Job Description for Personal Assistants

Personal assistants get things done.

For the right kind of person, a job as a personal assistant can be very rewarding. This position is not as clear-cut as many others and will vary by employer and field. From executives to actresses, several kinds of professionals hire assistants. An effective personal assistant will be organized, flexible and ready for anything. A personal assistant is essentially the boss's right hand man or woman. Depending on the employer, a personal assistant may find him/herself in many different types of working environments.

Office Assistant

Secretarial duties are a traditional role of assistants.

Some personal assistant positions take place solely in an office. This may be the case for those assisting an executive or the president of a company. If your boss works a 9 to 5 office position, they may need backup on things that can be taken care of from an office--filing, emails and phone calls. In some cases, a personal assistant position may closely resemble that of a secretary position, depending on the needs of the employer.

Home Office

Assisting someone working at home can get personal.

While a home office is a more desirable option for some, it often comes with many responsibilities. Those working in a home office must often deal with secretarial duties and home duties. Employers hiring personal assistant for home offices can range from small business owners to writers and even psychologists to name a few. Those working in a home office should have strong clerical abilities and be comfortable getting knee deep in their employer's life. Working out of a home can sometimes mean caring for pets, children and even organizing.

On the Go

Some professionals have a need for a personal assistant to be on the go at all times. Whether it's taking a child to an appointment, picking up the dry cleaning or checking out a location for a party, this can be a great fit for someone who enjoys a constantly changing environment.

Companion Assistant

Particularly with high-profile clients such as actors and musicians, some personal assistants may find themselves doing double duty as an employee and a friend. This can be a lot of fun or a lot of stress, depending on the employer. Assistants who end up spending a lot of time with their employers should be good mediators and able to handle personal requests. Often personal assistants who are by their employer's side serve as character references in bad times. Being able to help bail an employer out of a bad situation can get a personal assistant far.

Take-Charge Assistant

Many people who hire personal assistants have an existing schedule for what they intend for their assistant to handle. However, there are professionals who rely on their assistants to help plan their lives. This type of personal assistant position is a lot of responsibility, but it can be a great fit for someone who is exceptionally organized.

Boundaries

Be clear when interviewing for a personal assistant job. Make sure you know what will be expected of you so that you can make an educated decision about whether this will be a positive job experience. Ask in advance about the hours you will work and what specific tasks you must perform to ensure a positive relationship.

References

• Wise Geek Article- What is a Personal Assistant