Crafting the perfect personal assistant resume is all about showing you’ve got what it takes to be someone’s “right-hand”. As a personal assistant, you're probably sitting on multiple chairs at once — you're the behind-the-scenes problem solver, organizer, and go-to person who makes sure everything runs smoothly. 

We've prepared this comprehensive guide to make the process of resume writing as easy as can be. So, dive in and discover our best tips, practical examples, authentic samples, and customizable templates — all ready for you.

Executive Assistant at Artisan Partners Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by:

Artisan Partners

BMI Group Executive Assistant Resume Example

Hired by:

Hired by:

BMI Group

Office Assistant Resume Example

Hired by:

Hired by:

Handelsskolen Knord

See more examples like these

Keep reading to discover how to:

• Explore handy personal assistant resume samples
• Pick the most suitable format for your personal assistant resume 
• Craft an eye-catching personal assistant resume summary or objective
• Select the top soft and hard skills to include in your resume
• Describe your work experience as a personal assistant with relevant details
• Include powerful action words in your personal assistant resume
• Boost your resume with strong educational credentials
• Pick the best extra sections for your personal assistant resume
• Dodge common mistakes in a personal assistant resume
• Pair your resume with a matching personal assistant cover letter
• Explore the average salary and job outlook for personal assistants
• Find the best resources for job-seeking personal assistants

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Personal assistant resume example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Use of action verbs: The work experience section is packed with action verbs like "implemented," "scheduled," and "handled." These make the applicant's contributions sound proactive and impactful. They also add energy and authority to their role as a personal assistant.
• Varied skill set: This skills section does a great job showcasing a variety of relevant skills — from languages to tech expertise. These are organized under appropriate sub-headings, which prevent this resume section from looking messy or difficult to take in. Including technical skills alongside soft skills helps paint a full picture of the candidate’s abilities.

What could be improved?

• Inclusion of quantifiable data: For example, how many meetings did they schedule weekly? How many clients did they interact with on a regular basis? Including data like "coordinated 20+ meetings per week" or "handled travel arrangements for executives across three continents" would give more context and make their contributions feel more tangible.
• Education section: Since the candidate has a university degree, there's no real need to include their high school education. In most cases, once you’ve graduated from college, your high school diploma becomes less relevant. 

Personal fashion shopper resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Mention of the employee of the month recognition: Highlighting the "Employee of the Month" award is a great move. It’s an easy way to show the applicant’s dedication and excellence in their role. Awards like this can set them apart from other candidates and give hiring managers concrete proof that this person goes above and beyond.
• Comprehensive job description: The work experience section offers a clear, detailed view of the candidate’s responsibilities, from maintaining product knowledge to tailoring communication strategies. This demonstrates their ability to juggle multiple aspects of the job and shows a strong grasp of customer service and fashion.

What could be improved?

• Showcasing achievements: While the resume provides a solid description of the job duties, there’s a noticeable lack of quantifiable achievements. For example, how much did they increase customer retention? How many new clients were brought in through networking? Adding numbers or measurable outcomes would help to show the applicant’s impact more vividly.
• Adding optional sections: The bottom of the resume feels a bit sparse, and this is where optional sections could make a difference. For instance, including a "Certifications" section (if applicable) or adding more details in a "Skills" or "Languages" section could fill the empty space while making the resume more informative. 

Corporate secretary resume example

Created with

Why does this resume example work?

• Effective resume summary (profile): The profile section does a great job of summarizing the candidate’s key strengths in just a few lines. It touches on their education, certifications, and soft skills like communication and leadership. It gives hiring managers a quick snapshot of what this candidate brings to the table, which is especially helpful when reviewing many resumes at once.
• Easy-to-read layout: The structure of this resume is clean, simple, and easy to follow. Each section is clearly labeled and well-organized, which is crucial for making a good first impression. Hiring managers can quickly find the information they need without having to dig through cluttered text.

What could be improved?

• Expanding on the Business Administration degree: This education section could be stronger if the candidate mentioned specific coursework or projects that directly relate to the corporate secretary role. For example, highlighting relevant courses like organizational behavior, business communication, or finance could show how their studies prepared them for this role.

1. Pick the most suitable format for your personal assistant resume 

Before you even sit down to put your thoughts on paper, it’s worth taking a moment to think about the format of your resume. 

Your decision won't just influence how things look on the page — it’s about which information gets highlighted and which takes the back seat. Because the right format draws attention to your strengths and downplays areas you might not want to spotlight as much. 

Ultimately, your choice of resume structure depends on where you are in your career journey. You can pick from the following three: 

• Chronological resume: This is the classic, go-to format. It’s structured in reverse-chronological order, meaning your most recent job is listed first, followed by older positions. This format works best when you’ve got a strong and steady work history that shows upward mobility or consistency.
• Functional resume: The functional resume flips the focus away from your job history and more onto your skills. Instead of starting with where you’ve worked, this format kicks off with a summary of key skills relevant to the role you’re applying for. This format is ideal for career changers, people with employment gaps, recent graduates, or those with a less traditional work history. 
• Combination (Hybrid) resume: The hybrid resume combining elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It usually starts with a strong skills section, but still includes a concise work history in reverse-chronological order. It's the perfect fit for anyone who has a solid mix of experience and skills to show off.

However, formatting your resume goes beyond just choosing its structure. There are plenty of other details you need to think about, like margins, fonts, headlines, spacing, and more. The problem is that getting everything just right takes time and can sometimes distract you from focusing on the content.

When it comes to resume writing, there aren't many corners you can cut — but using a professionally designed resume template is one of them. It can save you time, ensure a polished look, and let you focus more on the content without worrying too much about the layout.

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2. Craft an eye-catching personal assistant resume summary or objective

At the very top of your resume, you have the opportunity to make a strong impression in just 3-5 sentences, either with a resume summary or objective. This is where you highlight your best qualities as a personal assistant, giving the hiring manager a quick glimpse of why you’re the one for the job. 

But why do you need to create what is essentially a preview of your resume? 

Considering that hiring managers often sift through hundreds of job applications daily, they’re not reading every resume in detail. In fact, you’ve only got about 7 seconds to catch their attention and make them want to keep reading. That’s where a strong resume summary or objective comes in — they're your first shot at convincing them you're the perfect fit.

Writing a resume summary

A resume summary is best suited for those who already have some professional experience under their belt and want to highlight the key points of their work history and skills. Essentially, a resume summary looks back on what you've achieved so far.

What should your personal assistant resume summary include?

• Professional title: Simply mention your role, e.g., "Experienced Personal Assistant."
• Years of professional experience: How long have you been working as a personal assistant or in similar roles?
• Specializations: Include any specific areas of expertise, such as executive support, event coordination, or travel management.
• Key skills: Mention your core competencies, like calendar management, project coordination, or communication skills.
• Significant achievements: For example, "Successfully organized an international conference for 200+ attendees."

Now, let's zoom in on two very different resume summary examples and see which one works better: 

What makes this example sound so weak? This summary is vague and lacks any real personality. It doesn’t give the hiring manager a clear sense of what makes this person stand out or why they'd be a great fit for the role. "Experience in office tasks" is too general, and saying you're "good at multitasking" doesn’t cut it without specifics. Plus, phrases like "help out" sound unenthusiastic, almost like the person isn't really invested in the role. 

What exactly makes this example so effective? Now, this is how you write a resume summary! It's sharp, specific, and packed with relevant details. It clearly states the professional title and years of experience, both of which show credibility. The key skills mentioned here are specific and valuable. Plus, the mention of a concrete achievement makes this candidate stand out as someone who delivers results. 

Crafting a resume objective

A resume objective, on the other hand, is more forward-looking. It’s ideal if you’re just starting out or switching careers and want to highlight your passion for the role, even if you don’t have much direct experience. 

What should your resume objective include?

• Career goals: Mention what you aim to achieve as a personal assistant.
• Relevant skills or experience: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the role.
• Focus on how you’ll add value: Explain how you plan to use your skills to support your potential employer.
• Passion for the role: Show your enthusiasm and commitment to providing top-notch support and helping executives or teams succeed.

Why is this example not enough? This objective doesn’t explain what skills the candidate has or how they’d actually contribute to the role. The phrase "help with office tasks" is super vague, and "gain experience" sounds like the candidate is more focused on what they’ll get rather than what they can offer. 

What makes this example work better? This objective clearly mentions the transition and focuses on transferable skills, like organization and communication, that are highly relevant to a personal assistant role. Instead of focusing on their own profit, this candidate highlights how they plan to add value to their new team's success. 

Whether you choose to start your resume with a summary or an objective, remember to enrich it with relevant keywords! Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific terms related to the job. If your resume doesn’t include these keywords, it might not even get past the initial electronic screening. 

3. Select the top soft and hard skills to include on your personal assistant resume

Before we dive into the topic of skills, let’s take a moment to talk about how to customize your resume.

Why? 

Tailoring your resume is key to landing the job you want. Every job posting has its unique attributes, and taking the time to adjust your resume to match what the employer is looking for can really make a difference. Plus, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes, so including the right keywords from the job posting can help get your application noticed.

So, how do you know which skills to mention on your resume? 

Start by carefully reading through the job posting you're responding to and identify key responsibilities and required skills. Then, reflect on your own experiences and match them up with what the employer is asking for. 

Some of the most sought-after skills for a personal assistant role include the following:

While hard skills are invaluable for a personal assistant, soft skills are just as crucial — if not more so. As a personal assistant, you're constantly juggling different personalities and handling ever-changing situations, so being adaptable, communicative, and quick on your feet is what truly sets you apart.

While hard skills help get your foot in the door, it's your soft skills that will enable you to build relationships and truly thrive in the position. So, as you craft your resume, make sure to highlight a balance of both to demonstrate that you have the technical expertise and the interpersonal finesse to excel as a personal assistant!

4. Describe your work experience as a personal assistant with relevant details

Once you’ve figured out which skills to highlight, it’s time to show how you’ve actually put those skills to work in your previous roles. Your work experience section is what hiring managers are most interested in, because it gives them a glimpse of how you’ve handled responsibilities in real-world situations.

A common mistake people make is simply listing out their day-to-day tasks —“Managed schedules,” “Answered calls,” and so on. But the truth is, the key to a standout work experience section lies in showing how you applied your skills in a meaningful, impactful way. Instead of just stating what you did, explain how you made a difference. That’s what will grab a hiring manager’s attention!

And one more thing: whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Numbers make your accomplishments more concrete and impressive. They help employers understand the scope of your work and the value you brought to the table.

Here are a few examples of what you can quantify:

• Number of executives or staff supported
• Calendar management 
• Travel arrangements 
• Event planning
• Budget management
• Project deadlines 
• Document preparation
• Cost savings 

To give you a better idea of how your employment history section should look like, take a look at these two examples: 

What makes this example so dry? This entry is vague, generic, and lacks any real substance. It lists day-to-day duties without providing any context or showing how the candidate made an impact. There’s no mention of specific accomplishments, no quantifiable data, and no insight into the candidate’s contributions or skills.

Why does this example feel more impactful? This work history entry uses strong action verbs and quantifiable achievements to show the candidate’s impact. It’s clear, specific, and showcases how the personal assistant added value to the company. The numbers and accomplishments give concrete examples of efficiency, cost savings, and successful project management. 

Tips for fresh graduates

If you’re a fresh graduate or someone without much professional experience, don’t worry — you can still create a strong work history section. Instead of focusing on formal job experience, think about relevant experiences you’ve had during:

• Internships
• Part-time jobs
• Volunteer work
• School projects

For example, did you coordinate events for a student organization? Help manage schedules or tasks during an internship? Assist with planning meetings or projects in a volunteer role? These kinds of experiences still demonstrate valuable skills like organization, communication, and problem-solving — all essential for a personal assistant role.

By quantifying your achievements, you can make a strong impression and show potential employers that you’re ready to handle anything the personal assistant role throws your way. Whether you're an experienced pro or just entering the field, numbers can help you create a compelling and impactful resume.

5. Include powerful action words in your personal assistant resume

Now that you’ve got your work experience section in shape, let’s take it up a notch with action verbs. 

These are strong, impactful words that can make your job entries more dynamic and engaging. Rather than just describing what you did in a passive way, action verbs show you took initiative and played an active role in your previous positions.

Using action verbs also helps make you appear more confident, competent, and proactive in the eyes of the hiring manager. 

Here's how action verbs look, well, in action:

Besides making your work experience history more vivid and engaging, action verbs can also play a significant role in getting your resume past the ATS. Remember what we've told you about keywords? Action verbs may very well be one of them!

6. Boost your personal assistant resume with strong educational credentials

One of the biggest misconceptions about resume writing is the idea that the education section is just a formality — a space to fill in your degree and move on. But that’s not really the case! Your education section can actually play a key role in showing potential employers that you’re the right fit for the job.

Let’s first talk about the ideal scenario: you have a degree that’s relevant to the personal assistant role, such as business administration, communications, or office management. In this case, your education section becomes a great opportunity to showcase that your academic background has directly prepared you for the job. 

Here’s what you can include under your degree to make the most of this section:

• Relevant coursework
• Projects 
• Thesis or capstone projects
• Awards and honors
• Relevant extracurricular activities

But what if your degree isn’t related to being a personal assistant at all? Maybe you studied something like history, psychology, or even the arts. Here’s why it’s still important to include that education section: 

• The mere fact that you earned a degree shows discipline, dedication, and the ability to see a long-term project through to the end. 
• It also tells employers that you’re capable of learning, adapting, and managing responsibilities, all of which are essential traits in any personal assistant position.

Still, if you've participated in any academic activity that helped you develop skills relevant to the position of a personal assistant, go ahead and include them under your degree. 

Even if your degree doesn’t scream “personal assistant,” it can still reflect transferable skills like research, time management, or communication — all of which are highly valued in this role. So, don’t brush off your education section, because it could be the boost that sets you apart from other applicants!

7. Pick the best extra sections for your personal assistant resume

By now, we’ve covered all the essential sections that should absolutely be on your resume. But if you want to really stand out from the competition, there’s more you can add to give your application that extra edge. This is where optional resume sections come in.

Optional sections aren’t meant to be padding or fluff — every piece of information on your resume should add real value. These sections should show off additional qualifications or experiences that make you a stronger candidate for the personal assistant role. 

So, what extra sections might help you land the job? 

• Certifications: If you’ve completed any certifications related to office management, project management, or even software tools like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, include them! 
• Volunteer experience: Volunteering, especially in roles where you had to organize events, manage tasks, or support teams, can also be highly relevant. 
• Professional development: Have you attended any workshops, seminars, or webinars that helped you improve your organizational or communication skills? 
• Hobbies and interests (if relevant): If your hobbies reflect qualities that are valuable in a personal assistant (like event planning, organizing, or problem-solving) they could strengthen your application.

Adding optional sections can really make your resume pop and set you apart from the competition. These sections provide extra layers of information that can highlight your unique strengths and give potential employers a fuller picture of who you are. Make them count!

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8. Dodge common mistakes in a personal assistant resume

Picture this: you’ve just hit send on your job application, feeling all proud and accomplished. But then, as you glance back at your resume, you spot a glaring mistake — maybe a typo in your email address or a misformatted date. And all you can do about it now is make your best impression of Munch's The Scream. 

To help you avoid these pitfalls, here’s a rundown of common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overlooking typos and grammatical errors: Even a simple misspelling can make you look careless. Hiring managers might wonder if you’d be just as sloppy with their schedules. Always proofread, and if possible, have someone else take a look too!
• Vague job descriptions: When you describe your past roles with vague terms like “helped” or “assisted,” it doesn’t tell the hiring manager much about what you actually did. They want to know your specific contributions and impact. 
• Using an inconsistent format: Inconsistent formatting can make your resume look chaotic and unprofessional. If your bullet points, fonts, and spacing aren’t uniform, it can distract from the content. 
• Favoring duties over achievements: Employers want to see what you achieved, not just what you were responsible for. Always try to highlight your accomplishments and how you made a difference in your past positions.
• Lack of quantifiable achievements: Instead of saying you “helped organize events,” try saying you “coordinated three events for 200+ attendees, resulting in a 30% increase in community engagement.”
• Providing outdated contact information: Make sure your email address and phone number are current. If a hiring manager can’t reach you, you might miss out on a great opportunity. 
• Failing to showcase your soft skills: When it comes to being a personal assistant, soft skills are key players in your success. If you skip over these qualities, you could lose out on showing hiring managers how you’ll mesh with their team. 

Even when you think you’ve given your resume your undivided attention, those pesky small mistakes can sneak in. It’s really easy to overlook things when you’ve been staring at the same document for too long or if you’re just excited to send it out. But these little slip-ups can leave a big impression on hiring managers, and not the good kind.

9. Pair your personal assistant resume with a matching cover letter

Some consider cover letters to be outdated, and many job postings don't ask for them. So, why send one? Even though they aren’t always required, a well-written cover letter can be a powerful addition to your application. It provides an opportunity to introduce yourself and make a personal connection with the hiring manager — something a resume alone can’t always achieve.

Your cover letter serves a different purpose than your resume. While your resume presents information in bullet points and short, concise sentences, your cover letter allows you to take a more narrative approach. Instead of just listing your skills and experience, you can explain them in full sentences and paragraphs.

Basically, a great cover letter should provide answers for the following questions: 

• Who are you?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you want to work for us specifically? 
• How can you contribute to our success? 

Keep in mind that your cover letter shouldn't just be a repeat of what's on your resume. Instead, it should provide more context and depth to the information you've already shared. 

You can also use it to inject a bit of personality to your application — something that’s especially useful for a personal assistant role, where communication and relationship-building are key.

But it's not just the content that needs to match! At first glance, your resume and cover letter should clearly belong together. When they share a unified design, it gives your application a polished appearance. To make sure your documents are visually consistent, follow these simple tips:

• Stick to the same font and size: Choose a single font for both your resume and cover letter to maintain a clean, cohesive look. Professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman work well.
• Coordinate your colors: If your resume includes colors, perhaps in the headings or dividers, use the same color scheme in your cover letter. 
• Match the headers: Use the same header for your name and contact details on both documents. This not only looks professional but also creates an immediate visual link.
• Keep the formatting consistent: Make sure your spacing, margins, and paragraph breaks match across both documents. 
• Use templates to achieve a unified look: For example, each of Kickresume’s professionally designed resume templates is paired with a matching cover letter template. The only problem you'll face is the dilemma of choosing which design you like the most! 

To wrap things up, remember that a great job application includes both a stellar resume and a cover letter that work together seamlessly. Make sure they not only share the same content but also look like they were made for each other.

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10. Average salary and job outlook for personal assistants

It’s only natural to be curious about the financial rewards that come with being a personal assistant. So, let's break it down! 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for personal assistants reaches $46,010. However, your real salary can vary depending on several factors:

• Geographic location 
• Years of experience
• The type of clients you work for (executives, celebrities, etc.)

Now, while the job outlook for personal assistants shows only a small increase in demand over the next decade, that doesn’t mean opportunities aren’t out there. In fact, personal assistants are still highly valued in many industries, especially in fast-paced environments like tech, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. This demand is reflected in the BLS projection of around 367,500 new job openings each year.

Besides financial gain, one of the greatest benefits of working as a personal assistant is the variety in your day-to-day responsibilities. You’ll often find yourself wearing many hats, from scheduling meetings and managing travel arrangements to organizing events or handling personal errands. If you enjoy multitasking, solving problems on the fly, and staying organized in the midst of chaos, this role can be incredibly rewarding. 

Additionally, being a personal assistant can provide unparalleled networking opportunities. You’re often working directly with high-level executives, entrepreneurs, or public figures, which gives you valuable exposure to industries and connections that might otherwise be out of reach.

So, if you’re someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys supporting others, and can juggle multiple priorities without getting flustered, being a personal assistant could be a great fit for you. Plus, the soft skills you develop in this role are highly transferable, opening doors to future roles in operations, administration, or even management.

11. Access valuable resources for job-seeking personal assistants

Having a well-crafted personal assistant resume is a crucial first step, but it’s only half the battle when it comes to landing the right role. Knowing how to tailor your resume is a must, but finding the best job opportunities is just as essential. To help you navigate the job search and maximize your chances of success, it's important to tap into the right resources and networks:

• Industry-specific job boards: If you wish to take a more targeted approach, don't overlook websites like IAAP Career Center and SecsintheCity. These specialize in administrative and personal assistant roles, giving you access to jobs tailored specifically to your expertise.
• General job search platforms: Similarly, you can find plenty of suitable job opportunities with websites that gather job postings from across various industries, like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or Monster.
• Professional associations: Join professional bodies like the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP). This can provide networking opportunities, industry insights, professional development, and certification programs.
• PA-specific blogs and magazines: To stay on top of the latest industry trends and news, follow media such as 'Practically Perfect PA' or 'Executive Secretary Magazine.' 
• Recruitment agencies: Agencies like Tiger Recruitment, SilverChair Partners, or Steele Recruiting focus on placing personal assistants in high-profile companies, ensuring you get tailored opportunities.
• Freelance platforms: If you're open to short-term contracts or part-time roles, platforms like Upwork or PeoplePerHour offer opportunities to work as a virtual personal assistant.
• Continuous learning: Certifications can help you stand out. Consider earning a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) or Professional Administrative Certificate of Excellence (PACE) through ASAP. Alternatively, feel free to browse through online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX.

Searching for the perfect personal assistant role can sometimes feel challenging, but don’t lose heart. Remember, persistence is key! Keep refining your approach, expanding your network, and using the tools available to you. Every job search has its ups and downs, but with determination and the right mindset, the right opportunity will come your way.