A Beginner’s Guide to Personal Assistant Jobs

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February 4, 2022
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19
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If learning how to become a personal assistant is on your list, you are in the right place. 

The average base salary of personal assistants in the United States is $40,708 per year. According to Indeed.com, the most common benefit for personal assistant jobs includes a flexible schedule and the ability to work remotely. Another important benefit is that you may be able to be a personal assistant for multiple people at once, which would substantially increase your earnings.

An administrative assistant is responsible for office administration tasks, but a personal assistant is trying to make possibly a busy executive's ilife easier. People are busy in the hustle and bustle of life and thus, don’t have the time to do some basic day-to-day tasks, and that’s where a personal assistant can be of great help.

If you're already looking for a personal assistant job, we highly suggest trying Teal's 100% free Job Tracker to manage your job search.

Read on for more information. manage your job search.

What Do You Know About Personal Assistant Jobs? 

As the name specifies, a personal assistant is a person who is assisting someone in their personal or professional tasks. 

You may know a personal assistant by titles such as a personal secretary abbreviated as PS or maybe as a personal aide abbreviated as PA. 

As a personal assistant, you may perform the following duties:

  • You would be scheduling meetings and booking the appointments. You would be doing these tasks on behalf of your employer. 
  • You can answer phone calls, send an email, send and receive texts, and more!
  • You may even run errands for the employer, for example, paying bills, remembering birthdays, and more. 
  • You would be responsible for data management. You can also help with some office work; for example, if your employer is a writer, you can do the research work! 
  • You may also play an active role in the decision-making process. 

The job description of the personal assistant varies, and it depends on the employers as they would need assistance in maintaining the work-life balance. 

In today’s time, virtual assistants are doing similar tasks except for running some errands, especially when they work from home, however, they can still do the tasks online that the employers may require them to do! The details would be in the job description. 

What Education Do You Need to Be A Personal Assistant?

There is no requirement of formal education to be a personal assistant. A high school diploma would be enough. 

However, some employers may prefer a bachelor’s degree or experience in the field. So, the requirements vary and would depend on your employer. 

You can enroll in courses and upgrade your knowledge. You can switch to the virtual assistant job if you want to work remotely! However, you need to know the right tools and social media platforms. 

What Skills Do You Need to Be A Personal Assistant?

It’s wise to hire someone and outsource the work rather than putting up with stress, and that’s where a personal assistant can play a huge role. 

It’s best to have the following skills as a personal assistant:

  • Effective communication skills.
  • Strong writing skills. 
  • Punctuality.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Problem-solving skills.
  • Flexibility to learn new software.
  • Management skills.
  • Ability to multitask and run small errands.
  • Patience to help with work-life balance. 

In today’s age and time, it’s best to be aware of the modern tools, techniques, and software that can help the employer to complete the job. For example, knowledge of social media can help maintain an online presence. A personal assistant can help the employer with social media platforms. 

It’s also good to know Microsoft Office as entering data for work or arranging documents can be necessary. Again it depends on the nature of the job and what an employer expects.

Before applying to the personal assistant jobs, it’s best to check the job description thoroughly, see if that’s what you have been looking for, and apply accordingly! 

Final Words 

A personal assistant helps the employer to maintain the work-life balance. Depending on the job description, they may need to run some errands. If you have the skills and feel ready to make someone’s life easy while having a flexible schedule, you can consider this job in the new year! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What essential skills should I focus on developing to become a successful personal assistant?

To excel as a personal assistant, you should develop strong organizational skills, effective communication abilities, proficiency in information technology, time management expertise, and discretion. Familiarity with office software, scheduling tools, and an understanding of basic administrative tasks are also crucial. Enhancing these skills will prepare you for the diverse responsibilities of a personal assistant role.

How has the role of a personal assistant evolved with advancements in information technology?

Information technology has significantly expanded the role of personal assistants. Today, personal assistants are expected to be adept with digital tools for scheduling, communication, and data management. They may also handle online research, manage social media accounts, and use various software applications to support their employers. Staying updated with the latest tech trends and tools is now a fundamental aspect of the job.

What are some strategies for finding entry-level personal assistant jobs?

To find entry-level personal assistant jobs, start by building a strong resume that highlights relevant skills and any administrative experience. Networking, both online and in-person, can uncover opportunities. Utilize job search platforms, join professional organizations, and consider temp agencies that specialize in administrative roles. Tailoring your application to each job and showcasing your adaptability and eagerness to learn can also give you an edge.

Dave Fano

Founder and CEO of Teal, Dave is a serial entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience building products & services to help people leverage technology and achieve more with less.

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