A personal assistant’s job can be varied, depending on what is required by their employer. They may answer phone calls, take messages, take various notes, and schedule meetings. They may also run errands, such as going to the bank to deposit checks on behalf of their employer, picking up lunch, and picking up their children from school. Their job is to provide services that relieve their employer from having to do various tasks.

They must usually have at least a high school diploma. Some employers may require candidates to possess a certificate from a secretarial school. Some employers may only consider personal assistants who like children and/or pets. They may perform a liaison function between their employer and the household staff (including maids, cooks, butlers, and drivers). Personal assistants may have to screen people who want to contact their employer. They may act as the first point of contact for their employer. They make travel arrangements on behalf of their employers. Some employers require that personal assistants travel with them.

Personal assistants must have excellent oral and written communication skills. They must have good interpersonal skills. Some employers require that their personal assistants are comfortable using Microsoft Office. Some employers require that personal assistants possess a valid driver’s license and have clean DMV records. They are often required to pass background and drug tests. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Personal Assistant Tasks

• Organize calendar and appointments, checking with other parties to ensure availability.
• Draft correspondence, arrange travel, and provide estimates for activities and events.
• Manage correspondence and screen visitors and calls, prevent interruptions, and resolve issues.
• Run business or personal errands and perform general administrative or housekeeping tasks.