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Private PA Interview Tips

Written by: Rosie Evans in association with Bonnie Low-Kramen
Published on: 10 Aug 2014

Private PA interview tips

An interview to work in a Private PA job is equally about your skills as it is about the rapport between you and your potential employer. These Private PA interview tips will help you gauge whether you're a good match and if you feel you're not the right fit, then it's better to know that before you accept the position.

Study the job description

Be sure to carefully review the Private PA job description so that you can discuss it during the interview. If there isn't a written job description be sure to take notes during the interview so that you can create one. Every assistant needs somewhere to begin in terms of expectations which will often change as time goes by. It's critical to have something in writing that is mutually agreed upon by you and your new employer.

Do your research

Do your homework and research your potential new employer and his/her family. Check them out on social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. This information may lead you into a great conversation during your interview. If you are considering working for someone in the public eye, you can read our guidance on how to become a celebrity PA here.

Ask questions

Be ready with questions based on your research (but don’t come off as a stalker!) Ask questions like:

  • Are you planning more or less travel than last year?
  • Do you always use the private plane or do you also fly commercial?
  • Would I be travelling with you?
  • Will I be involved in your social media presence? Be ready to offer a suggestion regarding what might be added on social media.

Give examples

Have a story ready for everything on your resume. If you say that you ran the New York City Marathon, be ready for the question: “How did you train?” Practice your 2-minute stories that highlight your skills and achievements, they should last 1-2 minutes maximum. If you include that you are a gourmet cook, be ready to answer, “What is your signature dish?”

Note: Do not include anything on your resume that you do not want to do in your next position.

Find out about the role

Interview them as much as they are interviewing you. Ask questions like:

  • Will the current assistant train me?
  • What are your biggest challenges?
  • What are the qualities you value most in an assistant?
  • What is your communication style?

Still in doubt? Ask again. The job responsibilities of a Private PA can be broad, complex, and multi-faceted. Gain clarity by asking questions. It’s the only way to understand what is expected of you and to succeed doing it.

Establish boundaries

Volunteer important information which helps establish boundaries from the start. If you have any existing commitments, make sure you explain these and clarify boundaries. Say things like:

  • I really enjoy my dance class one night each week. Are working nights and weekends part of the job description?
  • I try to attend church on Sunday so that would be an example of one of the only times when my phone is turned off. I would certainly check it after the service. Would that work for you?

The answers to these questions will tell you a great deal about your potential employer.

Be prepared

Arrive 15 minutes early for the Private PA interview. Dress professionally and respectfully.. Power down your phone prior to walking into the house. Know that everyone you meet could potentially have a say in whether or not you are hired. That means everyone including the receptionist, gardener, driver, and housekeeper. Smile warmly, offer a nice firm handshake and look them in the eye. Say “please” and “thank you.” These things help establish rapport in the fastest possible way.

Negotiate

When it comes time to receive your job offer, be prepared by having a document ready which outlines what you want to negotiate. Be sure to negotiate your compensation to a level where you are comfortable because every future salary is based on the one that came before. Employers and recruiters check these facts and figures and many ask to see your tax returns. Think about it. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. It is perfectly fine to say, “I would like to think about it.”

If you are considering a Private PA role in the celebrity space, you can find out more about succeeding as a celebrity Private PA on our blog, with advice from your peers who work in similar roles.

Ready to apply? Browse the latest Private PA jobs on SecsintheCity today.

This article was written in association with Bonnie Low-Kramen, PA Trainer and Coach. For 25 years, Bonnie worked as a private personal assistant to actors Olympia Dukakis and Louis Zorich.