​Managing Your Personal Assistant Career
PA tips: How not to be stressed
Take care of yourself at work
When assistants are working for celebrities, high-net-worth families or high-profile executives, then getting stressed-out under pressure is inevitable. Many assistants simply don’t take the time to relax at work because of fear that some important duty will be missed or neglected.
The obvious first step is to take something off your plate and delegate it to a subordinate assistant. If you work alone as an executive assistant and you don't have an option to have someone help, then don’t fret because there are small things you can do to stay healthy so that you can be on top of your game:
Exercise: Staying fit isn’t just for the body; it’s for the mind too. It’s scientifically proven that exercise releases endorphins, which in turn nourishes your brain and body with the vital energy it needs. If you’re a super-busy executive assistant and you don’t have time to go to the gym, then stop by your local store and get some small hand weights that you can use when sitting at your desk. Also, if possible, get one of those exercise balls to sit on instead of your chair. This forces your core muscles in your back and stomach to balance your body, thus burning calories.
Eat well: Of course, eating healthy is easier said than done. Personal assistants working for busy executives usually work 10- to 12-hour days and don’t normally have time to stop at a healthy restaurant, let alone prepare a nutritious meal. If you’re in a bind and need your nutrition, then make sure you have energy bars with you. Do your homework and make sure that you don’t get any that are packed with too much sugar because then you’re defeating the purpose of supplementing your diet with vitamins. Also, if you absolutely must stop at a fast-food outlet, then make sure you get a healthy option like a sub sandwich or salad.
Take YOU time: An executive assistant’s work is never done – ever. So, working 12-hour days without taking a break isn’t going to help you or your boss. If you work yourself to the bone without taking some quite time for yourself to de-stress, then you’re likely going to get sick and miss work. If you find yourself anxious or too stressed out, then listen to your favorite song and find a corner to do some stretching for 5 or 10 minutes. This will get your blood flowing and help you get energized.
Stay away from energy drinks: Personal assistants have become too reliant on energy drinks. There are dozens of articles that support the idea that they are bad for your health. Not only that but getting wound-up on too much caffeine and vitamin B is going to cause you to crash – then you’re actually going backwards. Instead, drink plenty of water and find an excuse to walk around the office to get your blood flowing.
The obvious first step is to take something off your plate and delegate it to a subordinate assistant. If you work alone as an executive assistant and you don't have an option to have someone help, then don’t fret because there are small things you can do to stay healthy so that you can be on top of your game:
Exercise: Staying fit isn’t just for the body; it’s for the mind too. It’s scientifically proven that exercise releases endorphins, which in turn nourishes your brain and body with the vital energy it needs. If you’re a super-busy executive assistant and you don’t have time to go to the gym, then stop by your local store and get some small hand weights that you can use when sitting at your desk. Also, if possible, get one of those exercise balls to sit on instead of your chair. This forces your core muscles in your back and stomach to balance your body, thus burning calories.
Eat well: Of course, eating healthy is easier said than done. Personal assistants working for busy executives usually work 10- to 12-hour days and don’t normally have time to stop at a healthy restaurant, let alone prepare a nutritious meal. If you’re in a bind and need your nutrition, then make sure you have energy bars with you. Do your homework and make sure that you don’t get any that are packed with too much sugar because then you’re defeating the purpose of supplementing your diet with vitamins. Also, if you absolutely must stop at a fast-food outlet, then make sure you get a healthy option like a sub sandwich or salad.
Take YOU time: An executive assistant’s work is never done – ever. So, working 12-hour days without taking a break isn’t going to help you or your boss. If you work yourself to the bone without taking some quite time for yourself to de-stress, then you’re likely going to get sick and miss work. If you find yourself anxious or too stressed out, then listen to your favorite song and find a corner to do some stretching for 5 or 10 minutes. This will get your blood flowing and help you get energized.
Stay away from energy drinks: Personal assistants have become too reliant on energy drinks. There are dozens of articles that support the idea that they are bad for your health. Not only that but getting wound-up on too much caffeine and vitamin B is going to cause you to crash – then you’re actually going backwards. Instead, drink plenty of water and find an excuse to walk around the office to get your blood flowing.
Mistakes to Avoid When Asking for a Pay Raise
In this difficult job market, it can be hard to ask for a raise because so many executive/personal assistants are just happy to have a job, so if you’re going to ask for more money then be sure to embrace the following:
Know the market rate for your position
Many candidates are completely unaware of the “going rate” for their position. While it’s true that the personal assistant profession can vary wildly, there are many factors to consider: your duties and responsibilities, numbers of hours required each week (are you on-call 24/7?), and your length of time on the job. Don’t just throw a six-figure number at your boss because that’s what you think you’re worth, and don’t gauge your pay based on something you read in a blog.
Know How Much You Contribute
Once you’ve done your homework and you feel confident that you know the going rate for positions in your city, you should do some careful calculations and understand your value to the organization. Just because other executive assistants are in your field are making $105,000 a year doesn’t mean that you should – if you can’t justify it. Showing ways that quantify your contributions to the company are powerful negotiation tools when sitting down with your boss to discuss an increase in salary.
Don’t Procrastinate or Be Afraid
Many assistants (executive, personal, administrative), never get a raise because they simply don’t ask. If you’re waiting for your employer to step forward and volunteer more money because “it’s the right thing to do,” then you’re likely going to wait to the end of eternity.
Some candidates have so much fear about asking for a raise that they’d rather find a new job (that pays more) instead of just asking for more money at their current job. Take the plunge and be brave. Practice your pitch at home with a friend. If you go into a meeting very well-rehearsed, it can make a difference in obtaining your objective.
Know the market rate for your position
Many candidates are completely unaware of the “going rate” for their position. While it’s true that the personal assistant profession can vary wildly, there are many factors to consider: your duties and responsibilities, numbers of hours required each week (are you on-call 24/7?), and your length of time on the job. Don’t just throw a six-figure number at your boss because that’s what you think you’re worth, and don’t gauge your pay based on something you read in a blog.
Know How Much You Contribute
Once you’ve done your homework and you feel confident that you know the going rate for positions in your city, you should do some careful calculations and understand your value to the organization. Just because other executive assistants are in your field are making $105,000 a year doesn’t mean that you should – if you can’t justify it. Showing ways that quantify your contributions to the company are powerful negotiation tools when sitting down with your boss to discuss an increase in salary.
Don’t Procrastinate or Be Afraid
Many assistants (executive, personal, administrative), never get a raise because they simply don’t ask. If you’re waiting for your employer to step forward and volunteer more money because “it’s the right thing to do,” then you’re likely going to wait to the end of eternity.
Some candidates have so much fear about asking for a raise that they’d rather find a new job (that pays more) instead of just asking for more money at their current job. Take the plunge and be brave. Practice your pitch at home with a friend. If you go into a meeting very well-rehearsed, it can make a difference in obtaining your objective.
How Social Media Can Destroy Your Career
For years we’ve been hearing about “fired over Facebook” stories, yet an overwhelming number of candidates continue to ruin their careers by representing themselves poorly online – and this goes for men and women of all ages and career stages.
If personal assistants and executive PAs hope to advance their careers, then extreme caution needs to be embraced when it comes to managing one’s image online. It seems exceptionally ridiculous that applicants say they have “attention for detail” when they engage in such destructive, career-ending behavior.
The Reppler Company conducted a survey of human resource professionals from a variety of fields and published some alarming statistics – namely that 91% of recruiters are going to check candidates’ online presence at some point during the screening process.
Just some of the situations that recruiters see include:
While the internet can be very harmful to one’s career, social media can also be very helpful for a job search — if used properly. In fact, using social media to land a job helps candidates tap into the hidden job market. If, for example, an executive personal assistant wants to work for a celebrity or high-profile celebrity, then LinkedIn is going to be a powerful tool because the best jobs usually aren’t posted online. And if they are, then candidates will have to compete with hundreds of other applicants for the same position.
How to Avoid Derailing Your Career
Bad social media posts aren't the only way to hurt yourself at work. As executive personal assistants, we’ve all had less-than-ideal jobs that we’d soon like to forget, like working for a cranky boss or being surrounded by backstabbers and sycophants. Sometimes that work-related stress can get to us and occasionally we might lash out in a way we won’t soon forget.
Always be sure to practice emotional intelligence and not do anything that could setback your career. Here is a list of practices assistants should avoid at all costs:
Not supporting your coworkers: Don’t act petty and not support colleagues just because you don’t like the way they behave. Sure, maybe they don’t deserve the help, but keep in mind that only one thing matters at work: supporting the celebrity or high-net-worth individual you work for. Karma will probably catch up with your mean coworker and they will get their comeuppance, but it’s not your job to dish it out.
Not keeping your word: Personal assistants need to be true to their word. If you’ve made either a personal or professional commitment to do something, then stick to it and don’t make excuses about why you couldn’t do something. “I’m busy” just doesn’t cut it because everyone else is busy too. If you’re not sure about whether or not you can do something by a specific deadline, then just give a window in which you leave yourself a little cushion in the event you can’t deliver on time.
Being impatient with your boss: Celebrities, billionaires and high-profile executives can have very demanding personalities. In fact, to put it mildly, they can be quite eccentric. But that’s no reason for executive assistants to lose their cool. Avoid playing any game in which you feel you must prove to your boss they are wrong (even if they are).
Being unprofessional around coworkers: Sometimes personal assistants become a little too comfortable at work and start picking up bad habits like bad-mouthing colleagues, being late, missing deadlines or ranting in emails. Never become too cozy because your overconfidence is a career-killer.
If you’re telling friends or coworkers that “this place would shut down without me,” then you’re living in a delusional state. Rest assured, no matter how talented, effective and hardworking you are, the company won’t close if you’re not there – they can live without you! If make too many mistakes at work and do get yourself fired by your celebrity boss, then you’re sure not to get the valuable recommendation for the next job.
If personal assistants and executive PAs hope to advance their careers, then extreme caution needs to be embraced when it comes to managing one’s image online. It seems exceptionally ridiculous that applicants say they have “attention for detail” when they engage in such destructive, career-ending behavior.
The Reppler Company conducted a survey of human resource professionals from a variety of fields and published some alarming statistics – namely that 91% of recruiters are going to check candidates’ online presence at some point during the screening process.
Just some of the situations that recruiters see include:
- Social media updates saying you’re hung over or hate your job/boss
- Ridiculous profile handles with racy or immature content
- Emphatic political rants (with or without profanity)
- Gossipy or pop culture updates about your favorite or most-hated star
While the internet can be very harmful to one’s career, social media can also be very helpful for a job search — if used properly. In fact, using social media to land a job helps candidates tap into the hidden job market. If, for example, an executive personal assistant wants to work for a celebrity or high-profile celebrity, then LinkedIn is going to be a powerful tool because the best jobs usually aren’t posted online. And if they are, then candidates will have to compete with hundreds of other applicants for the same position.
How to Avoid Derailing Your Career
Bad social media posts aren't the only way to hurt yourself at work. As executive personal assistants, we’ve all had less-than-ideal jobs that we’d soon like to forget, like working for a cranky boss or being surrounded by backstabbers and sycophants. Sometimes that work-related stress can get to us and occasionally we might lash out in a way we won’t soon forget.
Always be sure to practice emotional intelligence and not do anything that could setback your career. Here is a list of practices assistants should avoid at all costs:
Not supporting your coworkers: Don’t act petty and not support colleagues just because you don’t like the way they behave. Sure, maybe they don’t deserve the help, but keep in mind that only one thing matters at work: supporting the celebrity or high-net-worth individual you work for. Karma will probably catch up with your mean coworker and they will get their comeuppance, but it’s not your job to dish it out.
Not keeping your word: Personal assistants need to be true to their word. If you’ve made either a personal or professional commitment to do something, then stick to it and don’t make excuses about why you couldn’t do something. “I’m busy” just doesn’t cut it because everyone else is busy too. If you’re not sure about whether or not you can do something by a specific deadline, then just give a window in which you leave yourself a little cushion in the event you can’t deliver on time.
Being impatient with your boss: Celebrities, billionaires and high-profile executives can have very demanding personalities. In fact, to put it mildly, they can be quite eccentric. But that’s no reason for executive assistants to lose their cool. Avoid playing any game in which you feel you must prove to your boss they are wrong (even if they are).
Being unprofessional around coworkers: Sometimes personal assistants become a little too comfortable at work and start picking up bad habits like bad-mouthing colleagues, being late, missing deadlines or ranting in emails. Never become too cozy because your overconfidence is a career-killer.
If you’re telling friends or coworkers that “this place would shut down without me,” then you’re living in a delusional state. Rest assured, no matter how talented, effective and hardworking you are, the company won’t close if you’re not there – they can live without you! If make too many mistakes at work and do get yourself fired by your celebrity boss, then you’re sure not to get the valuable recommendation for the next job.
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