Description

A personal assistant’s job can be varied, depending on what is required by their employer. They may answer phone calls, take messages, take various notes, and schedule meetings. They may also run errands, such as going to the bank to deposit checks on behalf of their employer, picking up lunch, and picking up their children from school. Their job is to provide services that relieve their employer from having to do various tasks.

They must usually have at least a high school diploma. Some employers may require candidates to possess a certificate from a secretarial school. Some employers may only consider personal assistants who like children and/or pets. They may perform a liaison function between their employer and the household staff (including maids, cooks, butlers, and drivers). Personal assistants may have to screen people who want to contact their employer. They may act as the first point of contact for their employer. They make travel arrangements on behalf of their employers. Some employers require that personal assistants travel with them.

Personal assistants must have excellent oral and written communication skills. They must have good interpersonal skills. Some employers require that their personal assistants are comfortable using Microsoft Office. Some employers require that personal assistants possess a valid driver’s license and have clean DMV records. They are often required to pass background and drug tests.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Personal Assistant with 3-6 years of experience in Singapore, your main responsibilities include:

  • Manage executive calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel arrangements. Plan and organize appointments, meetings, and travel itineraries for executives.
  • Screen phone calls, emails, and prioritize correspondence. Filter and prioritize incoming communication for efficient handling and response.
  • Prepare documents, reports, and presentations for meetings. Generate and format materials such as reports and presentations for meetings and presentations.
  • Assist with project coordination, liaise with stakeholders, and manage deadlines.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Personal Assistant job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Excellent organizational skills to manage complex schedules, arrange meetings, and coordinate travel arrangements for the employer.
  • Strong communication abilities, both written and verbal, to effectively interact with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues on behalf of the employer.
  • Proficient computer skills, including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, to create and maintain documentation and aid in data analysis.
  • Discretion and confidentiality to handle sensitive information and maintain the privacy and trust of the employer and stakeholders.

Essential Skills For Personal Assistant

1

Office 365

2

Business Planning

3

Office Management

4

Project Management

5

Organisation

Skills That Affect Personal Assistant Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Office 365

9%

Business Planning

11%

Office Management

27%

Project Management

29%

Organisation

9%

Career Prospects

For a Personal Assistant with 3-6 years of work experience in Singapore, various alternative roles can be considered. Here are following options to explore:

  • Executive Assistant: A role that involves providing high-level administrative support to senior executives, managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and handling confidential information.
  • Office Manager: A position focused on managing day-to-day operations, supervising administrative staff, organizing office procedures, and ensuring efficient workflow.
  • Event Coordinator: A role that entails planning and executing corporate events, including conferences, seminars, and team-building activities, managing budgets, coordinating vendors, and ensuring attendee satisfaction.
  • Project Coordinator: A position involving coordinating and managing various projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, tracking progress, and ensuring timely completion of deliverables.

How to Learn

The role of a Personal Assistant in Singapore is expected to witness steady growth in the market in the coming years. The job role has seen significant developments over the past decade and is likely to continue evolving, adapting to the changing needs of businesses and professionals. With an increasing number of businesses and individuals seeking administrative support, the demand for Personal Assistants is projected to rise. In the next 10 years, there is a positive outlook for employment opportunities in this field due to the continuous growth of Singapore's economy and the increasing emphasis on organizational efficiency and productivity.