Personal Assistant Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties and Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “personal assistant job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of copy-paste templates. But here’s the problem—most of them don’t actually help you hire the right person. They just give you a checklist of tasks with no context, no personality, and no real strategy behind the words.

The result? You end up attracting people who are technically qualified but not aligned with how you work—or worse, people who are just applying to everything.

But a great personal assistant isn’t just checking boxes.

They’re anticipating needs. Managing chaos. Making your day smoother so you can focus on what matters most. And if your job post doesn’t reflect that? You’ll miss out on exactly the kind of candidate you’re hoping to find.

That’s why in this guide, we won’t just throw a generic template at you.

We’ll help you understand:

  • What a personal assistant really does in today’s fast-paced work environment

  • How to write a job post that attracts proactive, trustworthy, high-output individuals

  • What to include (and what to leave out) if you want serious candidates—not resume spammers

And if you’re in a hurry? Don’t worry—we’ve also included two ready-to-use templates (one for experienced candidates and one for entry-level), plus bonus tips, FAQs, and a smarter way to evaluate applicants with WorkScreen.io.

Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

What A Personal Assistant Actually Does - Their Roles

A personal assistant (PA) is more than just someone who manages your calendar or handles errands. They’re your right hand—someone who keeps you organized, anticipates your needs, and clears your mental bandwidth so you can focus on the work only you can do.

In plain terms, a great personal assistant helps you move faster, think clearer, and stay on track—whether you’re a busy executive, small business owner, or entrepreneur juggling multiple roles.

Here’s what a personal assistant typically does:

  • Manages your schedule, appointments, and travel

  • Filters and responds to emails or messages

  • Handles administrative tasks and reminders

  • Coordinates meetings, deadlines, and follow-ups

  • Sometimes assists with personal errands or tasks outside of work

But here’s the key: the best personal assistants don’t just do what you tell them.

They think ahead. They notice what’s slipping. They offer solutions before problems show up. That’s why emotional intelligence, discretion, time management, and clear communication often matter more than any formal training or certification.

If you’re looking to hire someone who can truly make your life easier—not just complete a to-do list—this is the role you’re hiring for.

Two Great Personal Assistant Job Description Templates

✅ Option 1 — Job Description For Experienced Personal Assistant (Culture-First Style)

📌 Job Title: Personal Assistant to the CEO — Havenstone Media (Full-Time, Remote-First)

🌍 Location: Remote — US Time Zones preferred
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM (flexible)
💰 Salary: $60,000–$75,000 + Health · PTO · Paid Learning Budget

🎥 Meet Your Future Boss (60-sec Loom):
[Loom video link]

Who We Are

Havenstone Media is a 12-person content and coaching studio that helps creative entrepreneurs grow without burning out. Our YouTube channel (250k subs) and membership community reach 1.8 million viewers a month, and our flagship course has helped 4,300 founders streamline their businesses. We believe in work that matters, created by people who feel seen and supported.

🛠 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Own the CEO’s calendar, meetings, and travel logistics

  • Triage email and craft first-draft replies

  • Prepare agendas, briefs, and follow-up tasks for key projects

  • Track deadlines across the marketing, ops, and content teams

  • Handle light personal tasks (appointment booking, gift purchases)

  • Proactively spot roadblocks before they hit the CEO’s plate

✅ What We’re Looking For

  • 2+ years as a PA, EA, project coordinator, or similar

  • Writes clear, human emails and docs (we’re a content company)

  • Fluent with Notion, Slack, Google Workspace, and basic automation tools

  • Trustworthy, discreet, and two steps ahead at all times

  • Located in a US time-zone (or able to overlap 4+ hrs/day)

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • 100 % medical, dental, vision for US employees (stipend for intl)

  • 4-day work-weeks every August so the whole team can recharge

  • $1,200 annual learning budget + company Kindle account

  • Work-from-anywhere stipend for coworking or home-office upgrades

  • Paid company off-sites twice a year (next stop: Lisbon 🇵🇹)

💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

You won’t be trapped in “calendar jail.” You’ll be a strategic partner who keeps a fast-growing media brand running smoothly, has direct access to decision-makers, and sees your impact daily. If you thrive on ownership and love turning chaos into clarity, we can’t wait to meet you.

📥 How to Apply

Apply via WorkScreen so every candidate gets a fair shot:
👉[insert link here]
You’ll complete a short skills evaluation and hear back within 5 business days.

✅ Option 2 — Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Personal Assistant

📌 Job Title: Junior Personal Assistant — Karibu Organics (Hybrid, Nairobi)

🏢 Location: Westlands office · 2–3 days on-site, rest remote
🕒 Schedule: Core hours 9 AM–4 PM (flex)
💰 Compensation: KES 45,000–60,000 base + Transport + Training Stipend

🎥 Meet the Founder (45-sec YouTube Short):

About Karibu Organics

Founded in 2019, Karibu Organics supplies eco-friendly home-care products to 180+ retail stores across East Africa. We’re a mission-driven, 24-person startup obsessed with reducing plastic waste. Last year we diverted 42 tons of single-use plastic from landfills by refilling instead of dumping. Our culture? Purpose-packed, collaborative, and proudly Kenyan.

🛠 What You’ll Do (We’ll Teach You)

  • Coordinate the founder’s meetings, rides, and supplier calls

  • Keep task lists and project boards in Trello up to date

  • Draft simple emails and WhatsApp messages

  • Track invoices and receipts for the finance team

  • Help plan quarterly clean-up events with partner NGOs

✅ What We’re Looking For

  • Naturally organized and reliable (your friends call you “the planner”)

  • Comfortable with Google Docs, Calendars, and basic spreadsheets

  • Strong written English and Kiswahili

  • Eager to learn, ask questions, and improve systems

  • Diploma or degree welcome—passion and diligence matter more

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • Transport allowance for office days

  • 25 paid flex days off per year + all Kenyan public holidays

  • KES 30,000 annual professional-development stipend

  • Monthly team lunches at top Nairobi eateries

  • First-pick on product prototypes and staff discounts (60 %)

💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

You’ll see the inner workings of a fast-scaling social-impact brand, gain hands-on mentorship from the founder, and grow into ops, marketing, or supply-chain roles as we expand. If you want meaningful work, rapid learning, and a team that actually cares, you’ll thrive here.

📥 How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to focus on potential over CV length.
👉[insert link here]
Complete a quick, paid micro-task and you’ll hear back within 7 days.

If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

Breakdown of Why These Personal Assistant Job Posts Work

Let’s break down what makes these two job descriptions effective—and why they attract better, more aligned candidates than the typical copy-paste job post.

✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Human

Instead of vague titles like “Personal Assistant Needed,” each title gives clear context:

  • “Personal Assistant to the CEO — Havenstone Media”

     

  • “Junior Personal Assistant — Karibu Organics (Hybrid, Nairobi)”

     

These titles don’t just state the role—they give location, level, and purpose. That’s exactly what serious candidates look for when scanning job boards.

✅ 2. Both Posts Start With a Personal Touch

A short video from the founder or CEO adds warmth, transparency, and trust. It shows the candidate who they’ll work with—before they even apply. This instantly makes the post feel real, not robotic.

It also filters for chemistry: applicants who resonate with the leader’s style are more likely to thrive in the role.

✅ 3. The “About Us” Section Is Short but Specific

Each company description gives:

  • A snapshot of what the business does

     

  • How it operates (size, mission, customers)

     

  • The tone and culture of the team

     

No buzzwords. No corporate jargon. Just plain-English, human writing that lets applicants picture themselves on the team.

✅ 4. Responsibilities Show Impact, Not Just Tasks

Instead of saying “manage calendar,” the posts say:

“Own the CEO’s calendar, meetings, and travel logistics”
“Keep task lists and project boards in Trello up to date”

This subtle shift shows that the PA isn’t just a task-doer—they’re a trusted operator helping the business stay organized and grow. It adds meaning and pride to the role.

✅ 5. Perks & Benefits Are Transparent and Real

Top candidates care about how they’ll be treated—not just what they’ll be paid. That’s why both posts include:

  • Salary or compensation range

     

  • Clear list of perks (health, PTO, learning budget, discounts, etc.)

     

  • Remote/flexible work details

     

Transparency builds trust—and filters out mismatches early.

✅ 6. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Speaks to the Right Person

This section isn’t just a fluff paragraph—it’s your pitch.
It’s where you say:

“This isn’t a placeholder—it’s a strategic role.”
“If you’re organized, driven, and looking for growth—you’ll thrive here.”

It speaks to your ideal hire, not to the masses.

✅ 7. The Application Process Is Respectful and Modern

Both job descriptions use WorkScreen—not just as a plug, but to signal respect.

Instead of “Email your CV” or “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted,” the posts say:

“You’ll complete a short evaluation and hear back within 5 days.”
“We use WorkScreen to make sure every application gets a fair shot.”

This sets you apart. Candidates immediately know: this team values time, transparency, and fairness.

Example of a Bad Personal Assistant Job Post (And Why it Fails)

This is where we show readers what not to do. Below is a generic, outdated personal assistant job description, followed by a breakdown of everything that’s wrong with it.

❌ Bad Job Description Example

Job Title: Personal Assistant
Company: Global Enterprises Ltd.
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Not Specified
Salary: Not Disclosed
Deadline: Open until filled

Job Summary
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented personal assistant to support senior executives. The candidate will be responsible for a variety of administrative tasks and must have good organizational skills.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage executive calendars

     

  • Coordinate meetings and travel

     

  • Organize documents and maintain records

     

  • Answer emails and phone calls

     

  • Perform general administrative support duties

     

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required

     

  • 2+ years of administrative experience

     

  • Strong communication skills

     

  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office

     

How to Apply
Please email your CV and cover letter to hr@globalenterprises.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

🛑 Why This Job Post Falls Flat

1. The Job Title Is Too Generic

Just saying “Personal Assistant” without context (level, who they’ll support, remote or not) leaves the candidate guessing.

Better: “Personal Assistant to the COO – Full-Time, Remote-Friendly (Chicago-based applicants preferred)”

2. The Introduction Is Dry and Forgettable

“Seeking a motivated and detail-oriented assistant” is filler. It tells us nothing about the company or the person they’ll support.

There’s no mission. No story. No hook. Just HR autopilot.

3. There’s No Company Personality or Context

“Global Enterprises Ltd.” doesn’t explain what the company does, its size, its culture, or even where it’s based.

Candidates want to know what kind of team they’re joining—not just what tasks they’ll do.

4. No Salary or Perks Mentioned

Hiding compensation is outdated and signals a lack of transparency. Plus, it wastes everyone’s time.

Great candidates won’t apply unless they know it’s worth their effort.

5. Responsibilities Are Vague and Interchangeable

Every PA role includes calendar management and answering emails—what makes this one different?

There’s no description of impact, team dynamics, or daily workflow.

6. The Hiring Process Feels Cold and Dismissive

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels outdated and disrespectful.

Even if you can’t respond to every person, show them you care. A simple “we do our best to notify all applicants” builds goodwill.

7. The Call to Action Is Weak

No personality, no energy—just an email address and a formality.

Better: “We’re excited to meet you. Apply via WorkScreen below and complete a short evaluation—we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.”

📉 Bottom line?
This post feels like a formality—not a real opportunity. It reads like the company just needed someone… not the right person.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Personal Assistant Job Post Stand Out

Once you’ve nailed the basics—clear title, warm intro, transparent benefits—these bonus details will help your job post rise above the rest:

✅ Tip 1: Add a Candidate Trust & Privacy Notice

Let applicants know you take their safety seriously. A short line at the bottom of your job post can go a long way in building trust.

🔒 “We take the privacy and safety of applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any point during our hiring process.”

✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flexibility Upfront

Top candidates care about balance. If your role offers time off, flex time, or mental health days, say so early in the post—not buried in the fine print.

Example:
“Enjoy 15 paid vacation days per year, your birthday off, and two quarterly wellness days to recharge.”

✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

Even experienced personal assistants want to know there’s room to grow. Entry-level candidates especially need to hear it.

Example:
“You’ll receive structured onboarding and mentorship, with room to grow into operations, chief-of-staff, or project coordination roles over time.”

✅ Tip 4: Include a Video from the Hiring Manager or CEO

A short Loom or YouTube clip adds a personal touch, puts a face to the name, and shows applicants who they’ll work with.

🎥 “Watch a quick intro from our CEO, Maria, on why this role matters and what kind of person she’s looking for.”

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

✅ Tip 5: Mention What the Interview Process Looks Like

Don’t make applicants guess what comes next. Spell it out with care and clarity.

Example:
“After your WorkScreen evaluation, we’ll invite shortlisted candidates to a 30-minute video interview with our Operations Director. You’ll hear back either way within 10 days.”

✅ Tip 6: Show Personality in the CTA

Instead of “Submit your CV,” end with a warm, clear, and respectful call to action.

“We’re excited to meet you. Apply now using the link below and show us what you bring to the table. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.”

Should You Use AI to Write a Personal Assistant Job Description?

The short answer? Yes—but not without your input.

It’s tempting to let ChatGPT or an ATS auto-generate a job post for you. Tools like Manatal, Workable, and even LinkedIn now offer “one-click” job descriptions. But here’s the danger:

❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone

Auto-generated job descriptions often…

  • Sound generic, robotic, and lifeless

     

  • Attract the wrong kind of applicants

     

  • Fail to reflect your company’s tone, culture, or mission

     

  • Miss the nuances that matter—like trust, discretion, or emotional intelligence (especially important for personal assistant roles)

     

✋ A job post is often your first impression with a potential hire. Don’t waste it with bland, copy-paste content that says nothing about who you are.

✅ The Right Way to Use AI (Prompt Formula)

AI works best when you feed it the right ingredients. Give it structure, context, and culture—and let it help you polish.

Here’s a simple formula to prompt AI effectively:

🧠 Smart Prompt to Use:

“Help me write a job description for a Personal Assistant at [Company Name].
We’re hiring someone to support our [Founder/CEO/Team] with tasks like [insert key responsibilities].
Our company culture is [describe in 2–3 traits], and we want to attract someone who is [describe ideal personality traits].
We offer [list benefits and salary range], and here’s how our hiring process works: [describe briefly].

Here are a few rough notes to get you started:
[Paste anything you’ve jotted down about the role, your team, or the company.]

Please make it human, clear, and conversational—something a real person would want to read.”

This kind of prompt tells the AI who you are, what you care about, and why this role matters. And that’s what turns a generic post into a great one.

✅ Use AI to refine your writing—not to replace your thinking.

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description? Use These

✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Job Description (for Experienced Hire)

📌 Job Title: Executive Personal Assistant to the CEO
📍 Location: Hybrid (Austin, TX)
💼 Type: Full-Time | $55,000–$65,000/year

👋 Watch This First
A quick video from our CEO on what this role is about and what kind of person we’re looking for.
🎥 [Insert Loom Link]

About Us
We’re [Company Name], a fast-scaling [industry] company. Our CEO is looking for a high-trust, highly organized assistant to help manage her time, energy, and focus—so she can drive the company forward. If you’re someone who loves calendars, thrives in chaos, and enjoys being the person who “just gets it done”—this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

  • Manage inboxes, calendars, travel, and meetings

  • Handle personal errands and sensitive tasks with discretion

  • Prepare decks, briefings, and meeting summaries

  • Be the CEO’s thought partner and schedule gatekeeper

  • Track deadlines, follow-ups, and cross-team communication

What You Bring

  • 3+ years as an EA or PA (ideally with C-level support)

  • Great writing and communication skills

  • Calm under pressure and extremely organized

  • Comfortable with tools like Notion, Slack, Google Workspace

  • Based near [city] and open to 3 in-office days/week

Perks & Benefits

  • Competitive salary + bonus

  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k)

  • 20+ days PTO + paid holidays

  • Learning budget + wellness stipend

Why This Role Matters

You’ll be the glue behind the scenes—making sure the CEO can focus on what matters. It’s a high-visibility, high-impact role where you’ll be trusted, respected, and relied on.

How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen using the link below. You’ll complete a short skills-based evaluation so we can get to know you beyond the résumé.

👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]

🧱 Option 2: Structured Format (for Entry-Level Hire)

Job Title: Personal Assistant (Entry-Level, Training Provided)
Company: [Company Name]
Location: Remote (Central Time preferred)
Type: Full-Time | $18–$22/hour

👋 Watch This First
A quick video from our CEO on what this role is about and what kind of person we’re looking for.
🎥 [Insert Loom Link]

Job Brief
We’re looking for a trustworthy, organized personal assistant to support one of our team leads. You don’t need previous experience—we’ll train you. If you’re reliable, proactive, and enjoy bringing structure to chaos, you’ll thrive here.

Responsibilities

  • Manage calendars and appointments

  • Handle travel bookings and basic admin

  • Assist with errands or personal to-dos

  • Keep digital files and tasks organized

  • Support with project coordination when needed

Requirements

  • Clear communicator, both written and verbal

  • Tech-savvy and eager to learn (we’ll train on tools)

  • Discreet and trustworthy

  • Comfortable working remotely with autonomy

Perks

  • Health benefits after 60 days

  • Remote flexibility + team off-sites

  • PTO + mental health days

  • Career mentorship and growth pathways

How to Apply
Submit your application through WorkScreen. You’ll complete a quick evaluation so we can learn how you think and work.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]

Ready to Hire Smarter? Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step

Writing a great job post is just the beginning.

Once candidates start applying, you still need to figure out who’s serious, who’s qualified, and who’s just copy-pasting answers using AI tools.

That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.

Here’s how WorkScreen helps you hire better:

Quickly identify your top applicants
Our platform automatically evaluates every candidate and ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard—so you can see your strongest applicants at a glance.

Assess skills with one click
Send structured evaluations and real-world tasks that test for the things that actually matter in the role. No guesswork. No résumé bias.

Eliminate low-effort and AI-assisted applicants
WorkScreen filters out generic, copy-pasted, or AI-generated answers—so you’re only spending time with candidates who genuinely want the job and put in real effort.

Save time, reduce bias, and make smarter decisions
With automated scoring and clear insights, you’ll spend less time screening and more time hiring people who actually fit.

If you’re tired of making hiring decisions based on résumés alone, let WorkScreen show you what your candidates can really do.

FAQ

A secretary typically handles routine administrative tasks in an office setting—like answering phones, filing paperwork, or managing general correspondence—often supporting an entire team.

A personal assistant (PA) provides more customized, one-on-one support to a specific person—often an executive or team leader. Their role includes calendar management, travel planning, personal errands, and confidential tasks. PAs are expected to anticipate needs, exercise discretion, and adapt to both personal and professional duties.

In short: a secretary supports the office; a PA supports a person.

The best personal assistants blend hard and soft skills. Here’s what to look for:

  • Organization & time management: Can they manage multiple calendars and deadlines without dropping the ball?

  • Discretion & trustworthiness: Will they handle confidential matters with care?

  • Proactive mindset: Do they anticipate needs or wait to be told?

  • Communication skills: Can they write clearly, respond professionally, and speak on your behalf if needed?

  • Tech fluency: Are they comfortable using email, scheduling tools, Slack, Notion, Zoom, or other platforms?

  • Emotional intelligence: Do they read the room, stay calm under pressure, and handle sensitive situations gracefully?

Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and the level of responsibility. In the U.S., here’s a general guide:

  • Entry-level PA: $18–$25/hour or $38,000–$50,000/year

  • Mid-level PA with 2–4 years experience: $50,000–$65,000/year

  • Senior PA or Executive Assistant to C-suite: $65,000–$95,000/year+

In major cities or high-demand industries, top-tier executive assistants may earn six figures—especially if they support CEOs, manage teams, or work in fast-paced startups.

Here are three signs:

  • Your calendar is chaotic, and you’re constantly rescheduling or missing things

  • You spend hours on admin tasks that don’t move your business forward

  • You’re making progress—but burning out trying to do everything yourself

If you’re saying “I could move faster if someone just kept things organized,” you probably need a PA.

Make Your Next Great Hire With WorkScreen

Easily streamline your hiring process with AI-powered applicant scoring, automated skill testing, and a credit-based system that ensures you only pay for quality applicants. Perfect for teams serious about hiring top talent.

Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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