Strong client interactions are the hallmark of the best PAs. Whether you're greeting a client at the office, handling correspondence, or troubleshooting on the fly, your ability to build rapport and communicate effectively is key.
Here’s how to elevate your approach to clients and thrive in PA jobs in London.
· Build Genuine Relationships
A great PA isn’t just efficient - they’re a trusted right-hand person. Clients, whether internal or external, appreciate authenticity. Take time to understand their preferences, communication style, and key priorities. A little personal touch, such as remembering how they take their coffee or their child’s name goes a long way in fostering strong professional relationships.
· Master the Art of Communication
Clear, confident communication should never be underestimated. Clients don’t have time for long-winded explanations, so keep things concise yet informative. Whether you're sending emails, handling calls, or delivering messages on behalf of your executive, always be professional, polite, and to the point. But importantly, don’t forget to listen. Sometimes, what’s left unsaid is just as important as what’s spoken.
· Stay Two Steps Ahead
With clients, as with your executive, proactivity is everything. Anticipate client needs before they arise. If you know a meeting will overrun, have a contingency plan ready. If your executive is travelling, ensure their itinerary is watertight. Thinking ahead not only saves time but also reinforces your reliability.
· Approach Interactions with Adaptability
No two days are the same, and no two clients are either. Some prefer a formal approach, while others thrive on a more relaxed rapport. Being adaptable means reading the room (or the inbox) and adjusting your tone, approach, and level of detail accordingly. The best PAs can switch from high-level corporate discussions to casual, personable chats in a heartbeat.
· Keep Your Cool Under Pressure
Often, the pace of work can be relentless, and things will go wrong from time to time. Whether it’s a last-minute change of plans or a tricky client request, staying calm and composed is crucial. If you exude confidence and control, the client will feel reassured, even in the most chaotic situations.
· Prioritise Discretion and Professionalism
As a PA, you’re often privy to sensitive information. Whether it’s confidential business plans or personal details, trust is paramount. Never let professionalism slip: respect boundaries, maintain confidentiality, and handle every interaction with discretion. Whenever new roles are registered with our PA recruitment agency, you can bet that ‘discretion’ is a must-have listed requirement.
· Embrace Technology, but Listen to the Client
The best PAs use tech to their advantage, but whether you bring that to the individual client is dependent on their preferences. Whether it’s scheduling software, project management tools, or AI-driven assistants, embracing technology makes client interactions smoother and more efficient, but sometimes that is behind the scenes if a client prefers old-school communications. Use tech to aid your efficiency, but don’t let it stifle professionalism and the personal touch.
Centre Clients in Everything You Do
At the end of the day, every client is a VIP. They are the reason the business flourishes. It’s imperative that you, as a representative of your executive, interact smoothly, efficiently and professionally. Put clients at the heart of what you do and it will pay off.
Find out more about PA jobs in London by registering as a candidate.