Interviewing for a Personal Assistant

jazabelle

Thank you. I was able to exclude one applicant for that reason - she didn't drive, and my advert stated they needed a licence.

The forms weren't great though, as there was only two places where it wasn't just asking generic info - hobbies/interests, and other info. So I've decided to interview them all, as they seem about on par, and it's not enough info to judge!

Thank you, I have found a first impressions sheet that was online somewhere, so I can make notes of anything major, without writing loads kind of thing. I agree all the other parts of the interview are important too, such as rapport. I'm actually going to make that into a bit of a scoring sheet on elements I think are important.

Sorry, inbox now emptied.

Thanks all again. It's quite nerve wracking.

I have done interviews before for a job years ago. There were two that scored highly - one was funny, personable and had experience. The other was more serious, but had experience too.

I fought for them to take the second guy on as well, although I liked the first man too. The second guy stayed years, got great customer feedback and did his job well.

The first got loads of complaints, was late, made a mess and left without telling us.

So it made me realise how someone presents themselves can be a total lie! But I suppose that's what the probation is for.

Cyclamen

Giggle my application forms.. used jobcenter one were attrocious.. no info an dit looke dlike some of the applicants had been held at gun point to fill them in.

I thanked everyone but didnt interview them all.

I had a great application form from a chap.. now advert stated female (it's allowed as i have personal care) but he still had a go. I phoned him personally to thank him for applying but explained i just wouldnt eb comfortable in the shower.

If I ever switch back to a P.A I would do my own application form.

I really hope it goes well

jazabelle

Cyclamen wrote: »

Giggle my application forms.. used jobcenter one were attrocious.. no info an dit looke dlike some of the applicants had been held at gun point to fill them in.

I did hesitate when they said they'd be advertising it at the JobCentre, because I worried people would be made to apply, and I wouldn't want anyone applying just because they had to!

I haven't picked up on any of them being forced yet, they also have history of caring, have cared for family/friends, or mention they want to change careers. Hopefully the proper interview will weed anyone out who doesn't want to be there!

My advert states female only as well. I feel bad, but comfort comes first.

Yeah, I hadn't realised how bad the form was until I got an applicant - and obviously by then it was too late. I think I'll make my own up next time too!

Thanks so much!

jazabelle

It's not going so well! Out of 9 original applicants, invited 8 to interview. All but two have cancelled, and one has yet to confirm. The interview is tomorrow.

I know one of those two might be fine, but it's disappointing! Need someone asap.

nannytone_2

i employ a PA, and have to say that i offer the dream job!
my PA spends her working hours shopping and going to the gym and doing 'ladies that lunch!'
as i font have a physical disability requiring personal care, then i have a queue of people willing to work for me.

i wouldnt see it as a negative ... you are weeding out the time wasters ahead of time!
do you have any friends/relatives that are looking for employment?
being trained isnt necessarily the most important thing ... but empathy cant be bought

jazabelle

Going even better - one more cancelled, and I phoned the one I was waiting to hear from, who said she "hadn't checked her email" and "probably was busy tomorrow." So that's a no then.

Had two more applications in today - one who can't drive (essential requirement) and one who can't spell (also important). Also it's sloppy - it's the shortest application form in the world, and while everyone makes mistakes (and I'm sure I will here because I'm moaning!) if you can't spell check two sentences for an application, it's a bit rubbish. She also didn't fill in the one part of the application that's about her.

Frustrating.

So have a room all afternoon tomorrow at a charity, and just one applicant.

nannytone_2

hopefully that applicant will be a 'star'!
to be homnest ... caring wouldnt be my fream job either ... but hold tight... the right person is out there!

jazabelle

nannytone wrote: »

i employ a PA, and have to say that i offer the dream job!
my PA spends her working hours shopping and going to the gym and doing 'ladies that lunch!'
as i font have a physical disability requiring personal care, then i have a queue of people willing to work for me.

i wouldnt see it as a negative ... you are weeding out the time wasters ahead of time!
do you have any friends/relatives that are looking for employment?
being trained isnt necessarily the most important thing ... but empathy cant be bought

I do have a physical disability, but it's not much personal care. But I had to put it, because there will be times.

I'll be similar to you - I'm not that hard work in terms of my disability, will be swimming, going to the gym, working on the computer/helping me with voluntary work. All afternoon work, no early mornings. Could be worse!

Yes, I don't want timewasters, but I do want someone - so if they all drop out, it's a bit frustrating. No, I don't know any friends/family wanting work, nor would I want anyone that close really - it could make an employer relationship even harder!

jazabelle

nannytone wrote: »

hopefully that applicant will be a 'star'!
to be homnest ... caring wouldnt be my fream job either ... but hold tight... the right person is out there!

No, caring would be my ideal of hell, to be honest - but some people just have that right personality for it - caring, warm and patient.

Thanks, I know I'm being dramatic, it's just I need someone quickly, and it's annoying when they cancel!

nannytone_2

youre not being dramatic at all.
i know first hand, the difference a good PA can make.
ive been really lucky, my PA is a friends daughter but it is a good working relationship.
shes had hard times in the past and is way older than her 24 years.
she doesnt take liberties and will offer to help over and beyond her paid hours if needed ( her boyfriend isnt quite so impressed when she offers his services 0
i fullt appreciate how lucky i am in having a really good employee that also happens to be a real friend.
she buys my grandbabies birthday and xmas pressies and attends their parties outside of work.
she even takes my grandson places and im not invited! ( theyre both very adventurous and like what i call 'dangerous' activities)
dont be despondant .. the right person is out therte for you