Let us begin with a few facts: My name is Matthew Maney, I’ve just turned 40 years old (life begins now, right?!), and I never meant to end up working as a Personal Assistant.
I fell into the PA world by complete accident. But I love it, and I’ve learned a lot during my career so far. Naturally, there are a few things I wish I’d known at the start of my career, and now seems like the perfect time to pass a few little nuggets of wisdom along to the PAs of the future.
In a position that is often overlooked, with many responsibilities that take place behind the scenes, all too often Personal Assistants are undervalued and undercompensated. So, here’s everything I can tell you about knowing your worth as a PA.
How did I end up as a Personal Assistant?
After starting out on a market stall I worked at a dry cleaners, before turning to waiting tables and bar work. Over the years I’ve owned and operated my own café, as well as undertaking various office roles including HR, administration and even (for a very brief stint) telesales. It’s perfectly normal to be unclear of your career path early on in life!
Along the way I took a job as a Check-In Assistant at Luton airport, which helped me to realise that a position in the aviation world was something that sparked a real passion. I needed a role that constantly challenged me and kept me busy, so when I saw a vacancy for a private flight attendant and travelling PA, I instantly applied.
After an incredibly surreal trial flight, I was offered the job. The next 5 years went by in a blur, I was travelling the world, working from every corner of the planet. Now I had years of PA experience under my belt, and it was time for a change. After years of missing every special occasion and big events in the lives of all my friends and family, I wanted to prioritise a work/life balance.
The hunt for a new PA role began!
Should location affect your PA position?
To bring me closer to loved ones I knew I would be looking to relocate from London to Liverpool, where the Personal Assistant market looks very different. For the fear of a dramatic cut in salary, I postponed leaving my position for another year.
Eventually I came to realise that, if I wanted the right job, in the right location, at the right salary, I’d have to take matters into my own hands. A good PA is worth their weight in gold, and if we continue to accept less, the whole occupation suffers.
Personal Assistants are often the backbone of an organisation’s operations. On a day-to-day basis we manage schedules, coordinate meetings, and act as a liaison between departments, alongside a multitude of other tasks and responsibilities. The skills required to excel in a role of this nature vary from time management to emotional intelligence. You may not always be in the spotlight, but things can quickly fall apart without the hard work, dedication and efficiency that takes place behind the curtain. A skilled PA enhances productivity, saves time, and contributes to a positive work environment.
For executives and teams alike, having a competent personal assistant on hand can make the difference between chaos and order. You streamline processes, reduce stress and allow leaders to focus on what they do best , leading.
Why am I telling you all this?
Recognising these contributions is the key to realising that your role transcends administrative tasks; you are a strategic partner in achieving business objectives, and deserving of a salary package that reflects this.
How can you negotiate the right salary package?
Sometimes it is not all about money. If the salary doesn’t initially meet your expectations, it’s worthwhile taking notes of areas where you can negotiate ways to make a great-sounding position even more appealing.
Remember the old saying “if you don’t ask you don’t get”? It is a classic for a reason. If you make it to the interview stage for a role, be prepared to ask the necessary questions about the expectations of the job. This will help you to determine the value you’ll add to the business, and what added extras you might need to sweeten the deal on your end.
As a Personal Assistant, we spend a lot of our life on the phone, making business calls, updating calendars and making sure everyone is in the right place at the right time. A work mobile phone isn’t always standard as part of a package, so it’s a good idea to bear this in mind during your negotiations. Where travel is a consideration, a company car can also be beneficial.
Be confident in the experience and knowledge you bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself on the successes of your previous jobs, or any additional benefits you offer as an individual. Leverage any relevant industry contacts, relationships with existing clients or other specialist knowledge you’ve gained from working diligently behind the scenes. Now’s your time to shine.
Know your worth, and make sure everyone else does too.