our free personal statement review service. Just a reminder Don’t copy (plagiarize) from samples, examples, or anything not an original thought. 

31 Physician Assistant Personal Statement Examples

These sample essays should help you as you decide what to write, or what not to write, on your PA school personal statement.

It is important to note that these are examples of what other PA school applicants have submitted and are not meant to be examples of what you should write. We have left a very brief comment at the end of each essay, which was meant to provide the writer with some help and direction.

A great essay is seamless, it's smooth, it feels effortless yet, it is anything but.

After our our interviews with PA school administrators one things became extremely clear: The admissions committee wants you to cut to the chase, eliminate the drama and tell a fluid story.

Feel free to read through these example essays and take notes of what you think works and what doesn't.  Note common mistakes and common spelling errors that get people in trouble.

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Personal Assistant Interview Questions with Sample Answers

In this blog, we have discussed some of the most asked Personal Assistant Interview Questions to help the readers prepare for their next interview. It includes common questions like handling multitasking, managing confidential information, and problem-solving, with sample answers. Readers will also learn how to showcase organisation, communication skills, and adaptability, giving you the confidence to impress potential employers.

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• Administrative Assistant Training

Personal Assistants play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of their employer’s daily life, making it essential to demonstrate a unique set of skills during the interview process. If you are interested in building your career in this domain, we have prepared some commonly asked Personal Assistant Interview Questions and answers to help you stand apart from the crowd. Read ahead to know more! 

Table of Contents 

1) Commonly asked Personal Assistant Interview Questions 

        a) Tell me something about yourself. 

        b) What are the skills necessary for a Personal Assistant position? 

        c) Describe your experience as a Personal Assistant. 

        d) Can you tell me your biggest strengths? 

        e) Did you face any challenges as a Personal Assistant? 

        f) Where do you see yourself in the next five years? 

        g) How do you deal with harsh criticism? 

        h) What tasks were assigned to you in your previous role as a Personal Assistant? 

        i) Can you tell me a situation where you had an outstanding achievement? 

        j) How do you protect confidential information? 

        k) What methods do you use when faced with challenging or demanding personalities? 

        l) How do you prioritise tasks when you have multiple deadlines to meet? 

       m) What do you do to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices? 

       n) What was the reason for resigning from your last job? 

2) Tips to ace Personal Assistant’s interview 

3) Conclusion   

Commonly asked Personal Assistant Interview Questions

Here are some of the most asked Personal Assistant Interview Questions with sample answers to help you prepare for the next interview:

Tell me something about yourself.

A sample answer to this question is, "I am a dedicated and efficient Personal Assistant with over five years of experience supporting senior executives. My strength lies in my exceptional organisational skills, which allow me to manage complex schedules and coordinate logistics seamlessly.   

I thrive in fast-paced environments and am adept at multitasking and problem-solving. I have a track record of maintaining confidentiality and building strong professional relationships. My goal is to leverage these skills to support and contribute to the success of my employer effectively."   

What are the skills necessary for a Personal Assistant position?

Here's a sample answer to this question: "The key skills for a Personal Assistant include excellent organisational and time management abilities. These allow for efficient scheduling and prioritisation of tasks. Strong communication skills are essential for written and verbal interactions with various stakeholders.   

Proficiency in multitasking and keen attention to detail ensure accuracy and efficiency in all tasks. Problem-solving skills are crucial for navigating unexpected challenges, while discretion and confidentiality are vital in handling sensitive information. Additionally, being adaptable and tech-savvy with various office software enhances overall effectiveness in this role."   

Describe your experience as a Personal Assistant.

You can use this answer: "In my three years as a Personal Assistant, I've supported C-level executives in fast-paced corporate environments. My role involved managing complex calendars, coordinating international travel, and organising high-level meetings. I've successfully handled confidential documents and communicated with key stakeholders on behalf of my employers.   

My experience also includes Project Management , where I've overseen cross-departmental initiatives, demonstrating my ability to multitask and prioritise effectively. I've consistently received commendations for my attention to detail and proactive approach in anticipating and addressing the needs of my employers, ensuring smooth and efficient daily operations." 

Can you tell me your biggest strengths?

Here’s a sample answer: "My biggest strengths lie in my exceptional organisational capabilities and strong interpersonal skills. I excel at streamlining processes, managing schedules effectively, and ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and on time. My interpersonal skills have helped me to build and maintain strong professional relationships.   

This helped me in facilitating smooth communication between executives and their teams. Additionally, my adaptability has proven invaluable in rapidly changing environments, allowing me to adjust quickly to new challenges and tasks. These strengths, combined with my dedication and attention to detail, make me an effective Personal Assistant." 

Did you face any challenges as a Personal Assistant?

You can use this answer: "Yes, one significant challenge I faced was when I had to coordinate an international conference for my employer within a very tight deadline. The complexities of different time zones, language barriers, and coordinating with multiple vendors simultaneously were initially daunting. However, I tackled this by breaking the tasks into manageable segments, diligently following up with stakeholders, and leveraging technology for efficient communication. This experience honed my problem-solving and organisational skills and taught me the importance of remaining calm and focused under pressure, ensuring the event's success." 

Are you interested in building your career as a Personal Assistant? Register now for our Perfect Executive Personal Assistant Training !  

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Here's a sample answer to this question, "In the next five years, I see myself advancing in the field of executive support, possibly transitioning into a senior Personal Assistant or administrative assistant role. I aim to deepen my understanding of strategic business management and enhance my Project Management and executive communication skills.   

I aim to take on greater responsibilities in supporting top-level management, contributing more significantly to organisational goals. I am also interested in mentoring junior assistants, sharing my experiences and learnings to foster a collaborative and skilled administrative team within the organisation."   

How do you deal with harsh criticism?

Here's a sample answer to this question, "I approach harsh criticism as an opportunity for growth. Initially, I listened carefully to understand the core concerns behind the feedback, maintaining a professional demeanour. It's important to separate personal feelings from constructive critique.   

After processing the information, I reflect on how I can improve and implement changes if necessary. I may also seek clarification or additional guidance to comprehend the feedback fully. This approach has helped me enhance my skills and performance significantly. I view criticism as a valuable professional development tool, not a setback."   

What tasks were assigned to you in your previous role as a Personal Assistant?

You can answer this question in this manner, "In my previous role as a Personal Assistant, I was responsible for numerous tasks that supported the day-to-day activities of the executive team. My primary duties included managing complex calendars, arranging travel itineraries, organising meetings, and handling correspondence.   

I also took on responsibilities such as preparing reports, conducting research, and managing expense reports. Additionally, I played a key role in event planning and coordination, and I occasionally assisted with personal errands to ensure the executives' schedules were as efficient as possible. Throughout all these tasks, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism was vital." 

Can you tell me a situation where you had an outstanding achievement?

You can answer this question in this manner, "One situation that stands out was when I orchestrated a major international conference for my employer. Despite a tight deadline and complex logistics involving participants from multiple countries, I executed the event flawlessly.   

I coordinated travel, accommodations, and the conference schedule while handling unforeseen issues like last-minute itinerary changes and technical glitches. The event was highly successful, receiving commendations from attendees and my employer. This achievement demonstrated my organisational and problem-solving skills and my ability to deliver high-quality results under pressure." 

Build your career as an expert Personal Assistant with our PA and Secretarial Course . Join now!  

How do you protect confidential information?

Here’s a sample answer to this question, "Protecting confidential information is paramount in my role as a Personal Assistant. I adhere to strict data privacy policies and employ various security practices. This includes using password-protected documents and encrypted communication channels for sensitive information.   

I ensure that physical documents are stored securely and accessible only to authorised personnel. I also practice discretion in verbal communications and am mindful of my surroundings when discussing confidential matters. Regularly updating myself on best practices in data security and privacy is also a part of my routine to ensure I'm always adhering to the highest standards of confidentiality." 

What methods do you use when faced with challenging or demanding personalities?

You can answer this question: "When dealing with challenging or demanding personalities, I focus on maintaining professionalism and empathy. I actively listen to understand their perspective and needs, which helps in addressing their concerns effectively. I remain calm and composed, using clear and respectful communication to mitigate misunderstandings.   

If a situation becomes particularly demanding, I prioritise setting clear boundaries and expectations while remaining flexible and solution-focused. I've found that often, challenging interactions can be diffused by demonstrating a willingness to understand and work towards a mutually beneficial outcome while maintaining a respectful and composed demeanour." 

How do you prioritise tasks when you have multiple deadlines to meet?

Here's an expanded answer to this question, "When faced with multiple deadlines, my first step is to understand and then assess the urgency and importance of each task. I prioritise critical and time-sensitive tasks, ensuring they are addressed first. I also communicate with my employer or relevant stakeholders to confirm priorities, especially in cases where the importance isn't immediately clear.   

Utilising tools like digital calendars and task lists helps me keep track of deadlines. Additionally, I break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks to ensure steady progress. If necessary, I'll delegate specific tasks to appropriate team members, always ensuring that I maintain oversight and coordination for timely completion." 

How do you stay updated with industry trends and best practices?

Here's a sample answer to this question, "To stay current with the industry's latest trends and best practices, I regularly read relevant online publications and subscribe to newsletters specific to executive support and business management. I also participate in webinars and workshops to enhance my skills, especially in technology and communication.   

I also network with other professionals in the field through online forums and industry events, providing valuable insights and sharing of experiences. Lastly, I actively seek feedback and suggestions for improvement from my employers, as this helps me to continuously refine my skills and adapt to changing demands in the Personal Assistant role." 

What was the reason for resigning from your last job?

Here's a sample answer to this question, “My decision to leave my last position as a Personal Assistant was driven by my desire for professional growth and new challenges. While I greatly valued the experiences and the skills I developed there, I found that I had reached a point where further growth opportunities were limited.   

I am now looking for a role where I can apply my extensive experience and skills in a new environment, continue to develop professionally and contribute to a dynamic team. Change is essential for personal and professional development, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead. 

Learn how to make decisions effectively with our Administrative Assistant Masterclass . Sign up now!  

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Graduate School

Personal Statement

Applicants will be required to upload a personal statement with the admission application in the space provided. Prior to submitting, please review file upload requirements .

Requirements

Princeton is strongly committed to welcoming students with diverse experiences. Describe a personal experience that influenced your decision to pursue graduate study. Explain how the lessons from this experience would enrich Princeton’s residential scholarly community.

The essay must be written in English and should not exceed 250 words. No specific formatting is required.

Review your final statement before uploading and submitting the admission application. If you submitted an application and need to revise your essay, you may upload the corrected version through the checklist before the deadline. After the deadline, no revised essays will be accepted.