Frequently Asked Questions
A personal assistant handles a wide range of tasks and responsibilities on your behalf. They manage calendars, schedule appointments, handle correspondence, and communicate. Personal assistants also perform research, gather information, and provide summaries or reports, while often assisting with travel arrangements and managing various administrative duties.
The top three skills for a personal assistant position are strong organisational abilities, effective communication skills, and excellent time management. Organisational skills are crucial for managing schedules, coordinating tasks, and maintaining efficient workflows. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for interacting with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Exceptional time management skills are vital to task prioritisation, meeting deadlines, and ensuring smooth operations.
A good personal assistant is reliable and trustworthy, consistently delivering high-quality work and maintaining confidentiality. They possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, allowing them to effectively interact with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. They are proactive and resourceful, anticipating needs, solving problems, and taking the initiative to streamline processes and improve productivity.
There is no particular set of qualifications you need to be a personal assistant. It depends on what match the client is looking for. For example, some clients who are heavily involved in artistic endeavors will prefer a university background with a focus on arts. Another client will prefer an undergraduate in business administration. Generally speaking, clients prefer a university education and a mix of relevant work experience assisting high-profile individuals or C-suite executives.
The salary range of a personal assistant in Canada ranges from $75,000 – $150,000. It depends on the experience level of the candidate and the scope of the job. Being on call 7 days per week requires a much higher salary than being on call 5 days per week.
You should contact an experienced recruitment agency to find a personal assistant in Canada. Hiring a personal assistant requires a lot of time and energy spent considering the right mix of work experience, educational background, and personality. Save yourself time by leveraging their network and expertise.