Personal assistant CV examples

A PA’s CV should be as structured and efficient as the schedules they manage. If a recruiter has to search for key details, they might assume your diary management skills are just as chaotic.

By the time you’re done with this guide, your CV will be so polished and well-organised, it could probably run an executive’s entire week on its own.

Recruiters don’t have time to dig through a messy layout – just like your boss won’t have time to search for that ‘very important document’ they definitely didn’t misplace. A clean, logical structure ensures that they can quickly find the most important information.

Here’s how to organise your CV:

• Name and contact details – Put personal details at the top where they belong – if you’re great at managing other people’s schedules, don’t make them hunt for yours. You can add a photo of yourself, but it’s optional.
• Profile – Give a strong opening that highlights your experience, organisation skills, and ability to support executives.
• Core skills – Bullet point a concise list of your most valuable abilities, from diary management to handling confidential information.
• Work experience – Detail your previous PA roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on responsibilities and achievements.
• Education – List relevant qualifications like degrees and training, starting with the most recent.
• Additional info – If applicable, you can optionally include hobbies and interests, awards, or technical proficiencies that enhance your PA expertise.

A personal assistant’s CV format should reflect the professionalism and attention to detail required for the role. Formatting mistakes would make recruiters overlook even the most qualified personal assistants.

Follow these formatting tips:

• Bullet points – Use them to present key responsibilities and achievements clearly.
• Divide sections – Keep each part of your CV structured for easy navigation.
• Use a clear and readable font – Choose a professional font to maintain a polished look.
• No more than 2 pages – Keep it concise while ensuring it includes all essential information. If your CV is longer than your executive’s daily to-do list, it’s time for an edit!

Your CV profile is your first opportunity to show employers that you’re the PA they need. This short introduction should summarise your strengths, experience, and key skills in a way that makes hiring managers want to learn more.

To craft a compelling profile, consider including:

• Your industry experience – Have you worked as a PA in corporate, creative, legal, or private settings?
• Your strongest skills – Whether it’s high-level scheduling, travel management, or event coordination, highlight what you do best.
• Confidentiality and discretion – If you’ve handled sensitive information or high-profile clients, make it clear.
• Time management and multitasking – Show that you can handle a fast-paced workload with ease.
• Technical proficiency – If you’re skilled in managing calendars, office software, or specific tools like CRM systems, mention them here.

A core skills section gives recruiters a quick overview of what you bring to the role. Tailor each of your CV skills to match the job description, ensuring that your listed strengths align with the employer’s needs.

A personal assistant’s job is all about efficiency, problem-solving, and anticipating needs before they arise. Your work experience should demonstrate these abilities by showing how you’ve supported executives and managed key responsibilities.

List your roles in reverse chronological order, highlighting your impact in each position. If you’ve worked across different industries, focus on transferable skills that apply to all PA roles.

• Outline – Introduce the company, the role you played, and who you supported (such as a CEO, director, or team).
• Responsibilities – List your main tasks, such as coordinating schedules, handling travel arrangements, or managing communications. Use action words like “organised”, “coordinated”, and “maintained”.
• Achievements – Highlight measurable successes, such as streamlining processes, improving executive efficiency, or managing high-profile events.

While experience is key in a PA role, employers still value relevant education. If you’ve completed courses in business administration, secretarial studies, or executive support, include them in this section.

If you’re writing a CV at an early stage in your career, highlight coursework or certifications that demonstrate skills relevant to the role.

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.