Your CV is the first opportunity you get to make a positive impression on any potential new employer, particularly when looking to work as a private PA for a family office. So, it is vital it is well written, accurate and reflects you. If you are looking for advice on how to write a CV for a Family Office PA role, you are in luck.
Below, we look at how to construct your CV to ensure you are represented in the best possible way to secure a Private Personal Assistant role that meets your salary goals.
A CV needs to be easy to read and understand. Keep it concise, relevant and to a maximum of two A4 pages. For instance, if you have 10 years of experience, condense early career roles into brief summaries to fit the two-page limit.
Less is more, and we advise keeping the format simple, using a traditional font and in black. Explain all gaps in employment and make sure roles are in chronological order, with the most recent role at the top.
We also advise that CVs remain in a standard Word document without too many images, logos or colours, which will only distract from your experience.
Your employment experience is the most crucial section of your CV and must be listed one role at a time. Employers in fast-paced roles often only have time to quickly scan CVs for relevant work experience, so it is helpful to show your duties in bullet point format to make them easier to read.
Here is an example of how to lay out your work experience:
Family Office June 2020 – Present
PA
Responsibilities:
Too much movement on your CV doesn’t create a good first impression, so if you have worked in several roles within one company, listing each job title under one company name is a good idea. This also shows you have progressed internally, which is an excellent sign for future employers.
Here is an example of how to list career progression on your CV:
Family Office January 2017 - present
Private PA June 2020 – Present
Family Office Team Assistant January 2017 – June 2020
This is especially important if you are at the start of your career and do not have a huge amount of Private PA work experience to show. Your interests can be a section of your CV that stands out from others and can become a good talking point at an interview.
Socialising or partying should not be included! Examples include sporting achievements that show leadership and team playing skills or awards won in the workplace. Perhaps include any voluntary work you have carried out or challenges you have succeeded in.
If you have completed a specific Family Office or Private PA course or studied for another professional qualification, Business or Administrative, relevant to the role you are applying for, make sure to include it here.
In today's technologically driven world, showcasing your digital skills is crucial, especially for a Family Office PA role where managing digital data and online communication is key.
Highlight specific software and tools you are proficient in, such as:
"Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite, CRM software (like Salesforce), and familiar with virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams."
Working closely with a family means that your ability to blend into their culture and environment is as important as your professional skills.
In your CV, reflect traits that show you are adaptable, discreet and empathetic. For instance:
“Adaptable and discreet professional, experienced in working in multicultural environments and adept at maintaining confidentiality in sensitive situations."
Personal statements are a perfect way to make your CV stand out. This should include a brief overview of your skills, experience and what you are looking for in your next role. Don’t make it too chatty, and make it relevant to the type of roles that you are applying for.
Nothing is worse than a CV saying the candidate is looking to work in the creative sector when applying for a corporate role. To help ensure your CV is adequately tailored, refer to a job description for a position similar to the roles you are applying for.
For example, transform a generic statement like 'Experienced PA' into 'PA with 5+ years in high-end family office environments, specialising in estate management and international travel coordination.’
An experienced interviewer will easily be able to spot any discrepancies in a CV. Make sure the format is consistent throughout, and double-check there are no spelling and grammatical errors. You will be surprised how many typos even the most professional PAs forget to correct.
Importantly, your CV should have all your personal details – name, address, contact number and email address, so companies can quickly see how to contact you and see your location. It is also important to ensure you have a working voicemail while actively job-hunting to ensure you don’t miss that all-important call!
Avoid listing every qualification you have ever received or a part-time role you did while you were still in education if they are not relevant to your job search. You want to ensure the reader's eye is focused on the most relevant roles, which will help you to secure that all-important next position.
Your CV must be accurate, including dates, duties and qualifications. If you managed a small team, state 'Led a team of 3' instead of exaggerating with 'Managed a large team' to maintain honesty while showcasing leadership.
Any untruths will become evident at the interview stage or during the referencing process, so you must represent yourself accurately. Employers and recruiters will not take kindly to false information, and it is better for you to secure a role on your own merits.
See our guide to the most common PA interview questions to prepare for.
For more information on how to lay out a stand-out CV, please download our Family Office Private PA CV template.
Download Your CV Template Here