When employing a personal assistant, individual employers often look for someone who is a good personal fit.
It’s not always about previous experience and qualifications – what’s really important is that you have the right values and skills to do the job.
Anyone can be a personal assistant as long as they:
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enjoy helping people to live their life in the way that they choose
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would like to support others to make a real change to their life
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are comfortable working on their own or with other personal assistants as part of a team
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have the ability to develop a strong, trusting relationship with their employer
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understand that they are an employee and not a friend
Values of a personal assistant
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responsible, reliable and respectful
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encouraging, enabling and empathetic
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flexible and willing to learn
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committed to equality and diversity
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understanding the challenges faced by disables people
Skills of a personal assistant
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ability to listen and treat people with dignity
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good interpersonal skills
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personal yet professional
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good written and verbal skills
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strong local knowledge
- ability to treat people with dignity
Resources to help
- Skills for Care's Think Care Careers has advice for those looking to work in social care roles.
- A Question of Care provides advice and guidance to help you decide if a career in care is right for you.