There are plenty of PAs who can fulfil the basics of the role. But what separates a good private PA from a truly excellent one? After 25 years of placing PAs in private households and family offices around the world, we know exactly what makes candidates stand out.
Anticipating Needs Before They Arise
A PA’s chief role is to take the workload off their employer and manage it in a way that creates more time and less stress. The most effective PAs don’t just react; they anticipate. They develop a precise understanding of their employer’s priorities and act before being asked, knowing instinctively which decisions to make independently and which to escalate.
Always Finding a Way
As a private personal assistant, your words and actions are an extension of your employer’s. You’ll be involved in their most important professional and personal concerns, and they will expect you to find solutions where others would find obstacles. A solutions-first mindset isn’t just useful at this level; it’s essential.
Genuine Openness to Change
A high-level PA faces a demanding and ever-evolving workload. Multi-tasking and organisation are a given; what truly sets excellent candidates apart is their willingness to continuously learn, adapt and take on new challenges. The role changes shape constantly, and the most sought-after PAs embrace that rather than resist it.
If you’re looking for your next private PA role, register with Greycoat Lumleys or explore our current PA and family office jobs.