Personal Assistant Resume Examples and How to Write
Struggling to secure interviews for executive personal assistant roles despite your organisational skills and administrative expertise? You’re not alone. Australia’s competitive business environment demands personal assistants who can demonstrate not only exceptional administrative capabilities but also discretion, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex executive schedules while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and confidentiality.
This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to craft a personal assistant resume that stands out to Australian executives, C-suite professionals, and high-net-worth individuals. Whether you’re transitioning from general administrative roles, advancing from executive assistant positions, or an experienced PA seeking new challenges, you’ll discover proven templates, real examples, and executive-focused strategies that will help you secure more interviews and advance your personal assistant career.
Personal assistants in Australia support senior executives across diverse industries including finance, healthcare, professional services, property development, and family offices. According to the Australian Institute of Company Directors, demand continues for highly skilled personal assistants who can provide comprehensive executive support while managing complex stakeholder relationships and maintaining absolute discretion in confidential business matters.
This free sample resume for a paralegal has an accompanying paralegal sample cover letter and sample job advertisement to help you put together a winning job application.
Personal Assistant Resume (Text Version)
SOPHIA MARTINEZ
Executive Personal Assistant
Mobile: 0434 123 567
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophiamartinez
Location: Sydney, NSW
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Highly experienced and discreet Personal Assistant with 8+ years supporting C-suite executives and high-net-worth individuals across finance and professional services sectors. Proven track record of managing complex calendars, coordinating international travel, and maintaining confidential business relationships. Expert in stakeholder management, event coordination, and executive communication with strong capabilities in project management and office administration. Seeking to leverage expertise in executive support and relationship management to provide exceptional personal assistance to a senior executive or prominent business leader.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Personal Assistant | Managing Director | Investment Partners Australia | Sydney, NSW | Mar 2019 – Present
• Provide comprehensive personal and business support to Managing Director of $2B investment firm and family office operations
• Manage complex calendar coordination across multiple time zones, scheduling board meetings, investor presentations, and personal appointments
• Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements including private jet bookings, accommodation, and detailed itineraries
• Act as primary liaison between executive and high-profile clients, maintaining relationships with UHNW individuals and institutional investors
• Oversee household staff coordination and personal property management for executive’s multiple residences
• Maintain absolute confidentiality regarding sensitive business transactions, family matters, and personal information
Personal Assistant | CEO | Premier Property Group | Melbourne, VIC | Jun 2016 – Feb 2019
• Supported CEO of leading property development company with annual revenue exceeding $500M
• Managed executive’s professional and personal diary, coordinating with architects, contractors, and government officials
• Organised high-level corporate events and client functions for up to 300 guests, managing budgets of $150K+
• Handled confidential correspondence and document preparation for board presentations and stakeholder communications
• Coordinated family travel and personal appointments, including school events and medical appointments
• Achieved 100% accuracy in expense management and reporting for complex business and personal expenditures
Executive Assistant | Senior Partner | Anderson Legal Partners | Brisbane, QLD | Jan 2014 – May 2016
• Provided administrative support to senior law firm partner specialising in corporate mergers and acquisitions
• Managed appointment scheduling with corporate clients, government officials, and legal counterparts
• Prepared confidential legal correspondence and coordinated document execution for multi-million dollar transactions
• Organised interstate and international business travel, ensuring compliance with client confidentiality requirements
• Maintained client relationship management systems and coordinated partner’s professional networking activities
• Supported family scheduling and personal commitments while managing demanding professional calendar
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Certificate IV in Business Administration | TAFE NSW | Sydney, NSW | 2013
• Specialisation: Executive support and office management
• Coursework: Professional communication, project coordination, business technology
Diploma of Event Management | William Angliss Institute | Melbourne, VIC | 2012
• Focus: Corporate event planning and hospitality management
• Practical experience: Coordinated 20+ corporate and social events
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Executive Calendar & Schedule Management • International Travel Coordination
• Confidential Correspondence & Communication • Stakeholder Relationship Management
• Event Planning & Corporate Entertainment • Household & Property Management
• Financial Administration & Expense Management • Project Coordination & Follow-up
• Crisis Management & Problem Resolution • Discretion & Confidentiality
• Cultural Awareness & Protocol Management • VIP & Client Relationship Support
TECHNICAL SKILLS
• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Calendar Management: Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar
• Travel Booking: Corporate travel platforms, airline and hotel systems
• Communication: Video conferencing (Zoom, Teams), VoIP systems
• Project Management: Asana, Trello, Monday.com
• Financial Management: Expense tracking software, corporate credit card systems
• Database Management: CRM systems, contact management databases
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
• Exceptional Discretion & Confidentiality • Professional Presentation & Communication
• Proactive Problem-Solving • Attention to Detail & Accuracy
• Cultural Sensitivity & Diplomacy • Flexibility & Adaptability
• Stress Management Under Pressure • Initiative & Independent Thinking
• Relationship Building & Networking • Time Management & Prioritisation
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Successfully coordinated 100+ international business trips with zero travel disruptions or issues
• Managed complex family relocation project involving multiple properties and international logistics
• Organised annual investor conference for 500+ attendees, achieving 98% satisfaction rating
• Maintained perfect confidentiality record with zero security breaches over 8-year career
• Developed comprehensive executive support systems adopted across multiple business ventures
LANGUAGES
• English: Native proficiency
• Spanish: Fluent (speaking, reading, writing)
• French: Conversational level
• Mandarin: Basic conversational ability
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
James Richardson – Managing Director
Investment Partners Australia
Mobile: 0412 xxx xxx | Email: [email protected]
“Sophia’s discretion and capability are exceptional. She manages both professional and personal matters with complete reliability.”
Catherine Mills – CEO
Premier Property Group
Mobile: 0423 xxx xxx | Email: [email protected]
“An outstanding PA who anticipates needs and handles complex situations with grace and professionalism.”
What is The Best Format for a Personal Assistant Resume?
The reverse chronological format is essential for personal assistant resumes in Australia, as it clearly demonstrates your progression through increasingly senior executive support roles and your ability to handle complex, confidential responsibilities. This format allows executives and hiring managers to quickly assess your experience with high-level support and discretionary responsibilities.
Your resume should reflect the sophisticated, professional approach expected when supporting senior executives. Use an elegant, professional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Set your name and section headings at 14-16pt font size, with body text at 11-12pt. Maintain consistent 1-inch margins and use adequate white space to create a polished, executive-level appearance that mirrors the high standards you maintain in your professional work.
Always submit your resume as a PDF unless specifically requested otherwise. Executive roles often involve resume reviews by senior leadership teams and board members who expect the highest presentation standards, so maintaining formatting consistency across all platforms is crucial.
Your personal assistant resume should include these essential sections:
Header: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and location (city/state only for executive privacy considerations).
Professional Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of experience, executive levels supported, key competencies, and unique value proposition in executive support.
Professional Experience: Your personal assistant and executive support positions in reverse chronological order, emphasising discretion, executive achievements, and complex project management.
Education: Your relevant qualifications, professional development, and any additional training that enhances your executive support capabilities.
Other Sections: Include Core Competencies, Technical Skills, Personal Attributes, Key Achievements, Languages, or Professional References to showcase your comprehensive executive support expertise.
What Experience Should be on Your Personal Assistant Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your evolution from administrative support to trusted executive partnership, highlighting your ability to manage sensitive information, complex logistics, and high-stakes situations. Focus on achievements that show your contribution to executive productivity, successful event outcomes, crisis management, and relationship building at the highest levels.
Highlight experience that shows increasing levels of trust and responsibility, exposure to board-level activities, management of confidential information, and success in supporting demanding executives across both professional and personal spheres. Include specific examples of complex travel coordination, event management, crisis resolution, and stakeholder relationship management.
Structure each personal assistant position to emphasise:
- Level of executive supported and scope of responsibilities
- Types of confidential matters and discretionary decisions managed
- Complex logistics and project coordination achievements
- Stakeholder relationship management and communication
- Crisis management and problem resolution successes
- Professional and personal support integration
Correct Example:
Executive Personal Assistant | Chairman & CEO | Global Mining Corporation | Perth, WA | 2020 – Present
• Provide comprehensive support to Chairman and CEO of ASX-listed mining company with $5B market capitalisation
• Manage complex international travel including coordination with government officials and mining site visits across 6 countries
• Coordinate board meetings and shareholder communications, maintaining strict confidentiality of market-sensitive information
• Oversee executive’s family office operations including property management, staff coordination, and personal investments
• Act as primary liaison with institutional investors, government relations, and international mining partners
• Manage crisis communications and executive scheduling during emergency mining operations and regulatory inquiries
Incorrect Example:
Personal Assistant | Executive | Company | 2020 – Present
• Answer phone calls and emails
• Schedule meetings and appointments
• Book travel and accommodation
• Handle personal errands
Entry-Level Personal Assistant Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level personal assistants, emphasise your administrative experience, customer service background, event coordination skills, and any exposure to senior management support. Highlight specific achievements in organisation, discretion, and problem-solving that demonstrate your potential for executive-level support.
Correct Example:
Personal Assistant | Regional Director | Healthcare Solutions Group | Adelaide, SA | 2024 – Present
• Support Regional Director overseeing $50M healthcare division across SA and NT operations
• Manage executive calendar and coordinate meetings with hospital administrators, government health officials, and medical professionals
• Organise interstate business travel and coordinate attendance at medical conferences and healthcare industry events
• Handle confidential correspondence regarding healthcare contracts and regulatory compliance matters
• Coordinate family scheduling including children’s activities and spouse’s professional commitments
• Maintain discretion regarding sensitive healthcare industry discussions and strategic business planning
Incorrect Example:
New Personal Assistant | 2024 – Present
• Learning to support executive
• Helping with daily tasks
• Following instructions from manager
• Trying to be helpful
How to Write the Education Section for your Personal Assistant Resume
The education section demonstrates your professional foundation and commitment to developing the skills essential for executive support excellence. While formal degrees are valuable, Australian executives also highly value relevant certifications, professional development, and specialised training in areas like event management, business administration, or communications.
Include specific details about your business administration qualifications, professional development courses, and any additional training relevant to executive support. For recent graduates, highlight relevant coursework, practical projects, and internship experiences. Experienced personal assistants should emphasise ongoing professional development and advanced training that demonstrates commitment to excellence in executive support.
Personal Assistant Resume Example [Education]
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Bachelor of Business Administration | Macquarie University | Sydney, NSW | 2017
• Major: Management and Communication
• Relevant coursework: Executive communication, project management, organisational behaviour
• Dean’s List recipient (GPA: 6.2/7.0)
Certificate IV in Business Administration | North Sydney TAFE | 2015
• Specialisation: Executive support and office management
• Practical experience: 150 hours executive support placement
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) | International Association of Administrative Professionals | 2020
• Certificate in Event Management | Australian Centre for Event Management | 2019
• Executive Communication Excellence | Dale Carnegie Training | 2018
How to Write the Skills Section for your Personal Assistant Resume
The skills section of your personal assistant resume should demonstrate both your technical competencies and essential personal qualities required for supporting senior executives effectively. Australian executives seek personal assistants who can balance sophisticated administrative skills with exceptional interpersonal abilities, cultural awareness, and absolute discretion. Include 15-18 carefully selected skills that showcase your comprehensive executive support capabilities.
Prioritise skills mentioned in personal assistant job advertisements and those most relevant to executive support across different industries and executive preferences. Many high-level roles are filled through executive search firms that scan for specific competencies and cultural fit indicators, so include relevant keywords naturally throughout this section.
Personal Assistant Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Executive calendar and schedule coordination
- Complex international travel planning and logistics
- Event management and corporate entertainment
- Confidential correspondence and document preparation
- Financial administration and expense management
- Database management and CRM systems
- Project coordination and implementation
- Stakeholder relationship management
- Protocol and etiquette management
- Technology proficiency and system integration
- Research and analysis capabilities
- Household and property management coordination
Personal Assistant Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Exceptional discretion and confidentiality
- Professional communication and presentation
- Cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills
- Proactive problem-solving and crisis management
- Relationship building and networking abilities
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Flexibility and adaptability under pressure
- Initiative and independent decision-making
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
- Time management and prioritisation
- Professional boundary management
- Stress resilience and composure
How to pick the best Personal Assistant skills:
- Review the executive’s background and industry to understand specific support needs and cultural expectations
- Research the company culture and executive leadership style to identify alignment with communication and working preferences
- Check similar personal assistant positions with comparable executives to identify skills valued at that organisational level
- Consider the scope of responsibility (business only vs. business and personal) and include relevant household management skills
- Balance technical administrative skills with interpersonal qualities that demonstrate your ability to represent the executive professionally
- Include unique skills that differentiate you, such as language abilities, industry expertise, or specialised event management experience
Personal Assistant Resume Examples [Skills]
EXECUTIVE SUPPORT & PERSONAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
• Executive Calendar Management: 6+ years coordinating complex schedules across multiple time zones for C-suite leaders
• International Travel Coordination: Successfully planned 200+ business trips including private jet arrangements and diplomatic protocols
• Event Management: Orchestrated corporate events for 500+ guests with budgets exceeding $200K and 100% client satisfaction
• Confidential Communication: Maintained absolute discretion in handling sensitive business transactions and personal family matters
• Stakeholder Relations: Developed trusted relationships with board members, government officials, and high-net-worth clients
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Personal Assistant Resume?
Additional sections are crucial for personal assistant resumes as they demonstrate the sophisticated skill set and personal qualities essential for supporting senior executives and high-profile individuals. These sections help differentiate you in the competitive executive support market and showcase attributes that matter significantly to executives making personal hiring decisions.
Consider including sections for languages spoken (particularly valuable for international executives), professional references from previous executives, specialised training in areas like protocol or crisis management, volunteer work that demonstrates leadership and community engagement, travel experience that shows cultural awareness, or personal interests that align with executive networking and relationship building. These additions demonstrate your well-rounded capabilities and cultural fit for executive environments.
Focus on bonus sections that enhance your credibility as a sophisticated professional capable of representing executives in diverse situations. Quality and relevance are essential, particularly as executives often make personal hiring decisions based on comprehensive assessments of capability and cultural alignment.
Personal Assistant Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Correct Example:
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE & CULTURAL COMPETENCY
• Lived and worked in Singapore for 2 years supporting regional Asia-Pacific executive operations
• Coordinated business and diplomatic functions across 15 countries with diverse cultural protocols
• Managed executive family relocations including international school arrangements and visa coordination
BOARD & COMMITTEE SERVICE
Secretary | Australian Executive Assistants Network | 2021 – Present
• Support board governance for 500+ member professional organisation
• Coordinate national conference and professional development programs
SPECIALISED CERTIFICATIONS
• International Protocol and Etiquette Certification | Protocol School of Australia | 2022
• Crisis Management and Executive Protection Awareness | Executive Security Training | 2021
• Wine and Fine Dining Service Excellence | Australian Wine Institute | 2020
Incorrect Example:
PERSONAL INTERESTS
• Organising social events for friends
• Reading business magazines
• Shopping and personal styling
• Following celebrity news
Tip: While some interests might show relevant skills, focus on professional achievements and cultural competencies that enhance your executive support capabilities.
How to write a Personal Assistant Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary serves as your personal brand statement to potential executive employers and should immediately establish your sophistication, discretion, and unique value in executive support roles. This 3-4 line section should highlight your years of experience, level of executives supported, key achievements, and personal qualities while positioning you as the ideal complement to executive success.
Focus on relationship outcomes and executive productivity enhancements rather than routine administrative tasks. Include specific information about the types of executives you’ve supported, complex situations you’ve managed, and your approach to maintaining absolute confidentiality and professional excellence. Tailor your summary to reflect the specific executive’s industry, lifestyle, and support requirements.
Essential elements to include:
- Years of personal assistant experience and executive levels supported
- Industry expertise and understanding of business contexts
- Discretion, confidentiality, and trustworthiness
- Complex project management and crisis resolution capabilities
- Personal and professional support integration
- Cultural awareness and relationship management skills
Personal Assistant Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Distinguished Personal Assistant with 10+ years of experience supporting CEOs, Chairman, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals across finance, property, and professional services sectors. Proven expertise in managing complex international logistics, confidential business relationships, and seamless integration of professional and personal executive support. Exceptional discretion and cultural awareness with fluency in three languages and extensive experience coordinating with government officials, board members, and international stakeholders. Seeking to provide comprehensive personal assistance to a senior executive who values sophisticated support, absolute confidentiality, and proactive relationship management.
Incorrect Example:
Experienced personal assistant looking for new opportunities with senior executives. I have good organisational skills and can handle multiple tasks. I am reliable and trustworthy, with experience supporting busy managers. I want to work for an executive who appreciates hard work and dedication.
For entry-level personal assistants, a resume objective focusing on career aspirations, transferable skills, and commitment to executive excellence can be more appropriate. Emphasise your administrative foundation, cultural awareness, and enthusiasm for providing sophisticated personal and professional support.
Entry-Level Personal Assistant Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Professional Administrative Specialist with 4+ years of high-level executive support experience, transitioning to personal assistant role with senior executive. Demonstrated excellence in confidential communication, complex travel coordination, and stakeholder relationship management. Certificate IV in Business Administration qualified with additional training in event management and international protocol. Bilingual in English and Italian with cultural sensitivity and diplomatic communication skills. Eager to provide sophisticated personal assistance to a distinguished executive who values discretion, proactive support, and seamless integration of professional and personal requirements.
Incorrect Example:
Administrative assistant seeking to become a personal assistant. I have some experience with executives and want to do more personal support work. I am organised and good with people, and I think I would enjoy helping with both business and personal tasks.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Personal Assistant Resume
Your LinkedIn profile serves as your professional showcase and networking platform within the executive support community, while always maintaining appropriate discretion about the executives and families you serve. The platform provides opportunities to demonstrate your professionalism, engage with executive assistant communities, and build meaningful relationships within Australia’s business leadership circles.
LinkedIn allows you to showcase your professional development, share insights about executive support best practices, and connect with other senior support professionals while maintaining absolute confidentiality about specific executives, clients, and confidential business or personal matters.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Personal Assistants
Your LinkedIn headline should immediately communicate your level of executive support, discretion, and professional sophistication. Unlike your resume, you have 220 characters to work with, allowing for specific detail about your expertise and the caliber of executive support you provide.
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Executive Personal Assistant | C-Suite Support | International Logistics | Confidential Business Management”
• “Senior Personal Assistant | CEO & Family Office Support | Event Management | Multilingual Professional”
• “Personal Assistant to Senior Executives | Strategic Support | Crisis Management | Relationship Excellence”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Personal Assistant at Executive Office”
• “Looking for PA opportunities with executives”
• “Administrative professional seeking advancement”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary focuses on specific achievements and executive levels, your LinkedIn summary can be more conversational about your professional philosophy and approach to executive support excellence. Use first person language to describe your commitment to discretion, your understanding of executive needs, and your approach to sophisticated support delivery.
Share your passion for executive support excellence, your commitment to professional development, and your understanding of the trust placed in personal assistants, while never compromising confidentiality about specific executives, businesses, or personal matters you’ve supported.
Showcasing Personal Assistant Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for detailed descriptions of your personal assistant expertise while maintaining strict confidentiality about executives and families served. Focus on the types of support provided, your professional development, and your approach to excellence rather than specific executives, companies, or personal details.
Consider uploading relevant media such as certificates from professional development courses, photos from professional events (with appropriate permissions), or recognition for excellence in executive support (ensuring no confidential information is revealed). Visual elements should reinforce your professionalism and commitment to excellence.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Personal Assistants
LinkedIn allows up to 50 skills, but focus on the 20-25 most relevant to executive personal assistance. Prioritise skills that demonstrate your sophistication, discretion, and ability to handle complex executive requirements. Include both technical administrative skills and personal qualities essential for trusted executive partnerships.
Seek endorsements from professional colleagues, other executive assistants, and business contacts (maintaining appropriate boundaries and never seeking endorsements from executives you serve personally). Professional discretion is paramount in the personal assistant field.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Personal Assistants
Networking within the executive support community can provide valuable professional development and career advancement opportunities. Connect with other personal assistants, executive assistants, and business support professionals. Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as executive assistant networks, administrative professionals associations, and business support communities.
Share content that demonstrates your expertise in executive support while maintaining absolute confidentiality. This might include posts about professional development, insights about executive support trends, or articles about business protocol and relationship management. Always ensure complete discretion about any executives, businesses, or personal matters you support.
Ensure your profile positions you as a sophisticated professional capable of supporting senior executives while maintaining the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality that characterise excellence in personal assistant roles.
Creating an effective personal assistant resume requires demonstrating your evolution from administrative support to trusted executive partnership while showcasing the discretion, sophistication, and comprehensive capabilities that distinguish exceptional personal assistants. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll develop a resume that positions you as an indispensable asset to senior executives who demand excellence in both professional and personal support.
Remember that personal assistant roles are highly personal hiring decisions where cultural fit, trustworthiness, and sophisticated capabilities are paramount. Take significant time to research each executive and organisation, ensuring your resume reflects alignment with their specific needs and values. Combined with impeccable references and a professional LinkedIn presence, a compelling resume will significantly enhance your prospects for securing personal assistant positions with distinguished executives and prominent families.
For additional career resources, explore our comprehensive guide on writing executive-level cover letters for personal assistant positions, and engage with executive search consultants specialising in senior support roles to understand market expectations, compensation packages, and career development opportunities in personal assistance across different industries and executive profiles in Australia’s business leadership community.
