15 Must-Ask Questions When Interviewing for a PA Role: “Make Sure It’s the Right Fit for You”

Interviewing for a Personal Assistant (PA), Private PA, Executive Assistant (EA) or Chief of Staff (CoS) position isn’t just about proving you’re the best candidate; it’s your chance to ensure the role and company align with your own career goals and values.

Think of the interview as a two-way street – while you’re being evaluated, you’re also evaluating them. Asking the right questions during the interview can give you valuable insights into what your day-to-day life will look like and how you’ll fit within the company. Dive into these essential questions and real-world scenarios to navigate the interview process like a pro, ensuring you’re stepping into the right role.

Questions to Ask:

• "What are the primary responsibilities of this position?"
• "Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?"

Why It Matters: Imagine starting your first week in a new PA, Private PA, EA or Chief of Straff role, only to find out that 90% of your tasks involve managing your boss’s chaotic social calendar, not the project co-ordination you were expecting. These questions help you clarify exactly what you’ll be doing day in and day out, so there are no surprises.

Scenario: Let’s say the interviewer mentions that no two days are alike and that you’ll be juggling everything from travel arrangements to client meetings. If you’re a Personal Assistant who thrives on variety, this might be perfect; if you prefer routine, it could be a red flag.

Pro Tip: Follow up with, “How do these responsibilities change over time?” to understand whether the role evolves or remains static.

Questions to Ask:

• "Who will I be reporting to, and what are their expectations for this role?"
• "What are the key skills or attributes that make someone successful in this position?"

Why It Matters: Knowing who you’ll report to and what they value most will help you tailor your approach to meet their expectations from day one. Plus, it’s crucial to understand if the working style of your future boss aligns with yours. In certain scenarios, the current PA, Private PA, EA or Chief of Staff might be interviewing you on behalf of your future boss, making it the perfect opportunity to ask questions and gain firsthand insight into what it’s really like to work for them.

Scenario: If your future boss is described as someone who values initiative and independence, and you’re a PA who thrives in a more structured environment, you might need to consider how this will impact your job satisfaction.

Pro Tip: Ask, “Can you give an example of a PA who has excelled in this role?” to get a clearer picture of what success looks like.

Question to Ask:

• "Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that I would be involved in?"

Why It Matters: This question not only shows that you’re thinking ahead but also gives you a sneak peek into what your workload might look like in the near future. It helps you gauge if the projects excite you or if they feel more like a burden.

Scenario: If the company is about to launch a major product and as the PA, you’ll be coordinating all the executive schedules for the launch, you’ll know you’re in for some intense—but potentially rewarding—work.

Pro Tip: Follow up with, “How does the team typically handle these kinds of projects?” to assess if the company’s approach aligns with your working style. Understanding the company’s style can be valuable, especially if you prefer a hands-on approach to your PA tasks, but the rest of the team operates primarily from behind a desk.

Questions to Ask:

• "Can you tell me more about the company culture and the team I would be working with?"
• "How does the company support professional development and career growth for a PA?"

Why It Matters: Culture fit is crucial. Even if the job sounds perfect on paper, if the company culture doesn’t align with your values, you might find yourself unhappy. This question helps you get a sense of the vibe—whether it’s laid-back or fast-paced, collaborative or competitive.

Scenario: If they mention frequent team outings and a relaxed dress code, but you prefer a more formal, structured environment, this might be something to consider. On the other hand, if they highlight opportunities for professional development, it’s a sign that they invest in their employees’ growth.

Pro Tip: Ask, “How does the team celebrate successes?” to get a feel for how accomplishments are recognised and valued.

Questions to Ask:

• "What is the company's approach to work-life balance, especially in the PA role?"
• "How does the company handle communication and collaboration across different departments?"

Why It Matters: Understanding the company’s stance on work-life balance can save you from burnout. You need to know if the role will require late nights and weekends or if the company encourages a healthy work-life balance. This is particularly important for a Personal Assistant position, where the demands can be relentless and the hours unpredictable, making it easy to experience burnout.

Scenario: If they mention that the PA role often requires you to be flexible during busy periods, but generally respects personal time, you can determine whether this aligns with your lifestyle and boundaries.

Pro Tip: Inquire, “How does the company support employees during particularly busy periods?” to see if they offer compensatory time off or other benefits.

Questions to Ask:

• "How is performance measured and evaluated in this role?"
• "Can you describe the feedback process? How often would I receive feedback on my work?"

Why It Matters: Knowing how your performance will be assessed helps you understand what the company prioritizes and how you can excel in your role. Regular feedback is key to growth, so it’s important to know how often you’ll receive it.

Scenario: If the company has a structured quarterly review process with regular check-ins, this suggests a supportive environment. If feedback is more ad-hoc, it might suit someone who is more self-directed.

Pro Tip: Ask, “What are some key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role?” to get a clearer picture of how success is defined.

Questions to Ask:

• "What are the next steps in the interview process?"
• "Are there any challenges the previous PAs faced that I should be aware of?"
• "Can you explain the company’s stance on remote work or flexible hours?"

Why It Matters: Practical details like the interview process, potential challenges, and company policies on flexibility are crucial for making an informed decision. These questions show that you’re serious about the role and thinking ahead.

Scenario: If they mention that the previous PA struggled with the fast pace, you can decide if it aligns with your strengths or if it might be a challenge for you. This insight allows you to prepare mentally for the role or to consider if it’s the right fit for your work style. Understanding the company’s remote work policy is also essential, especially in today’s work climate, where working from home has become commonplace but its effectiveness is still debated.

Pro Tip: After discussing the challenges, ask, “How does the company support the PA in overcoming these challenges?” to see if they offer tools, resources, or training.

Question to Ask:

• "Is there anything else you need from me to move forward in the hiring process?"

Why It Matters: This is a powerful closing question that shows you’re eager to move forward. It also opens the door for the interviewer to request any additional information or clarify any points before wrapping up.

Scenario: The interviewer might take this opportunity to address any lingering concerns or give you a better idea of the timeline. It’s a great way to ensure you’re on the same page.

Pro Tip: Follow up with a thank-you note reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and addressing any points discussed during this final question.

Asking thoughtful, targeted questions during your interview not only showcases your genuine interest in the PA, Private PA, EA or Chief of Staff role but also helps ensure that the position and company are the perfect fit for you. Remember, an interview really is a two-way street, and making sure it’s a match on both sides is the key to long-term success and job satisfaction.