A Top PA or Executive Assistant Needs a Broad Range of Skills

A Top PA or Executive Assistant Needs a Broad Range of Skills

Copyright (c) 2010 Alison WithersA wide variety of both formal and "soft" skills and, often, the patience of a saint are needed if you want a career as PA to a top executive in an international city like London.It is definitely not a job that a newly-qualified candidate can walk into, so the first step is to get at least two years of experience to consolidate and improve on basic secretarial and office skills.Obviously, basic qualifications in English and Maths are essential, along with a good telephone manner and dressing correctly for the office environment.Correct grammar, spelling and use of English are crucial to written communication, whether it is by e-mail or plain old-fashioned letters, but equally to compiling reports and proposals.Many executive level secretaries are asked to take on some financial responsibilities, and hence need to also be numerate.Computer skills and attention to detail must be top notch also, not only word processing but also managing databases and spreadsheets, internet research and even these days knowing about social media.It is usually the PA or executive secretary who first meets clients, business associates or customers on behalf of his or her boss and is therefore the first impression they have of the company. People skills are also important whether in person or on the telephone.All of the above are the skills required of a good secretary or PA, but a really top level PA or Executive Assistant needs a good deal more.They need a reasonably detailed understanding of the company's porducts and operations and of the image it likes to project and so it is likely they wil need a higher level of education in a relevant discipline, particularly if the company is involved in a fairly technical or specialist field.Tact, diplomacy and a good deal of understanding are essential since most busy directors and CEOs rely on their PAs to screen calls and requests for meetings for a variety of reasons. It is likely that a good PA will be able to deal with an inquiry without having to consult their boss, who needs to be able to rely on them to handle people courteously, discreetly and competently.Other functions that could be included as part of excellent diary management include arranging meetings, itineraries, flights, transport and hotels.Often a PA will be asked to screen candidates for short listing before interviews and needs both knowledge of what skills the company is looking for and the type of person who would fit into the corporate culture.An ability to understand the personal likes and dislikes, habits and needs of their boss is an essential part of this.Sometimes a PA will be expected to handle social and personal diaries as well as the business diary and will need to keep track of birthday reminders and other routine personal appointments. Again that will need discretion as well as being highly organised.Finally, developing a thick skin, quick reactions, a good memory, a sense of humour and a degree of self-confidence and self reliance are qualities that make a really exceptional executive PA stand out.

POST COMMENT

Wedding Venues In Hertfordshire Let The Wedding Bells Ring! Get The Best Deal Of Search Engine Marketing Services Why do we need search engine optimization? Nissan Leaf Unveiled In Japan Queens Nissan Customers Find Dealership Completely on Their Side Travel Tips For Your Next Vacation Report On Golf Carts On The Roadway Get the right airport car service from LAX Airport Find the Right Web Design in Hertfordshire Audio Transcription Services Preferred Against Voice Recognition Technology What To Expect From An Excellent Wheelchair Accessible Van Rentals Company The Best Way To Book From Wheelchair Accessible Van Rentals Personal Advantages Of Affordable Procedures Like Botox Treatments