DayShift / Job descriptions / Personal assistant

Personal assistant job description: what you'll do and what to write on your resume

Applying for personal assistant at a company or for a busy boss? Copy the duties below into your resume, then read what the interview asks.

Duties to write on your resume

Start each line with what you did. Keep the ones you've really done.

• Managed the boss's daily calendar and booked meetings without double bookings
• Arranged flights, hotels and airport transfers for business trips
• Answered calls and emails and replied to routine requests on the boss's behalf
• Prepared meeting notes and sent action items to the people involved
• Kept files, contracts and contact lists organized on paper and in shared folders
• Prepared reports, letters and presentations using Word, Excel and Google Docs
• Handled expense receipts and followed up on invoices and payments due
• Kept private information confidential and flagged urgent matters right away

No direct experience? Use the same lines for school organizations, a family business or helping a relative with their schedule and paperwork, and say where.

A resume objective you can adapt

Organized and trustworthy graduate looking for a personal assistant job, ready to manage schedules, handle emails and keep your day running smoothly.

Skills employers ask for

• Clear writing and speaking in English and Filipino
• Managing time and juggling several tasks
• Using Word, Excel, Google Calendar and email
• Keeping private information private
• Staying calm when plans change at the last minute

What the interview asks

1. How do you organize your day when everything feels urgent? Describe how you sort tasks by deadline, then ask the boss when unsure.
2. How would you handle confidential information? Say you never share it, and give a real example of keeping a secret.
3. What would you do if two meetings were booked at the same time? Say you'd check which is more important, then offer new times to the other person.
4. Why do you want to work as a personal assistant? Talk about liking to organize and help someone get more done.

The questions every interview asks, with sample answers

How to get hired

1. Most posts ask for at least a senior high school diploma, and many prefer some college.
2. Prepare a resume, a valid ID, NBI clearance and your government numbers: SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG and TIN.
3. Apply online or through a recruiter, and list the tools you know, like Excel and Google Calendar.
4. Expect an interview and sometimes a short test, like writing an email or planning a schedule.
5. Practice typing, email writing and basic Excel before the interview.

What the work is like

You work close to one person, so your day follows their schedule. The hardest part is changing plans fast while staying calm and polite.

Questions

Do I need experience to work as a personal assistant?

Not always. Some bosses train you, but experience in office work or customer service helps.

Can a personal assistant work from home?

Yes, many do. Some posts are fully remote, while others need you in the office.

What should I study to become a personal assistant?

No fixed course. Business administration or office management helps, but good organizing counts most.

Similar jobs

• Executive assistant
• Administrative assistant
• Virtual assistant
• Secretary
• Office clerk

Want work from home in daylight hours?

DayShift lists remote jobs with Singapore and Asia clients, on the same clock as Manila. Applying is free, and we never ask you for money. See today's DayShift jobs