Check your personal assistant CV against the job advert
PA and EA adverts look for someone who makes a senior person's day run smoothly. Show who you supported, what you handled and how you kept things moving.
Start with your advert
Every personal assistant advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:
- Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
- For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
- Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.
Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.
What personal assistant adverts usually ask for
Supporting senior people
Why they askAdverts usually say who you'd support, such as a director or a team of leaders.
How to show itName the level of the people you've supported.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- PA to the [job title, such as Managing Director] and [number] senior managers.
Complex diary management
Why they askJuggling diaries and priorities is the core of the job.
How to show itDescribe the diaries you manage and how you handle clashes.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Managed [number] diaries across [time zones / sites], prioritising and rearranging meetings at short notice.
Travel and events
Why they askMany roles book travel and organise meetings or events.
How to show itSay what kinds of travel and events.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Booked [domestic / international] travel and accommodation; organised [type of] meetings and events for up to [number] people.
Meetings, minutes and papers
Why they askBoard or management meetings need papers, minutes and follow-up.
How to show itSay which meetings you supported.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Prepared papers and took minutes for [board / leadership] meetings, and tracked actions to completion.
Discretion and confidentiality
Why they askPAs see sensitive information.
How to show itMention the confidential work you've handled in general terms.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Handled confidential [HR / finance / board] matters.
Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.
Mistakes that cost personal assistant applications
- Not naming who you supported.
- Duties listed with no sign of scale or complexity.
- Leaving out tools: Outlook, Teams, travel booking platforms, expense systems.
Questions
What's the difference between a PA and an EA on a CV?
EA roles often add project work and more senior stakeholders. If you've done that, show it with examples.