How To Become A Personal Assistant
Updated: April 2009
Some advice on becoming an assistant for those of you with little or no experience
How do you become an assistant? Most employers are looking for assistants with experience, so it is a catch 22 to become an assistant when you have little to no experience. Well how do you get this experience? The number one way to becoming an assistant is to volunteer or apply for an internship.
5 Important Aspects of Being or Becoming An Assistant
1) Time Management - You need to be able to manage your time efficiently and effectively.
2) Organized - Organization is important to get tasks accomplished efficiently and effectively.
3) Resourceful - Having local resources for whatever your employer will need. An example is your employer wants to have his car serviced and detailed, and it needs to be done today. Find out the things that your employer is going to need before he or she asks them to be done and setup your network of people that can help you do your job better.
4) Communication - Communication with not only with your employer but his or her family, friends and professional contacts.
5) Technology - Using the internet, palm pilot and even some technical cell phones at this day in age will give you an advantage to getting a job as an assistant.
What Are Employers Looking For? Besides the list of 5 important aspects there are other skills employers are looking for: hard working, dedicated, trustworthy, Someone who;. Knows how to use a computer, cell phone and a fax machine. Experience with researching and searching the internet. Typing at 40 wpm or faster. Education - An associates, bachelor or even a masters degree.
Advice to Personal Assistants Looking For Employment - Look for an employer with the same interests as you. An example is that you know the movie industry, working with a celebrity would probably be a good fit for you.