At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior officers with diary management, meeting coordination, and confidential communications.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council, dedicated to enhancing community services in Ipswich.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work environment and meaningful contributions to local communities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team while gaining valuable experience in public service.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, excellent communication, and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Other info: This is a temporary full-time role for 9 months, offering a competitive salary.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 Β£ per year.
Suffolk County Council is seeking a Personal Assistant to provide dedicated support to one or more of our Senior Officers during a 9-month cover period. This hybrid role offers flexibility, meaningful work, and the opportunity to contribute to services that support Suffolk's communities. You'll be the go-to person for diary management, meeting coordination, minute-taking, and handling confidential communications β all while working with a dynamic and supportive team.
What youβll do:
- Provide full PA and secretarial support to senior staff
- Manage diaries, inboxes, correspondence, and travel arrangements
- Organise meetings and events, including preparing agendas and taking minutes
- Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders
- Ensure smooth day-to-day running of admin, HR, and financial processes
- Maintain confidential records and support project work when needed
What weβre looking for:
- Strong admin and PA experience, preferably at a senior level
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and sound organisational abilities
- A proactive team player with great attention to detail
- Flexible, resilient, and confident in managing a varied workload
Desirable but not essential:
- Knowledge of public sector and local government procedures
- Minute-taking, shorthand or audio typing experience
- Familiarity with data protection and H&S regulations
Personal Assistant employer: Service Care Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Suffolk County Council's values and mission. Understanding their goals will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and demonstrate how your skills align with their objectives.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Suffolk County Council. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you prepare better for the role.
β¨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Microsoft Office skills, especially in Excel and PowerPoint. Being proficient in these tools is crucial for managing diaries and preparing presentations, which are key aspects of the Personal Assistant role.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in previous roles. This will showcase your organisational abilities and proactive approach, which are essential for a Personal Assistant.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in administration and personal assistance. Focus on your skills in diary management, meeting coordination, and communication, as these are key for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the job description. Mention your experience with senior staff support, your proficiency in Microsoft Office, and your ability to handle confidential information.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your organisational abilities and attention to detail. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions Ltd
β¨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Personal Assistant, strong organisational skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed diaries, coordinated meetings, or handled multiple tasks simultaneously in your previous roles.
β¨Demonstrate Communication Proficiency
Excellent communication is key for this role. During the interview, highlight your experience in liaising with various stakeholders and how you ensure clear and effective communication, especially when dealing with confidential information.
β¨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
Proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential. Brush up on your skills with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools to enhance your productivity and support senior staff in past positions.
β¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage unexpected changes or challenges in your workload, and be ready to explain how you handled them effectively.