Business Archives - Practically Perfect PA

Interview Questions and Answers for PAs, EAs and Administrators Part 3

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Practically Perfect PA

I’ve written two blog posts on interview questions specific to PAs, EAs and admin assistants and they have both proved to be very popular so I thought I’d add another ten questions that I have been asked at various interviews over the years and my answers for them. 1. Why should we employ you rather than one of the other candidates? Use this question to really sell yourself. You do want the interviewer to pick you so really emphasis your strong points, … click to continue

Will new technology eradicate the need for assistants?

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Practically Perfect PA

I’ve just been reading this fantastic article by Richard Branson on LinkedIn where he discusses how much he values his assistant. I’ve always admired him but to see him praise the assistants he has employed over his career has really raised my estimations! If only all our managers could be so complimentary and aware of how useful we can be. There has been so much talk over the last few months about technology replacing the need for assistants. In fact, I know … click to continue

J’adore rapport – working with a new manager

Posted on January 30, 2013 by admin

. Congratulations you got the job, you’ve worked your notice, you have bought a few outfits and now you are sitting at your desk ready to face the challenges of a new role. Hopefully you would have been interviewed by your new manager so you will have gained some understanding of what they are like and what they require from you. Nevertheless it can be a daunting prospect working with a total stranger, especially as a PA/EA because we do … click to continue

What can assistants expect in 2013

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Practically Perfect PA

. Well 2012 is over and done with and we are now already two days into 2013. Over the holidays I´ve been thinking about the year ahead and have lots of exciting things planned which will keep me busy. I hope you all feel the same and are looking forward to the next twelve months. I think it will be another interesting year for assistants with lots of changes and further challenges for our industry. In honour of it now … click to continue

Tips on good minute taking

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Practically Perfect PA

Pin It As we all know writing minutes is a basic skill for assistants and we have probably written more over the years than Stephen King has writing novels. I had a job a few years back that provided support for twelve Committees who had four meetings a year, which meant I was writing a set of minutes practically every week. As you can imagine I got quite good at bashing out minutes without much thought behind them but no … click to continue

How to negotiate when planning an event

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Practically Perfect PA

Pin It As we all know being an assistant means that our super organised skills are second to none. Fact! We are the most organised profession there is available to the working world and our skills can be transferable to many different tasks, including managing an event from start to finish. Like most assistants I’ve organised quite a few in my time and have felt quite comfortable managing all aspects of the event, for example I know how to … click to continue

Olympic Sports for Assistants

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Practically Perfect PA

So the London 2012 Olympics is finally here! I absolutely adored the opening ceremony and revelled in the celebration of our British culture and traditions. As a local East Londoner I could also just about make out the fireworks and the Red Devils flew over my house so I was extra pleased.. London is really busy at the moment but the place is buzzing and I think the city is looking pretty hot right now! I’ve been glued to my … click to continue

Help Desk

Posted on June 19, 2012 by admin

A few days ago I was getting ready to go home after a long day in the office when it dawned on me that I had been at my desk all day. Yes, I had got up to make the odd cup of tea or make a quick trip to the bathroom but I hadn’t been out for lunch or in any meetings that day so effectively I had been sitting in my chair at my desk for a good … click to continue

Gossip Girl!

Posted on May 31, 2012 by admin

I’ve written a few blogs recently on how to work with confidential documents particularity when your desk is in an open plan office. It is a subject that most assistants would have wrestled with in their career and at times probably have found themselves in a difficult position so I thought it would be good to discuss this over a few blogs. Today I will look at the following issues we face – how do we keep the confidential information … click to continue

Surviving the open plan office

Posted on May 2, 2012 by admin

Pin It Over the years most of my roles have been based in large open plan offices where I sit in amongst dozens of other colleagues, all working away at a common cause… well presumably! As an Executive Assistant I’ve always found it tricky working in an open plan environment for a number of reasons but mainly because of the amount of time I have to spend hiding the confidential documents I am working with while being interrupted yet again by … click to continue

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