The New Rules of Business Support Recruitment (And What It Means for Your Next PA Hire)

Let’s face it: modern business doesn’t run itself. Behind every smooth-sailing executive, there’s usually a Personal Assistant ensuring that things run according to plan.

There’s no denying that business support staff are essential for forward thinking organisations. However, hiring the right PA or EA isn’t as simple as it used to be.

In today’s world, you’re not just looking for someone to tick a few boxes. Rather, you’re looking for a multi-talented professional who can adapt to your unique way of working, stay ahead of the curve, and fit seamlessly into your team’s culture.

The rules of business support recruitment have evolved, and if you’re on the hunt for top-tier talent who can help to drive your company forward, you need to know what’s changed. Read on to find out more about what’s changed in the world of PA recruiting…

The New Rules of Business Support Recruitment

1. Emotional Intelligence Is Essential

Gone are the days when a PA’s job was limited to managing diaries and answering phones. Today’s Personal Assistants aren’t just task managers - they’re relationship builders. That’s right: you need a PA who can read the room, navigate complex dynamics, and anticipate issues before they arise.

Think of your Personal Assistant as the glue that keeps teams connected and stakeholders engaged. A good PA will be able to understand when their boss is under pressure and adapt their approach, prioritising tasks and shielding them from unnecessary distractions. They’ll also foster strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients, ensuring smoother communication and collaboration.

So, how can you find a PA with high emotional intelligence? When recruiting, look beyond the CV. Seek out candidates who have empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to adapt their approach based on the needs of others. These are the skills that transform a good PA into a truly indispensable one.

2. Tech Skills Are Non-Negotiable

Next up, let’s talk tech. Today’s PAs need to be more than just tech-savvy - they need to be able to seamlessly navigate a variety of tools, from project management platforms to calendar management software and cloud-based systems. What’s more, they need to be able to quickly adapt to new systems and troubleshoot basic tech issues, whilst all the while ensuring productivity doesn’t dip.

So, how can you seek out a tech-savvy PA? At VWA, as PA recruitment specialists, we recommend introducing a skills test during the hiring process to assess their tech proficiency. It’ll help you identify candidates who don’t just keep up with tech but thrive on it.

3. Flexibility Is Key

In a world where hybrid and remote working is the norm, flexibility is one of the most sought-after traits in a PA. A flexible PA can effortlessly transition between tasks, from managing your diary to organising a last-minute event or handling a personal task without missing a beat. They can also adjust to unexpected changes without losing focus or momentum. Basically, they thrive on the variety their role offers and adapt to new situations with unflappable focus.

When you’re hiring, dig into their past experiences so you can identify candidates who see challenges as opportunities. Ask them about times they’ve had to demonstrate adaptability or manage shifting priorities. Their answers will give you a glimpse of how well they’ll handle the curveballs that inevitably come their way.

4. Put Candidate Experience Front and Centre

In today’s competitive market, the best talent has options - which means that a strong candidate experience isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a crucial element for successful recruitment. We’ve entered an era where top talent has their pick of opportunities, and candidate experience can make or break your recruitment success.

The candidate experience begins the moment candidates first read your job advert or learn about your company. If the recruitment process is disorganised, impersonal, or too drawn out, even the most interested candidates may lose enthusiasm - and that’s a surefire way to lose out on the best candidates.

Here’s how to stand out from the crowd and ensure a great candidate experience:

• Keep communication clear, timely, and professional.

• Respect candidates’ time with a streamlined interview process.

• Offer feedback at every stage, even if they don’t make the cut.

A thoughtful candidate experience doesn’t just secure top talent; it builds your reputation as an employer of choice.

5. Cultural Fit Is the Secret to Success

Finally, finding the perfect PA isn’t just about skills and qualifications - it’s about synergy. The right cultural fit ensures your new hire doesn’t just survive but thrives in your organisation. It’s about more than just getting along with your team; rather, it’s about alignment with your values, work style, and expectations.

That’s why it’s so important to assess cultural fit. So, how can you tell if your potential PA is the right match for your company? Evaluate how well they fit in with the overall ethos of your organisation. We’d recommend conducting behavioural interviews and situational questions to uncover how candidates approach their work and whether or not they’ll fit within your team dynamic.

PA Recruiting Expertise From VWA

Let’s be honest: finding the perfect PA in today’s competitive market can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But that’s exactly where we come in.

At VWA, we are a boutique recruitment consultancy specialising in PA recruiting. For us, it’s about more than just numbers and we don’t just look for candidates with the right skills. Instead, we look for the whole package, from soft skills to cultural fit and more.

Our tailored recruitment approach ensures we understand your unique needs, so we can match you with thoroughly vetted, high-quality candidates who’ll make a real difference. Plus, with over 35 years of industry expertise and thanks to our extensive network, you can rest assured that we’ll help you find the talent you need to stay ahead of the game.

Ready to make your next PA hire the right one? Get in touch with us today to learn more about the VWA difference and find out how we can help you navigate the recruitment process.