Employer’s frequently asked questions for hiring a personal assistant
Employers that have never worked with an agency or headhunter, understandably, have many questions about the process. Because of the high-volume of questions we receive, here is a list of the most queried topics to get you started.
Are you an employment agency?
No, we are not. We are retained, on-demand recruiters (aka "headhunters").
What is the difference between a retained-search firm like yours and a regular employment agency?
Retained search firms are specialists and offer more personalized service. Because our founder has worked with celebrities, billionaires and royalty as a personal assistant, he understands the special characteristics and temperament needed to be successful in the role. His screening process is unmatched in the industry. Initial interviews can take 3 to 5 hours — and that’s just to determine if the candidate is worthy of being represented by the firm. The process of re-interviewing starts again BEFORE a candidate is submitted to a job.
At other high-volume agencies, interns and part-timers may initially screen a candidate for only 30 minutes before deciding to send them out on interviews, and no re-interviewing takes place at all. In fact, at high-volume employment agencies it’s common for agents to submit candidates for jobs when they have never actually even met the person being introduced to the employer.
Regular “Jack of all trades” staffing agencies try to be all things to all people. In addition to “celebrity assistants” they also have dog walkers, birthday clowns, magicians, etc; so it’s common to have 20,000 candidates in their database. In short, most employment agencies are just commission factories and the service is impersonal for both the candidates and the clients.
In our case we can actually charge less money than other employment agencies and offer better service (and of course better candidates).
At other high-volume agencies, interns and part-timers may initially screen a candidate for only 30 minutes before deciding to send them out on interviews, and no re-interviewing takes place at all. In fact, at high-volume employment agencies it’s common for agents to submit candidates for jobs when they have never actually even met the person being introduced to the employer.
Regular “Jack of all trades” staffing agencies try to be all things to all people. In addition to “celebrity assistants” they also have dog walkers, birthday clowns, magicians, etc; so it’s common to have 20,000 candidates in their database. In short, most employment agencies are just commission factories and the service is impersonal for both the candidates and the clients.
In our case we can actually charge less money than other employment agencies and offer better service (and of course better candidates).
How much does it cost to get an assistant through The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network?
That is somewhat of a trick question. The full-time candidates’ salaries can range from $60,000 a year all the way up to $150,000+. It all depends on a number of factors, which include but are not limited to:
If, for example, an employer wants a world-class personal assistant that has worked with the best of the best employers (and they will be on call 24/7/365 while constantly working under tremendous pressure and break-neck deadlines) then that is what we call “combat pay” in the business–-and those assistants are going to command hefty salaries.
We also represent ultra-high-range assistants that act in a “business management” capacity. For example, we have one candidate that works for a top-100 Forbes list billionaire. She has a master’s degree and manages many aspects of the billionaire’s business. That assistant makes about $250,000 a year plus amazing benefits. Again, you tell us what you want and we will get started.
- Overall level of responsibility
- Number of hours to be worked each week
- Amount of travel required
- Education and experience level
- Number of subordinates (other assistants, housekeepers, nannies, etc.)
- Will they be managing multiple estates and private jets?
- Will they wear EA and PA hats?
- Will they be expected to be on call 24/7/365?
If, for example, an employer wants a world-class personal assistant that has worked with the best of the best employers (and they will be on call 24/7/365 while constantly working under tremendous pressure and break-neck deadlines) then that is what we call “combat pay” in the business–-and those assistants are going to command hefty salaries.
We also represent ultra-high-range assistants that act in a “business management” capacity. For example, we have one candidate that works for a top-100 Forbes list billionaire. She has a master’s degree and manages many aspects of the billionaire’s business. That assistant makes about $250,000 a year plus amazing benefits. Again, you tell us what you want and we will get started.
I don't know how much I want to pay the assistant. Can we just get started with the interview process anyway?
We don’t start the process unless we have a complete job description and a salary range. We will help you refine the JD and salary specifics, but we can’t start the process until we know what your expectations and parameters are. The policy in place is designed to save the employer time, and that’s why our success rate is so high (and fast) because no energy is spent interviewing candidates that aren’t a fit.
Additionally, experienced assistants in-the-know are usually reluctant to interview with an employer unless there is a salary range because some employers dramatically low-ball candidates (which is sometimes the case with job descriptions that say DOE).
Additionally, experienced assistants in-the-know are usually reluctant to interview with an employer unless there is a salary range because some employers dramatically low-ball candidates (which is sometimes the case with job descriptions that say DOE).
What kinds of employers do you work with?
We work with virtually every kind of employer under the sun. Our hire agreement has a confidentiality clause built in, so we don’t drop our clients’ names; but some of the areas/industries include but are not limited to:
- CEOs of national and multinational corporations
- Movie/TV actors, producers, directors, and executives
- Finance, hedge fund managers & venture capital firms
- Musicians and rock stars
- High-profile book authors and journalists
- Sports figures and team owners
- Politicians, diplomats and state departments
- Real estate moguls
- Successful entrepreneurs
- High net worth families
- Ultra high net worth families and billionaires
- And other successful business owners
Do you have temps, hourly, on-call or part-time candidates?
No. The high-profile candidates that we work with are either currently employed full-time or are seeking full-time employment. For the most part, candidates who work temp assignments or do part-time gigs are beginners, and we only represent the more experienced candidates in the field. The one very small exception we do make is for current clients who have already made a placement. During awards season in Hollywood, for example, many subordinate personal assistants are needed to help with the extra workload. In cases like that, we can provide additional support to our clients when they need it.
What are the advantages of working with a boutique company like yours?
There are many benefits, but here are some of the most important ones:
WORK WITH THE BEST: Clients work with our Founder 100% of the time, so you won’t be dealing with college interns, part-timers or sales reps like at other employment agencies (It’s common industry practice for agency owners to hire sales reps who pose as HR professionals).
EXTENDED HOURS: As exclusive headhunters, we offer concierge service so you can reach us "after hours" and even on weekends.
HANDS ON SERVICE: High-volume operations simply can’t take the time to get to know their clients. We limit the number of placements we do each month so we can actually get to know our clients and candidates. That way a great match can be made.
SUBJECT-MATTER EXPERTS: The depth and breadth of our knowledge of the personal assistant industry allows us to be efficient in our placement process, so we can charge less money and offer better service than other companies.
TRUSTED ADVISERS: Because we don’t work on a commission business model, we won’t make a placement simply to maximize our profit.
STRONG ETHICS: High-volume “Jack of all trades” employment agencies are known for poaching candidates back so that they can score more commissions. We have a firm policy which prevents us from engaging in that rampant behavior the broader industry embraces.
ABOVEBOARD POLICIES: We actually tell you what you need to know, not what you want to hear. In short, no sycophants here.
TRANSPARENT PROCESS: Again, because we’re not driven for commissions, we don’t coach our candidates to say what you want to hear.
FLEXIBILITY: We have a much higher level of control during our placement process, and the ability to be flexible when changes need to be made.
VOW OF SECRECY: We are well-known for our discretion. Large operations have dozens of employees and it’s virtually impossible to keep client secrets a secret. We regularly turn down opportunities to be in pop culture magazines and television shows that want him to gossip or drop names. Additionally, our hire agreement includes a confidentiality clause which protects your identity.
CLIENT SECURITY: By going through a firm like ours, private employers not only save themselves time and money, but are insulated from the dangers of taking out ads on the internet.
WORK WITH THE BEST: Clients work with our Founder 100% of the time, so you won’t be dealing with college interns, part-timers or sales reps like at other employment agencies (It’s common industry practice for agency owners to hire sales reps who pose as HR professionals).
EXTENDED HOURS: As exclusive headhunters, we offer concierge service so you can reach us "after hours" and even on weekends.
HANDS ON SERVICE: High-volume operations simply can’t take the time to get to know their clients. We limit the number of placements we do each month so we can actually get to know our clients and candidates. That way a great match can be made.
SUBJECT-MATTER EXPERTS: The depth and breadth of our knowledge of the personal assistant industry allows us to be efficient in our placement process, so we can charge less money and offer better service than other companies.
TRUSTED ADVISERS: Because we don’t work on a commission business model, we won’t make a placement simply to maximize our profit.
STRONG ETHICS: High-volume “Jack of all trades” employment agencies are known for poaching candidates back so that they can score more commissions. We have a firm policy which prevents us from engaging in that rampant behavior the broader industry embraces.
ABOVEBOARD POLICIES: We actually tell you what you need to know, not what you want to hear. In short, no sycophants here.
TRANSPARENT PROCESS: Again, because we’re not driven for commissions, we don’t coach our candidates to say what you want to hear.
FLEXIBILITY: We have a much higher level of control during our placement process, and the ability to be flexible when changes need to be made.
VOW OF SECRECY: We are well-known for our discretion. Large operations have dozens of employees and it’s virtually impossible to keep client secrets a secret. We regularly turn down opportunities to be in pop culture magazines and television shows that want him to gossip or drop names. Additionally, our hire agreement includes a confidentiality clause which protects your identity.
CLIENT SECURITY: By going through a firm like ours, private employers not only save themselves time and money, but are insulated from the dangers of taking out ads on the internet.
We don't want to hire you for a placement, but we still need help. Are you available for consulting?
Yes. Brian Daniel is available to train your staff, design or retool systems, create house manuals, etc. Send us a message and we can determine the next steps.
Which cities do you make placements in?
Because we specialize only in assistants, our business model allows us to make placements in any city worldwide. Most of our placements are made in major US cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, Washington DC, and Miami. We regularly serve clients throughout North America, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
I've heard great things about your company. Why is your placement success so high?
Because we have a reputation that other assistants trust. We are effortlessly able to recruit the highest quality personal assistants — most of who would never deal with the typical high-volume “Jack of all trades” employment agencies (even domestic staffing agencies that supposedly cater to the stars). The truth is that most “celebrity staffing agencies” make their money from placing maids and nannies, and they don’t specialize in personal assistants or estate managers like we do. Regular staffing agencies make their money from temps. Additionally, most employment agencies take out fake employment ads throughout the year for two nefarious reasons:
In sum, the rampant and unethical policy the industry uses with fake job ads causes quality assistants to completely lose faith in employment agencies, so they stay away from them: “Once bitten, twice shy”. Conversely, we are known for our honesty and bring a great deal of dignity to the process — for both candidates and employers. Word travels fast in this industry and The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network is known as a “safe haven” for assistants because they are treated with respect. Professional administrative organizations and associations across the United States are constantly sending their members to us, so we can tap into the nation’s hottest candidates — even if they aren’t actively seeking employment (passive candidates). Just like the best jobs exist in a “hidden job market,” the same is true for top-quality personal assistant candidates.
When employers hire us to find a personal assistant, most candidates are booked right through our existing network. If, by chance, we don’t have an assistant in our network that an employer wants, then we can easily branch out and recruit one — regardless of the city, big or small. Because we specialize only in personal assistants, The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network has become a prestigious brand.
- They try and “bait and switch” personal assistants into jobs they are overqualified for, all in an effort to score a commission. After visiting the agency, the classic canned response to the applicant is that “the job you came in for has just been placed, but he have this one instead” (that pays much less of course). That “bait and switch” process is typically managed by a sales team hired by the owner of the employment agency, not by qualified HR reps that care about giving clients quality service.
- The second reason agencies take out fake ads is because the agency uses that opportunity to introduce themselves to the candidates’ previous employers (all under the guise is “verifying former employment”). In actuality, they are just trying to expand their client base because they need the business. The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network gets 100% of its clients from referrals (or clients that approach us). We do no advertising or soliciting whatsoever.
In sum, the rampant and unethical policy the industry uses with fake job ads causes quality assistants to completely lose faith in employment agencies, so they stay away from them: “Once bitten, twice shy”. Conversely, we are known for our honesty and bring a great deal of dignity to the process — for both candidates and employers. Word travels fast in this industry and The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network is known as a “safe haven” for assistants because they are treated with respect. Professional administrative organizations and associations across the United States are constantly sending their members to us, so we can tap into the nation’s hottest candidates — even if they aren’t actively seeking employment (passive candidates). Just like the best jobs exist in a “hidden job market,” the same is true for top-quality personal assistant candidates.
When employers hire us to find a personal assistant, most candidates are booked right through our existing network. If, by chance, we don’t have an assistant in our network that an employer wants, then we can easily branch out and recruit one — regardless of the city, big or small. Because we specialize only in personal assistants, The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network has become a prestigious brand.
Where are you located?
When we first opened in 2007, our headquarters was in Los Angeles; and we had satellite offices in San Francisco and New York City. We are now located in the Greater Chicago area and conduct most interviews with employers and candidates online with platforms like Skype. This has allowed us greater flexibility, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Our business model allows us to place assistants anywhere in the world and dramatically reduces our expenses, which is another reason why our placement fees are much lower than traditional Jack-of-all-trades employment agencies who have tremendous overhead expenses and unwieldy payroll to cover.
Where do most of your candidates come from?
We get candidates from a number of sources, not just in our network. It's our job to leave no stone unturned; so when needed, we use social media, partners, other websites, and word of mouth.
Do you offer background checks on the candidates?
Yes, we have an extensive list of options. The specifics will be discussed at the beginning of the process.
Could I learn a little more about Brian Daniel?
In addition to Brian's experience working for celebrities, billionaires and royalty, he has completed his BA degree in Linguistics (English) from California State University; and he has also completed his Master of Education degree at The University of New England, Maine in order to be an expert trainer.
We also encourage you to review our website, peruse our press, read our testimonials, and look at Brian's photos of life on the job as one of the world's top assistants. Less than a handful of people worldwide who place assistants also have the same kind of first-hand experience that Brian Daniel has.
We also encourage you to review our website, peruse our press, read our testimonials, and look at Brian's photos of life on the job as one of the world's top assistants. Less than a handful of people worldwide who place assistants also have the same kind of first-hand experience that Brian Daniel has.
Our Business Philosophy
We believe it’s impossible to maintain the type of personal and professional relationship required to serve a celebrity or high net worth family if a recruiter has nannies, personal trainers, private chefs, maids, drivers, security personnel, groundskeepers, tutors, dog walkers, butlers, birthday clowns, and personal assistants in a massive database.
Having tens-of-thousands of names in a database forces most agencies to hire temp employees and college interns just to keep up with the fast pace of the factory-like atmosphere. The turnover is usually very high in such environments, so establishing a solid rapport with clients and candidates is very rare indeed. How can an inexperienced employee properly interview and qualify a candidate when they have little or no real-world experience themselves? A cookie-cutter computer program usually aides them in this task.
As a headhunting company, we are changing the way elite personal assistants are recruited in the United States and abroad. Our founder has worked with Hollywood A-list, millionaires, billionaires and even royalty, so the depth and breadth of his experience completely eclipses other personal assistant recruiters in the industry at large.
Brian Daniel is intimately involved in every single aspect of the business, so candidates and clients only deal with an expert during every phase of the placement process. This hands-on philosophy ensures that only the very best candidates are placed by our network. Having a clean background, verifying employment, and checking references is not enough because that doesn’t make a good personal assistant.
In short, our very deep qualification process is unmatched anywhere in the personal assistant industry.
Having tens-of-thousands of names in a database forces most agencies to hire temp employees and college interns just to keep up with the fast pace of the factory-like atmosphere. The turnover is usually very high in such environments, so establishing a solid rapport with clients and candidates is very rare indeed. How can an inexperienced employee properly interview and qualify a candidate when they have little or no real-world experience themselves? A cookie-cutter computer program usually aides them in this task.
As a headhunting company, we are changing the way elite personal assistants are recruited in the United States and abroad. Our founder has worked with Hollywood A-list, millionaires, billionaires and even royalty, so the depth and breadth of his experience completely eclipses other personal assistant recruiters in the industry at large.
Brian Daniel is intimately involved in every single aspect of the business, so candidates and clients only deal with an expert during every phase of the placement process. This hands-on philosophy ensures that only the very best candidates are placed by our network. Having a clean background, verifying employment, and checking references is not enough because that doesn’t make a good personal assistant.
In short, our very deep qualification process is unmatched anywhere in the personal assistant industry.