On paper, being a PA looks pretty straightforward: manage diaries, sort emails, book the odd travel arrangement. But anyone who’s worked in the role knows that being a truly great PA takes a whole lot more. There’s a bundle of skills that don’t always get a mention in the job description, but they’re the unspoken skills that make all the difference.
So what are these unspoken skills?
· Reading the Room (and the Zoom)
Top of the list? Emotional intelligence. You’ve got to be able to read the room - whether it’s a high-stakes board meeting or a Teams call where something’s a bit off. You need to sense the mood, understand what people really mean (even when they don’t say it), and respond in a way that smooths over the edges.
This sixth sense helps you spot when your exec needs a five-minute breather or when a quick joke could lighten the tone. It’s not something you learn overnight, but once you’ve got it, it’s really valued and appreciated.
· Thinking Two Steps Ahead
You’re not just reacting - you’re anticipating. The best PAs are always two steps ahead. You’ve already thought about how that 4pm meeting might run over and shuffled tomorrow morning’s schedule to accommodate. You’ve got a spare charger in your bag, snacks in your drawer, and an eye on the weather in case a client gets caught in a downpour.
It’s this proactive mindset that makes you indispensable. And if you're looking into PA jobs in London, being known for your foresight is one of the quickest ways to build a solid reputation.
· Being the Calm in the Chaos
With life as a PA, things can go belly-up fast. Meetings get cancelled, flights are missed, and tech can decide it’s had enough. But a great PA doesn’t flap. You stay cool as a cucumber, fix the problem, and keep things ticking over like nothing happened.
You’re the calm in the chaos, the steady hand behind the scenes, and it’s this cool-headedness that sets you apart from the rest. If your boss trusts you to handle whatever’s thrown your way, you’re building a reputation as utterly dependable.
· Discretion That’s Second to None
Working closely with leadership, you’ll be privy to all sorts, some exciting, some sensitive, and some that would make your colleagues’ jaws drop. But you don’t gossip, and you don’t overshare. A brilliant PA knows how to keep things under wraps, no matter how juicy.
That kind of discretion builds trust, and trust is the foundation of every strong PA-executive relationship. If you’re known for being discreet, you’re already a cut above.
· Making It Look Effortless
Here’s the thing: you make it all look easy. Your boss arrives to meetings on time, well-prepped, and calm - all because you’ve worked your magic behind the scenes. You’re juggling five things at once, but to the outside world, it’s smooth sailing.
At a glance, it might seem like a walk in the park, but we know better. And if you’re searching for your next step in PA jobs in London, remember: it’s those unspoken, under-the-radar skills that make you truly brilliant. And at the right PA recruitment agency, those qualities won’t go unnoticed.
Get in touch with us on 020 7870 7177 to find your next role.