Interviewing Personal Assistant Candidates

Once you've reviewed applications and shortlisted your preferred candidates, it's time for one of the most important parts of the recruitment process: the interview.

An interview isn't simply about checking experience or qualifications. It's an opportunity for both you and the candidate to get to know each other, discuss the role and decide whether you're likely to work well together.

At PA Pool, we believe successful working relationships are built on compatibility, not just availability. While skills and experience are important, finding someone whose personality, communication style and values are a good match can make all the difference.

Prepare before the interview

A successful interview starts long before you meet the candidate.

Take some time to think about the role, your expectations and the type of person you're looking for. Having a clear understanding of your support needs will help you ask better questions and compare candidates more fairly.

If you haven't already, make sure you've clearly defined the responsibilities, working hours and any essential skills required for the role.

Video call or face-to-face?

Whenever possible, we recommend speaking with candidates before arranging a trial shift.

If meeting in person isn't practical, a video call is an excellent alternative. It allows you to introduce yourselves, discuss the role and get a feel for each other's communication style before committing to meeting.

A phone call can also be helpful, but seeing each other often makes it easier to build rapport and decide whether you're likely to work well together.

What should you ask?

The interview should feel like a conversation rather than an interrogation.

Ask questions that help you understand not only the candidate's experience, but also how they approach supporting independence, solving problems and building professional relationships.

You might discuss:

• Previous Personal Assistant or care experience

• Availability and flexibility

• Relevant training or qualifications

• Hobbies, interests and personality

• Driving or transport (if required)

• Why they're interested in the role

Remember to give the candidate plenty of opportunity to ask questions too. Interviews are a two-way process, and it's just as important that they feel the role is right for them.

Look beyond the CV

Experience and qualifications are valuable, but they don't tell the whole story.

Pay attention to how the candidate communicates, whether they listen carefully and whether you feel comfortable around them.

The best Personal Assistant isn't always the person with the longest CV. Often, it's the person you naturally connect with and can see yourself building a positive working relationship with.

At PA Pool, we believe the best matches are based on compatibility, not just availability.

➡️ Read our full guide: Building and Maintaining a Successful Working Relationship with Your Personal Assistant

Be honest about the role

Be open about what's involved in the position, including working hours, responsibilities, pay and any challenges the candidate may encounter.

Being transparent from the beginning helps manage expectations and allows both of you to decide whether the role is the right fit.

If you're unsure what to offer, it's worth researching local rates before interviewing.

➡️ Read our full guide: What's the Going Rate for a Personal Assistant?

Common interview mistakes

Even experienced employers can make mistakes when recruiting.

Try to avoid:

• Rushing into a decision after one interview

• Focusing only on experience

• Not giving the candidate enough opportunity to ask questions

• Avoiding conversations about expectations, pay or responsibilities

• Skipping a trial shift

Taking your time now can save you a great deal of stress later.

The next step: Arrange a trial shift

An interview tells you a lot, but it doesn't tell you everything.

At PA Pool, we strongly recommend arranging a paid trial shift before making a final decision. Spending time together in a real-life setting is often the best way to see whether you're a good match and whether you're both comfortable working together.

➡️ Read our full guide: Trial Shifts: Finding the Right Fit

Interview Checklist

Before offering someone the role, ask yourself:

☐ Did they understand the role and responsibilities?

☐ Did they communicate clearly and professionally?

☐ Do they have the experience or willingness to learn?

☐ Did they ask thoughtful questions?

☐ Can you see yourselves building a positive working relationship?

☐ Have you arranged a trial shift before making your final decision?

What's Next?

Interviewing is one of the most important steps in recruiting a Personal Assistant, but it's only part of the journey.

If you're working through the recruitment process, our complete guide covers everything from writing your job advert and reviewing applications to carrying out pre-employment checks, trial shifts and becoming an employer.

➡️ Read our full guide: The Complete Guide to Hiring a Personal Assistant in the UK

Or, if you've found the right candidate, the next step is carrying out a few final checks before making your offer.

➡️ Read our full guide: References, DBS Checks and Right to Work

Ready to Find Your Personal Assistant?

Create a free PA Pool Client account to browse Personal Assistant profiles, advertise your role and connect directly with PAs across the UK.