How to be a PA: A practical guide to becoming a super-efficient Personal Assistant

Oh how I wish this had been available when I was working full time as a PA.It is an excellently detailed and yet concise guide to being a successful PA. It offers enough hints and tips for those new to the role to enable them to get stuck in, but also handy reminders and tips for those already working in the role. I particularly liked the comment about being able to read minds being a key asset in Chapter 3 - being able to read indecipherable handwriting was also a skill honed over time and it is these kinds of skills that make the difference with a PA. It certainly brought a wry smile when I read that and was the kind of comment that showed the author really does understand the role perfectly. I also found the London chapter very useful.I purchased it as I have taken on a new role recently that has put me back in an office environment again on a part time basis, 20 years after I was last in one full time. Having run my own business over the last 10 years I'm aware I'm not "office savvy" in the same way anymore. This book has enabled me to brush up on half forgotten skills, and brought me back up to date on new ways of working in office environments today.

Easy reading, good tips and advice. The book I was waiting for for a complete guide for someone like me just started personal assistant profession.Well presented.

I absolutely love this book! As someone who is over a decade out of practice and fairly inexperienced in the PA and secretarial game, this book has provided me with some fantastic, much-needed knowledge and tips from somebody who *really* knows her stuff. I love how thorough it is in covering things like diary and meeting management, too.I would absolutely recommend this book, particularly to those who haven't yet stepped into the world of office admin, but are looking to do so. I truly wish this book had existed when I left school!

Purchased as heard so much about this book. However I found it a bit basic. Probably better suited to juniors wishing to become PAs. The book will need regularly updating as the industry continually changes.

Very useful tool to have, great info in all areas – very thorough and very logical.London info esp. useful as I seldom travel to London personally but my peers do frequently.I have picked up some great tips to enhance my own. Reminder again that every day is a school day!I have joined a couple of the websites so far, amazing to know how much info Is out there (and free) when you start to look properly.You seem to be a guru with the PA networking!! I just haven’t got the time at the moment to commit to something like that at this stage in my life.For someone who is starting out in the industry – invaluable tool for them have, esp. info regarding PA mentoring!Hope it is all going well – I need to update my linked in profile...:-( '

Been in the industry for 10 years, it’s always great to know the tips you learned along the way are golden nuggets! Favourite part is the London guide

My husband bought me this book and I have to say how much I really enjoyed reading it. The book contains lots of useful tips and advice for anyone contemplating becoming a Personal Assistant or Executive Assistant. The author Maria Fuller seems to have amassed a vast range of knowledge and expertise whilst building her own successful career which she shares in this book. I found her writing approach as being an easy read setting out the various skills needed to be efficient and successful.The book has a lovely bright modern cover and I especially liked the pictures and layout plus the helpful glossary at the end.Iris Thomas

I was given this book for my birthday, as I’m about to embark on a new career as a PA.This book is so helpful, insightful and interesting to read. I’ve had it a week and I’m almost finished!I start my PA job in finance next week and this book is going to be part my little “bible” of knowledge. If you’re thinking of working in this field or are new to it you should definitely purchase a copy.