Hiring an Assistant

Learn how to find the right assistant for your business.

Tutorial

The most important thing to look for when you are interviewing for an assistant is someone that is compatible with you and your work environment. Obviously, the group of people that you line up to interview is going to have resumes that qualify for your job requirements. During the interview, you’ll have them elaborate on that experience to make sure it is what you need.

But you’ll also be evaluating the person, not just their skills. So many people hire based solely on technical skills, and then wonder why the person they hired doesn’t fit well into the company culture or the departmental environment. Be forthcoming- explain to the person what you are like, what the job is like, what the department is like. Ask them what type of environments they work well in. Ask them what makes them enjoy work.

You don’t have to be best friends, or compatible to the nth degree, but this is a person you’ll be working with on a daily basis. You’ll rely on them. You’ll give them directions and expect results. Wouldn’t it be easier if you had some type of rapport with your assistant?

Just don’t rely so much on your personality instincts that you choose a lesser-qualified applicant hoping their charm will carry them through. You definitely need a balance of skills and communication/personality.