How to be a personal assistant
Every career field has its ups and downs. Here is a guide to surviving and keeping personal assistant jobs to celebrities and high-net-worth families.
In this article, Brian Daniel tells you all his secrets for scoring personal assistant jobs to the rich and famous. Because of his experience of working with celebrities and high-net-worth families, Daniel has valuable firsthand experience working with the world’s highest-profile families.
In this eBook, Daniel has interactive hyperlinks which put the reader in the day and life of a celebrity assistant. This book, titled “Dream Careers: The Insider's Guide to Working with the High Net Worth,” has photos and videos of life on the job.
This must have eBook is the world’s only interactive personal assistant book with hundreds of resources online. Some of the content includes how to shine in the interview, where to find the best personal assistant jobs, and how to approach high-net-worth families with tact.
In this eBook, Daniel has interactive hyperlinks which put the reader in the day and life of a celebrity assistant. This book, titled “Dream Careers: The Insider's Guide to Working with the High Net Worth,” has photos and videos of life on the job.
This must have eBook is the world’s only interactive personal assistant book with hundreds of resources online. Some of the content includes how to shine in the interview, where to find the best personal assistant jobs, and how to approach high-net-worth families with tact.
Get Training: How to Stay Relevant in Today’s Job Market
Personal assistants need to have thick skin
Staying relevant in today’s job market is easier than one would think. Even with the fierce competition for jobs, some easy things can be done to stand out.
Build your skills
You can start by taking a computer class at your local college (or even online). No matter how proficient you think you are in MS Office, I guarantee there are many features you don’t know.
Even if you are a “black belt” in MS Word from previous incarnations of the program, the features have changed substantially over the years.
If I see a resume that was clearly created from an older version of Word, I wonder if the person has right aptitude to be a personal assistant. If you are still working on an older system, then you are operating in the past. Get updated to the newest version Windows and quit hanging onto the past.
If you fall behind, then your competitors will pass you by. Seek the executive skills you need to master the duties related to administrative jobs, so you can demonstrate your capability to support an executive or celebrity.
Taking a computer class will also help you learn some advanced skills for Excel and PowerPoint. Don’t be the one at work that gives shoddy presentations because you don’t know how to outperform your colleagues.
On this topic, a PA doesn't necessarily need a college degree, but evidence of some higher education is highly encouraged because you could derail your personal assistant career without advanced skills. Spend an hour or two looking at job descriptions on an employer's website to understand what past careers the average candidate should have to get noticed.
Hint: Management professionals are sought after because they know how to write, have useful hard skills, know how to lead a team, and understand how to succeed in a very competitive environment.
Hospitality is another great background to have in the private service industry because those candidates become very patient when serving high-net-worth families. Private service professionals are often certified in a number of different areas, so become an expert by reading some books on the personal assistant profession. Don't just rely on an internet search.
Build your skills
You can start by taking a computer class at your local college (or even online). No matter how proficient you think you are in MS Office, I guarantee there are many features you don’t know.
Even if you are a “black belt” in MS Word from previous incarnations of the program, the features have changed substantially over the years.
If I see a resume that was clearly created from an older version of Word, I wonder if the person has right aptitude to be a personal assistant. If you are still working on an older system, then you are operating in the past. Get updated to the newest version Windows and quit hanging onto the past.
If you fall behind, then your competitors will pass you by. Seek the executive skills you need to master the duties related to administrative jobs, so you can demonstrate your capability to support an executive or celebrity.
Taking a computer class will also help you learn some advanced skills for Excel and PowerPoint. Don’t be the one at work that gives shoddy presentations because you don’t know how to outperform your colleagues.
On this topic, a PA doesn't necessarily need a college degree, but evidence of some higher education is highly encouraged because you could derail your personal assistant career without advanced skills. Spend an hour or two looking at job descriptions on an employer's website to understand what past careers the average candidate should have to get noticed.
Hint: Management professionals are sought after because they know how to write, have useful hard skills, know how to lead a team, and understand how to succeed in a very competitive environment.
Hospitality is another great background to have in the private service industry because those candidates become very patient when serving high-net-worth families. Private service professionals are often certified in a number of different areas, so become an expert by reading some books on the personal assistant profession. Don't just rely on an internet search.
How to Negotiate your Personal Assistant Salary
Celebrity assistants command hefty salaries
By far, the trickiest part of the hiring process is negotiating your benefits package — especially in this dicey job market.
There is an easy way to handle this situation without being confrontational, and at the same time keeping yourself from over- or under-bidding.
At some point during the interview process, the recruiter or HR manager is going to ask you about your desired salary. Some employers may ask how much you made at your last employer, which is sometimes unfair because many prestigious jobs don’t pay a fair wage. Working as a celebrity assistant is just one example. You may be worth twice what you’re getting paid in those types of situations.
If the interviewer asks you what you want to get paid, just put things back in their lap by asking what the pay range is for the position. They usually won’t answer because they are trying to be as careful as you are. In that case, you may say something like this:
"I’m sure you’ll agree that a number of factors go into calculating a fair wage: hours to be worked each week, level of responsibility, and my experience level. Right now, I’m not concerned about salary because I’m confident we will come to an arrangement that we can both live with. After all, I’m more concerned about the right fit, not the salary. If you decide to move forward with a job offer, I will certainly consider that against my other offers and get back with you right away."
What you’ve done in this situation is simple and easy. You haven’t committed to a number, so you haven’t over- or under-bid your salary. Additionally, you’re putting the professional pressure on them to make you a reasonable offer. If the employer is keen on hiring you, they aren’t going to risk losing you to someone else.
NOTE: All job offers should be in writing, and you can counteroffer their proposal if you feel the salary is too low.
There is an easy way to handle this situation without being confrontational, and at the same time keeping yourself from over- or under-bidding.
At some point during the interview process, the recruiter or HR manager is going to ask you about your desired salary. Some employers may ask how much you made at your last employer, which is sometimes unfair because many prestigious jobs don’t pay a fair wage. Working as a celebrity assistant is just one example. You may be worth twice what you’re getting paid in those types of situations.
If the interviewer asks you what you want to get paid, just put things back in their lap by asking what the pay range is for the position. They usually won’t answer because they are trying to be as careful as you are. In that case, you may say something like this:
"I’m sure you’ll agree that a number of factors go into calculating a fair wage: hours to be worked each week, level of responsibility, and my experience level. Right now, I’m not concerned about salary because I’m confident we will come to an arrangement that we can both live with. After all, I’m more concerned about the right fit, not the salary. If you decide to move forward with a job offer, I will certainly consider that against my other offers and get back with you right away."
What you’ve done in this situation is simple and easy. You haven’t committed to a number, so you haven’t over- or under-bid your salary. Additionally, you’re putting the professional pressure on them to make you a reasonable offer. If the employer is keen on hiring you, they aren’t going to risk losing you to someone else.
NOTE: All job offers should be in writing, and you can counteroffer their proposal if you feel the salary is too low.
Personal Assistant Tips: Getting Your Employers into a Nightclub
Become a personal assistant
Does your boss like to show up to the world’s hottest nightclubs without a reservation? If you’re at a famous nightclub or other venue and they are packed, you may need as much as $500 just to get in — regardless of who your boss is. How many people are in your party, and the guy-girl ratio are also very important. If your boss likes to go out a lot, it’s always a good idea to have a professional relationship with the nightclub managers in the area.
I’ve been in predicaments where even big money would not get me inside. In situations like that, I was able to get the owner or manager on the phone to instruct the bouncers to let me in. The lesson: plan ahead when possible because that is what true professionals do.
I’ve been in predicaments where even big money would not get me inside. In situations like that, I was able to get the owner or manager on the phone to instruct the bouncers to let me in. The lesson: plan ahead when possible because that is what true professionals do.
Responsibilities and characteristics of being a personal assistant
There are many skills that personal assistants need to possess. If you don't have the following, then consider taking some courses to make you more marketable:
Personal assistants work in fast-paced environments and must think quickly on their feet, so beyond having interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and being able to role with the punches, personal assistants need to create a "brand." In short, that's what makes you special. When you take meetings with potential employers, for example, the key to success will be your ability to sell yourself to the people who interview you -- so get your elevator pitch ready.
- Scheduling appointments for executives
- Accompanying your employer to meetings
- Writing emails and other correspondence
- Being detail oriented
- Flexibility to be in different roles (EA and PA hats)
- Schedule private and company affairs
- Outstanding communication skills
- Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate
Personal assistants work in fast-paced environments and must think quickly on their feet, so beyond having interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and being able to role with the punches, personal assistants need to create a "brand." In short, that's what makes you special. When you take meetings with potential employers, for example, the key to success will be your ability to sell yourself to the people who interview you -- so get your elevator pitch ready.
Final advice for your ideal assistant job
Building skills in a related field will be essential. Manage your resume submissions wisely, so complete applications with employers that you are likely to score a job with. Candidates should certainly take appointments with any employers who are interested in speaking with you. And remember, personal assistants work full time in many different environments, not just for celebrities and billionaires.
