Whether you’re a busy executive for a large firm, you run a small business out of your home, or you’re simply in need of an extra hand to help manage the daily activities of your home – a reliable personal assistant or family personal assistant plays a huge part in managing important daily activities.
The scope of their role can range, but it generally involves scheduling appointments, managing calendars, running errands, organizing meetings, coordinating transportation or travel arrangements, and serving as a liaison or correspondent for the principal.
Finding the right person to work alongside you as a personal assistant is very important. It not only requires someone who is detailed, organized, and not afraid to ask questions – but it also requires synergy between you and any other employees.
Here are some key questions to keep in mind when it comes to hiring a personal assistant.
How would you describe your communication style?
Communication is one of the most important parts of a healthy and successful working relationship. That’s why it’s important to discuss your potential employee’s communication style, in addition to how they manage stress or conflicts that come up. Think about how this might parallel or conflict with your way of doing things, or if it could be complementary.
For example, if you need an assistant that will work primarily on their own and who will need to take charge of certain things, you’ll probably need someone who is outgoing, assertive, and not afraid to figure things out on their own sometimes. If you are looking for someone that is more of a support person that won’t be as responsible for big things, you may be okay with hiring someone who has a bit less experience but is teachable and ready to train.
Either way, you and your new employee should be able to communicate easily, as this can help reduce the chance of friction or frustration down the road.
What’s your background or personal assistant experience?
A personal assistant role can involve juggling many different things on any given day. Maybe it’s overseeing business meetings and scheduling airline travel one day, but the next day it involves running personal errands and catching up on office organization. Talk to prospective candidates about their background and expertise, so you can be sure they have the skills to handle varying situations that come at them daily.
The amount of experience you’re looking for is completely dependent on you and the job you’re offering. In other words, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all recommendation on how much experience an assistant should have; it’s up to you to determine what you need.
There are some additional considerations, too.
First, determine if you will require your assistant to work in-person or if a hybrid role is doable. If the work is a bit more flexible, a hybrid or remote role may be an option. But, if you anticipate needing to discuss things often in person often with your assistant and you need them in close proximity to you, an in-person role will be needed.
Next, spend some time writing a detailed job description so the employee knows what they are signing up for and are comfortable with it. Having a detailed description from the get-go also allows them to ask questions during the interview.
Once you find the ideal candidate to hire and you plan for their first day of work, create a written work agreement that outlines those discussed duties, wages and benefits information, and any other important policies and procedures that they need to be aware of (privacy, paid time off, etc.).
Ready to hire?
We know how beneficial the right personal assistant can be for your home or office setting. That’s why Household Staffing has a large database of qualified and experienced personal assistants that can help keep your life running smoothly. Call us today to start the hiring and interview process!
