Written by Azon’s Business Consultants for those seeking a PA or EA
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Before undertaking a process whereby I need to look for HR & Office Support candidates, I always research the different industry sectors and what each role entails. Almost every office has a Receptionist, an Office Manager and some have Personal Assistants/Executive Assistants, and of course over time we’ve come to realise how critical these roles are to the smooth running of businesses around the world!

After establishing a comprehensive database of talented candidates, what is never in doubt is  how much a Personal/Executive Assistant does for the CEO or senior management teams that they report to, and the variety of the skills they must possess. This is surely the holy grail of multi-tasking, prioritising, organisation skills, people skills and lots more!

Below I have outlined the 5 reasons why you should consider hiring an Executive or Personal Assistant to make you more effective at your role:

1. PLAN PLAN PLAN

Coming in on a Monday morning is never fun for anyone, especially when you have 10 meetings, must organise 10 more meetings and you have travel arrangements to make. It’s overwhelming and honestly, you probably won’t get it all done. A calendar and a planner can only get you so far in these situations.

This is why I have spent years meticulously assembling the CV’s of the highest quality PA/EA’s in Ireland, establishing outstanding business support candidates for C- and Senior-level executives; Often being a PA might not be a 9-5 job – but a good EA or PA, will make their boss look great, as they look after all the logistics and admin, which are critical, but can be a distraction.

Leaving the office on Friday, your EA/PA will already have planned the next Monday, arranged your meetings and booked your flights.

With a great EA/PA, you’ll never miss another meeting or (more importantly) disappoint a client.

2. LESS STRESS MORE SUCCESS

Putting little things off can make you stressed at senior level, whether it be forgetting to call people back or replying to an inbox full of e-mails. Also making sure you don’t miss that really specific, but super important email, which could otherwise get lost in a sea of email.

This is where having an assistant who you trust – that knows your next move before you even do – makes life easier. Looking after your schedule and ensuring your time is well-organised, even blocking out time for things/work/activities you need to prioritise in your day.

They can pick up your dry cleaning while you’re in a meeting, check-in for your upcoming flights and arrange those taxis from the airport. With an extensive catalogue of experienced EA/PA candidates, I constantly strive to make office life less stressful and more successful.

3. THEY BECOME ANOTHER YOU

Many Personal/Executive Assistants would describe themselves as the “work wife” for the person they report into: they know where they are ALL the time and sometimes get calls from their boss’ other half asking what their plans are.  This is why hiring the right person is vitally important.

Having a long-term Assistant means they have an opportunity to learn and adapt to your preferences. They will know your exact requests without needing specifications, be it down to your favourite coffee in the morning or to replying to e-mails in your tone of voice.

They might even know what your favourite hotels are when travelling and what restaurants you love to eat in – happy days.

4. WORK/LIFE BALANCE

Being a CEO, a Senior Manager or even an entrepreneur running your own business means that work is always your main focus.

At Azon, all staff recognise that it is hard to switch off and remember your personal life when you are in a senior level position. With so much going on, it is easy for personal matters slip your mind: birthdays, anniversaries or even doctors’ appointments.

Personal/Executive Assistants possess a rare super power rarely found in any other office worker: they don’t forget anything (even your dog’s birthday). Thanks to a PA/EA’a ability to juggle a plethora of tasks, you will never miss a chance at being sociable again.

 5. LONG TERM INVESTMENT

Staff here in Azon agree that like many people, you need some hobbies to keep you sane! Whether it be golf, cooking or even just the gym, you need to take a break from life and concentrate on yourself.

It may sound easy to schedule in a gym session in the evenings when you work 9-5, but many CEO’s or entrepreneurs as mentioned above don’t switch off or really take time to themselves (which isn’t good for your mental wellbeing).

Personal Assistants are there to make your lives easier and to give you a break. They afford you the comfort of knowing that the office is in safe hands if you decide to take that much needed time off.

SO… WHAT’S STOPPING YOU?

Having a PA/EA is vital not only for the smooth operation of the company, but for your well-being too; they are one of the most important hires you will make.

Azon have helped to connect invaluable PA/EA’s to CEO’s and senior management across all verticals, and are excited to continue placements within this sector.

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Get in touch today to see how we can help improve your office productivity with the introduction of a talented PA.