When applying for PA jobs in London, a well-crafted CV can make all the difference. Your CV is typically the first impression an employer gets of you, so it needs to highlight your skills, experience, and suitability for the role. Tailoring your CV doesn’t have to be a chore—it’s about showing why you’re the perfect fit for that particular position. Follow our advice here on how to get it right.
1. Start strong with a personal statement
The personal statement at the top of your CV is your chance to shine. It’s a brief snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. Make it clear that you understand what’s required in PA jobs in London, and explain why your skills and experience make you a standout candidate.
For example, you might say, “A highly organised and resourceful PA with over five years’ experience supporting senior executives in London’s fast-paced corporate sector. Adept at managing complex diaries, coordinating international travel, and handling confidential information with discretion.” Keep it concise but impactful, ideally trying to show a little of your professional personality.
2. Highlight relevant experience
Employers looking for PAs want to see evidence that you’ve done the job—or similar work—before. Use your employment history to focus on roles where you’ve developed relevant skills. Don’t just list your responsibilities; show your achievements.
Instead of saying, “Managed diaries,” try, “Streamlined a complex diary system for a team of three executives, improving scheduling efficiency by 30%.” Quantifiable achievements help paint a clearer picture of your abilities.
3. Emphasise key skills
PA recruitment agencies often stress the importance of key skills like organisation, communication, discretion, and adaptability. Create a dedicated skills section on your CV, listing attributes that align with the job description.
For example, include skills such as “calendar management,” “event planning,” “stakeholder liaison,” and “minute-taking.” If the job involves specific software like Microsoft Office or CRM systems, mention your proficiency too. Employers appreciate candidates who tick all the boxes to make shortlisting applications easy.
4. Tailor for the specific role if you can
While it might be tempting to use the same CV for every application, tailoring it for each role typically pays off. Read the job description carefully and mirror the language used. If the employer mentions “executive-level diary management,” for example, make sure that phrase appears in your CV.
Adapting your CV for specific roles shows attention to detail and a genuine interest in the position.
5. Keep it smart and professional
Hiring managers don’t want to wade through cluttered CVs. Stick to a clean, professional format with consistent fonts and clear headings. Use bullet points to break up text and make it easy to read.
As a PA recruitment agency, we advise keeping your CV to two pages maximum with plenty of white space. Focus on quality over quantity—highlight your most relevant experience and cut anything that doesn’t add value.
6. Showcase transferable skills
If you’re transitioning into a PA role from another field, don’t worry. Highlight transferable skills that demonstrate your ability to succeed. For instance, if you’ve worked in customer service, draw attention to your communication and problem-solving skills.
PA roles are incredibly varied, so employers are often open to candidates from different backgrounds, provided they have the right attributes.
By taking the time to tailor your CV thoughtfully, you’ll increase your chances of standing out in the competitive market for PA jobs in London. We are a leading London PA recruitment agency. Get in touch to discuss your PA career on 020 7870 7177.