Top 10 Skills to Look for When Recruiting a Private PA

Recruiting the right Private PA is a notoriously challenging task; finding the perfect person who you feel comfortable around and who understands your needs and your way of communicating can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The ideal Private PA must possess a unique blend of skills and personal attributes to navigate the demanding nature of the role effectively. It is a uniquely personal professional role, and therefore finding the right ‘fit’ for you is the key to a successful recruitment process. The ‘right’ Private PA will always be different from person to person and family to family, so finding the most suitable candidate must always be an idiosyncratic and individualised process. There are, however, essential skills that it’s important to look out for and investigate carefully when recruiting a Private PA, ensuring they can handle the unique challenges of your job, and be trusted to be invited into your home or family office.

A top-tier Private PA should be highly motivated and capable of working independently. In many situations, they might not have many people to consult or talk to, making it essential for them to take the initiative and make decisions independently and without endless discussion. Their initiative and ability to proactively handle tasks without waiting for instructions is invaluable. Alongside being independent, a strong work ethic is essential for a private PA. Life is not condensed into a workday 9 – 5 and therefore willingness to go above and beyond and work flexibly is essential..

Trust is also crucial. A Private PA is often based within the home and will have access to sensitive information, and it’s imperative they understand the importance of confidentiality. Sharing key information with household staff or outsiders can lead to significant issues, so a Private PA must handle information with the utmost discretion. Their ability to maintain privacy and protect sensitive details is foundational to their role.

Managing household staff and getting people on side requires maturity and excellent management skills. A Private PA should be capable of creating and enforcing rotas, pushing back when necessary, and maintaining a professional distance while effectively managing staff. This involves not only organisational abilities but also the skill to lead and be able to make unpopular  decisions when needed.

The ability to read the room and act accordingly is vital. A Private PA must navigate complex social dynamics, such as family disagreements or interactions with teenagers, and know when to step back or step in, demonstrating empathy and understanding. High EQ allows them to manage relationships smoothly and defuse potential conflicts. A Private PA must be approachable and maintain a positive attitude, fostering a supportive and cooperative working environment. Their ability to interact warmly and professionally with everyone in the household or workplace helps build strong relationships and ensures smooth communication.

Problems will inevitably arise, and a Private PA must be adept at finding solutions quickly and efficiently. Whether it's a last-minute schedule change which means they need to pick the children up from school, a household emergency, or a complex travel arrangement, a solution-focused mindset ensures smooth operations. Their problem-solving capabilities are essential for maintaining a calm and orderly environment around you.

Dependability is non-negotiable. A Private PA is your first port of call and so must be someone who can be counted on to follow through on tasks, meet deadlines, and most importantly be present when needed. Their reliability is the backbone of their role, providing peace of mind to their employer. A reliable Private PA builds trust through consistent performance and accountability.

In a fast-paced household or family office environment, a Private PA will need to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities. There is no single job or task but rather an array of different needs, priorities and personalities to deal with. The ability to stay organised and handle several responsibilities at once without getting overwhelmed is critical. Effective multitasking ensures that all important duties are addressed in a timely manner, whether organizing events, managing diaries, handling travel arrangements, or supervising properties and household staff.

Handling household accounts, bank accounts, negotiating deals, and securing the best prices requires strong numeracy skills. A Private PA should be comfortable with financial tasks, ensuring that they can manage budgets and resources efficiently and effectively. This is crucial if they are responsible for your personal bank accounts and finances.

The role of a Private PA can be demanding and stressful. A resilient PA maintains a calm and unflappable attitude, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring that tasks are completed without unnecessary stress. A Private PA should be able to handle criticism, demanding requests, and high expectations without taking things personally – a thick skin is an advantage.

Often, a Private PA will need to conduct research on your behalf, come up with creative ideas, and solve unconventional problems. Being resourceful and having strong investigative skills will help them uncover necessary information and generate innovative solutions. A Private PA’s ability to delve deep and find information quickly can be a significant asset, especially when planning events, travel, or finding unique solutions to household needs.

Finding the right Private PA who embodies these qualities can be difficult, but it is crucial you make the right choice for the efficient and harmonious functioning of a household or family office. A successful Private PA will be a versatile and trustworthy individual with a unique blend of skills that match what YOU are looking for. Ensuring that a candidate possesses these top ten (plus a few more!) skills will help when recruiting a Private PA who is not only capable but also indispensable to the smooth running of your life.