PA of the Year: Four Top Tips on How to Write an Award-Winning Nomination
SecsintheCity, the UK’s only dedicated PA job site, has opened nominations for its annual PA of the Year Awards. Each year, PAs, Legal PAs, and Office Managers UK-wide have the opportunity to achieve one of the momentous accolades.
An annual celebration of the essential support provided to businesses and executives, our awards provide the opportunity to truly celebrate the exceptional individuals who have boosted their organisations, colleagues and team’s across a myriad of industries.
Whether you’re looking at the flagship ‘PA of the Year’ award, or nominating yourself/a colleague for ‘Legal PA’ or ‘Office Manager’ of the year; this article will provide you with the top tips from our judges on how to win one of the esteemed awards.
Demonstrate a passion for what you do
When asked what makes a successful nominee for a PA of the Year award, Susanna Tait - one of our PA of the Year judges and Chief Executive at specialist PA recruitment consultancy Tay Associates who sponsor the Awards - stated that nominees who thrive are those that express ‘“a genuine passion for the profession…someone who through the challenges, hurdles and problems to solve, genuinely loves what they do.” Expressing this within your nomination will stand you in good stead to be shortlisted for an interview.
If shortlisted, candidates will be given the opportunity to talk to the judges through what they love about their role. As Susanna reinforces, “we want the individuals to bring to life their unique experiences.”
Provide strong examples
Just like any other application, bringing strong examples to the table, helps to boost your credibility as a nominee. Be prepared to quantify your examples, have stories to hand, and be willing to discuss your unique experiences that have shaped your career history.
Our winners are often individuals who have gone beyond the norm. ‘Legal PA of the Year’, 2022, was bestowed upon Karliah Large for her dedication in championing female empowerment in her work for a female driven firm.
Her passion for the business was demonstrated in her ability to go above and beyond the usual role of an assistant, thinking strategically about the vision and culture of Hausfeld. The examples provided by Karliah, won over the judges, and resulted in her winning of ‘Legal PA of the Year’.
Be yourself
As one of our judge’s Susanna Tait affirms, “we want to meet the person behind the paper and learn about motivations, inspiration, challenges and achievements that are meaningful to them.” Being yourself starts with your nomination. Tell us why you’re worthy of the prize, what motivates you to be the best PA, Legal PA, or Office Manager, and how your experience has led you to writing your nomination. As Gemma Bulut, our 2022 Office Manager of the Year stated, "be yourself and go for it. If you don’t take a risk, how will you know?".
Get someone in your business to nominate you
Our second judge, Sarah El-Doori, Marketing Director for Reach Work, a portfolio of market leading job sites including SecsintheCity (PAs and EAs), reflected that "this year especially, we know that many PAs, EAs and Office Managers have shown extraordinary commitment during this challenging time. If you work with a PA or Office Manager who deserves to be celebrated, we encourage you to nominate them.”
Asking a colleague within your department or business to nominate you, demonstrates your confidence in yourself as an exceptional professional, worthy of an award. Turning to a colleague shows your collaborative and team working skills, the way in which you work with other people, and results in a personal and professional account, perfect for an award-winning nomination.
Nominations are now open. Join us, in our annual celebration of the essential support provided to businesses and executives by Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants and Office Managers UK-wide.
