Hire a Personal Assistant: Top 7 Ways How & Our Expertise

Elen Muradian

Last updated on February 7, 2026 | 17 min read

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• Hiring a personal assistant can significantly improve productivity by offloading time-consuming tasks and enabling professionals to focus on strategic priorities.
• Choosing between in-house and remote assistants depends on task types, interaction needs, and flexibility, making role clarity essential for a successful hiring decision.

As responsibilities pile up, the value of having a personal assistant (PA) increases, too. From managing complex calendars and coordinating travel to handling communications and administrative tasks, personal assistants provide critical support that enables individuals to operate more efficiently. For entrepreneurs, executives, and high-performing households, hiring a dedicated assistant is not just a convenience – it’s a strategic decision that enables better focus on high-value activities.

While AI-driven virtual assistants continue to gain traction – reflected in the global market size of $3.75 billion in 2024, estimated to reach $23.57 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.3% during the forecast period – they remain limited in scope. These tools, often powered by natural language processing and machine learning, can handle routine tasks like setting reminders, answering basic queries, or managing simple scheduling. However, they lack the contextual understanding, emotional intelligence, and nuanced decision-making required in more complex situations. Automated systems struggle with tasks involving confidentiality, prioritization in ambiguous scenarios, or interpersonal dynamics – areas where a trained human assistant remains indispensable. At the same time, workforce trends indicate that the demand for personal assistants is continuing to grow, with job listings increasing by 10% over the past year.

Despite this continued need, the availability of qualified personal assistants is declining in some regions. In the UK, for example, the number of personal assistants dropped by 5.4% between 2022 and 2023, falling from 130000 to 123000 roles. This trend highlights an increasingly competitive hiring landscape, where securing the right candidate requires a thoughtful and informed approach.

While virtual assistants can effectively handle routine, well-structured, and remote-based tasks, such as scheduling, data entry, or travel coordination, they remain limited when nuance, confidentiality, or real-time judgment is required. These tools are valuable for reducing administrative load, but they cannot replicate the adaptability and interpersonal understanding a human PA brings to complex or sensitive situations. As such, organizations often find the greatest efficiency in combining digital support with the human oversight of a skilled personal assistant.

This article outlines seven effective ways to hire a personal assistant, covering both traditional recruitment methods and modern sourcing platforms. Whether you’re seeking full-time in-person support or a flexible remote arrangement, this article will help you navigate the hiring process. It will also share insights from our own recruitment experience, providing a practical perspective on identifying, vetting, and securing high-quality personal assistants tailored to your needs.

Why hire a Personal Assistant?

Hiring a personal assistant is a strategic decision that supports long-term personal and professional efficiency. Whether managing fast-paced business operations or juggling the demands of a growing household. Personal assistants provide flexible, tailored services that go far beyond simple scheduling. Below are five key reasons why investing in a personal assistant can be a smart move.

1. Maximized efficiency and reduced stress through delegation

With a personal assistant managing daily tasks like scheduling, inbox management, and travel coordination, you can shift your attention to higher-impact priorities such as strategic planning or client relationships. This support not only streamlines operations and improves overall productivity, but it also alleviates the mental load of constant decision-making. By handling appointments, reminders, and routine errands, a PA creates space in your day, helping to lower stress and support a healthier work-life balance. Over time, this combination of efficiency and relief can lead to improved focus, increased productivity, and enhanced overall well-being.

2. Greater flexibility and adaptability

Unlike fixed digital systems, a human assistant brings adaptability to your changing needs. Whether it’s managing an unexpected shift in plans, responding to urgent communications, or researching last-minute travel alternatives, personal assistants offer on-the-spot problem-solving and judgment. Their ability to customize workflows and anticipate preferences adds a level of personalization that improves the quality and reliability of your daily operations. This flexibility becomes particularly valuable in high-pressure environments or roles that require constant responsiveness.

3. Confidentiality and trust

Many professionals handle sensitive personal and business information, including financial data, private correspondence, and executive decisions, that cannot be entrusted to automated tools. Skilled personal assistants are trained to operate with discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality. Over time, they often become trusted advisors who understand both the details and the context of your work and lifestyle. This trust-based relationship enables seamless delegation and provides peace of mind, knowing that sensitive tasks are being managed securely and effectively.

4. Support for business development

Beyond organizational support, personal assistants can make a meaningful contribution to business growth. Depending on their skill set, they may assist with research, prepare documents for meetings, coordinate small projects, or even liaise with clients and stakeholders. For solo entrepreneurs and executives in lean organizations, this extra layer of support can create capacity to pursue new opportunities or optimize existing processes. A capable assistant becomes not just a helper, but an asset to the broader strategic goals of the business.

Top 7 ways to hire a Personal Assistant

To secure the right fit when searching for a personal assistant, it’s essential to explore various recruitment methods, each offering unique advantages and considerations. Below is an in-depth examination of seven effective strategies for hiring a personal assistant.

1. Specialized recruitment agencies

Engaging a recruitment agency that focuses on personal assistant placements offers several benefits:

• Deep understanding of the PA role, including the specific skills and qualifications required.
• Robust databases of pre-screened candidates, including those not actively seeking new roles but open to exceptional opportunities.
• Management of the recruitment process – from crafting job descriptions to conducting initial interviews – saves the business a considerable time and effort.

Limitations: Specialized agencies often charge higher fees than in-house recruitment, which can increase hiring costs despite the added efficiency and expertise they provide.

2. Freelance platforms

Online marketplaces such as Upwork and Fiverr connect you with a global pool of freelance personal assistants:

• Allows hiring assistants for specific projects or ongoing support, adapting to fluctuating needs.
• Provides a range of pricing options, enabling to find assistance that fits any budget.
• Candidates with a wide array of skills, from administrative support to specialized services like digital marketing or event planning.

Limitations: It’s crucial to conduct thorough vetting of candidates on these platforms to ensure they possess the reliability and competencies required for your needs. Additionally, as many freelance assistants work on short-term or project-based contracts, it can be difficult to establish long-term collaboration, consistent communication routines, or a deep understanding of your business’s workflows and preferences.

3. Outsourced HR and administrative service providers

Partnering with companies that offer outsourced HR or administrative services can be an efficient middle ground between full-time hiring and freelancing:

• Provides access to assistants employed and trained by the provider, ensuring reliability and accountability.
• Handles payroll, contracts, and HR management, reducing your administrative burden.
• Allows scaling support up or down depending on workload or business seasonality.

Limitations: While offering structure and dependability, outsourced providers may offer less flexibility in choosing or directly managing your assigned assistant.

4. Job boards, social media, and professional networks

Posting your vacancy on platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Facebook, or industry-specific forums can help attract a wide range of potential candidates.

• Enables precise searches through professionals with relevant backgrounds and skills.
• Provides access to both active job seekers and passive candidates open to new opportunities.
• Allows for a hands-on approach in screening applications, setting criteria, and clearly communicating role expectations.

Limitations: This method requires significant time and proactive engagement to review applications and connect with candidates, which may slow results but can ultimately yield highly tailored and well-aligned hires.

5. Internal referrals

Leveraging your existing professional network or employee referrals can lead to trustworthy candidates:

• Potentially reduced risk of a poor hire, as referrals are pre-vetted by trusted team members who understand the role and culture.
• Better alignment with the organization’s values and work environment.
• Higher job satisfaction and longer tenure of the candidates.

Limitations: Although this approach can yield high-quality candidates, it’s essential to be aware of potential biases and maintain a diverse applicant pool.

6. Virtual assistant services

For remote assistance, virtual assistant (VA) services offer a range of benefits:

• Adjustable level of support based on the current workload.
• Offers a broader skill set without the commitment of a full-time hire.
• Eliminates expenses related to office space and equipment.

Limitations: Working with virtual assistants can lead to misunderstandings or inefficiencies if communication channels and expectations are not clearly established.

7. Staffing marketplaces

Platforms like TaskRabbit connect you with local assistants for short-term or ad-hoc tasks:

• Allows finding help for urgent or one-off tasks without a lengthy hiring process.
• Helps find assistance on an irregular basis or for specific projects.
• Gives access to ratings and reviews to assess the reliability and quality of potential assistants.

Limitations: While convenient, this method may not be suitable for those seeking a long-term or dedicated personal assistant.

In-House vs. Remote Personal Assistants: which option is right for you?

When hiring a personal assistant, one of the first decisions you must make is whether to hire someone to work in-house or remotely. Both options offer distinct advantages and challenges depending on the nature of your work, the type of tasks you need assistance with, and your preferences for direct interaction. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the two types of collaboration for you to decide which option works best for your business:

Choosing between an in-house and remote personal assistant ultimately depends on your operational priorities. Businesses that rely on hands-on collaboration, in-person meetings, or sensitive information management may benefit more from an on-site assistant. Meanwhile, those with primarily digital workflows or fluctuating workloads can find remote arrangements more cost-efficient and adaptable. Evaluating your day-to-day needs, communication style, and budget will help determine which model delivers the most effective long-term support.

Challenges in Personal Assistant Recruitment and how we overcome them

Hiring a personal assistant presents a distinct set of challenges. Unlike roles focused on clearly defined technical or operational tasks, a PA must integrate seamlessly into the employer’s daily routine, managing confidential matters, coordinating communication, and anticipating priorities. This level of involvement means that successful recruitment requires not only proven skills but also a strong personal fit and discretion.

At DevsData LLC, we specialize in navigating this complexity. Drawing on years of experience in IT recruitment and executive support placements, our team has developed refined methods for identifying, assessing, and matching candidates who combine reliability with adaptability. This approach enables us to deliver long-term placements that align with both professional standards and individual working styles.

1. Difficulty in defining the scope of the role

The challenge:

PA roles vary widely depending on the employer’s lifestyle, industry, and personal working style. Some assistants manage calendars and handle correspondence; others may run errands, coordinate travel, or oversee projects. Often, clients themselves aren’t sure what they need until the assistant is already on board – leading to mismatches and unclear expectations.

How we address it:

We start every search with a detailed needs assessment. Our team conducts structured interviews with the client to map out current pain points, recurring tasks, and unaddressed responsibilities. We then translate these into a clear, tailored job description. This process prevents scope creep, ensures alignment between both parties, and sets up the assistant for success.

2. Confidentiality and trustworthiness

The challenge:

A personal assistant is often exposed to highly sensitive information – financial data, private communication, or even access to the employer’s home. Hiring someone without a proven track record can pose risks to security and discretion.

How we address it:

We perform thorough background checks, including employment verification, reference calls, and criminal history screening when applicable. In addition, we emphasize discretion during our candidate evaluation process. We only work with individuals who have demonstrated integrity and a history of trust-based roles. All shortlisted candidates are also required to sign NDAs before engagement.

3. Finding the right fit in a limited talent pool

The challenge:

Hiring a personal assistant goes beyond evaluating resumes. Employers need someone who not only meets the technical requirements but also aligns with their personality, pace, communication style, and values. At the same time, the market for high-caliber PAs – especially those with flexibility, language skills, or niche expertise – is limited. Traditional hiring channels often yield mismatches or short-term candidates, increasing the risk of misalignment and turnover.

How we address it:

We combine rigorous behavioral interviewing with structured compatibility assessments to evaluate both qualifications and interpersonal fit. During client intake, we gather insights into working styles, personality traits, and collaboration preferences to match with candidates who complement the employer’s approach. Our pre-vetted talent pool is sourced through trusted networks, referrals, and specialized platforms, ensuring access to reliable, experienced PAs who are both skilled and suited to the client’s environment.

4. Onboarding and retention difficulties

The challenge:

Even after finding the right candidate, poor onboarding or communication gaps can derail the working relationship. Lack of clarity in the first weeks often leads to confusion, unmet expectations, or even early departures.

How we address it:

We guide both parties through the onboarding process, offering structured checklists and support during the transition phase. We encourage clients to introduce their systems, tools, and preferences methodically and ensure the PA receives early feedback. We also schedule follow-up check-ins with both the assistant and employer within the first 30 and 90 days to troubleshoot any issues and support retention.

5. Navigating remote and hybrid work dynamics

The challenge:

Many employers now seek remote or hybrid PAs. However, remote setups introduce new challenges – lack of oversight, communication lags, and difficulty building rapport. Assistants must be highly self-disciplined and tech-savvy to remain effective in this setup.

How we address it:

We specifically evaluate candidates for remote-readiness, assessing their time management through structured situational questions, testing digital literacy with practical tool-based tasks, and gauging self-direction via problem-solving challenges and scenario-based interviews. We also help employers establish communication protocols and define KPIs suited for remote monitoring. By focusing on proactive communication and accountability frameworks, we ensure remote arrangements are just as productive as in-person ones.

Why DevsData LLC is a reliable agency for hiring a Personal Assistant

Website: www.devsdata.com
Company size: ~60 employees
Headquarters: Brooklyn, NY, and Warsaw, Poland
Founded: 2016

With over nine years of experience in recruitment, DevsData LLC has built a reputation for matching employers with highly capable and trustworthy personal assistants. As a company that specializes in recruitment, DevsData LLC brings a focused, methodical approach to sourcing top-tier talent. Whether the role is remote or in-person, part-time or full-time, the agency ensures a deep understanding of each client’s needs before beginning the search. The team includes US-based recruitment specialists and maintains a global perspective through successful engagements with both corporate clients and fast-scaling startups across the US, Israel, and other international markets. During its operations, DevsData LLC has successfully completed over 100 projects for over 80 businesses.

One of DevsData LLC’s key strengths lies in its robust internal infrastructure. The firm has access to a curated candidate database of over 65000 professionals, allowing for rapid yet precise shortlisting. Every potential assistant undergoes a rigorous multi-stage screening process, including a 90-minute problem-solving challenge to test cognitive ability, critical thinking, and situational judgment. Soft skills are equally prioritized, with particular attention paid to communication abilities, professionalism, and discretion – traits essential for a personal assistant role. DevsData LLC is also an officially licensed recruitment agency, approved by government authorities to provide staffing services.

Recently, DevsData LLC partnered with Sigmoidal LLC, a US-based AI consultancy, to help scale its team amid growing demand for NLP and generative AI projects. The engagement focused on hiring a technical project manager capable of coordinating AI-focused teams and overseeing delivery for enterprise clients. Through a targeted, multi-stage recruitment process, DevsData LLC identified candidates combining strong technical expertise with adaptability and communication skills. Within two months, all roles were successfully filled, with the project manager introducing structure to workflows and improving delivery consistency. The collaboration showcased DevsData LLC’s ability to recruit technically proficient professionals who integrate quickly and drive measurable results in complex AI environments.

The agency operates on a success fee model, ensuring clients only pay upon successful placement. To further mitigate risk, a guarantee period is offered, allowing employers to replace a candidate at no additional cost if the match is not the right fit. This approach has led to consistently positive outcomes, reflected in DevsData LLC’s 5/5 ratings on trusted platforms such as Clutch and GoodFirms. With a refined process, deep candidate pool, and proven track record across diverse industries, DevsData LLC stands out as a reliable partner for those seeking a qualified, vetted, and dependable personal assistant.

Key highlights:

• Curated candidate database of 65000+ professionals enables rapid shortlisting while maintaining precision in matching client requirements.
• Rigorous multi-stage screening process includes a 90-minute problem-solving challenge and soft skills assessment for top-quality hires.
• Success fee model with a replacement guarantee reduces hiring risk and ensures client satisfaction with every placement.

To connect with DevsData LLC, email them at general@devsdata.com or visit their website at www.devsdata.com.

Conclusion

Hiring a personal assistant is a strategic decision that can significantly enhance productivity, minimize daily friction, and enable professionals to focus on high-value tasks. However, the process of finding the right candidate – someone who is trustworthy, adaptable, and aligned with your working style – requires a thoughtful and structured approach. With the growing complexity of modern work environments, employers need more than just a resume match; they require a recruitment process that strikes a balance between competence and character.

From choosing between in-house and remote setups to avoiding common hiring pitfalls, it’s clear that success in PA recruitment depends on clarity, preparation, and access to the right talent pools. Many challenges – from role ambiguity to onboarding issues – can be mitigated with the proper guidance and frameworks in place. This is where working with a specialized recruitment agency can make a meaningful difference.

DevsData LLC offers a reliable and professional solution for those seeking high-caliber personal assistants. With over nine years of experience, a team that includes US-based specialists, and a talent database of 65000 vetted candidates, the agency provides a level of precision and quality assurance that few can match. Their rigorous, multi-step interview process – including a 90-minute problem-solving challenge – ensures that shortlisted candidates possess both hard and soft skills. Operating on a success fee model and backed by a government-approved license, DevsData LLC is positioned as a trusted partner for those who value efficiency, discretion, and long-term results in personal assistant recruitment.

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Elen Muradian Copywriter and Marketer

As a versatile and accomplished writer with 3+ years of experience in digital media publishing, Elen is skilled in crafting engaging content across various subjects, styles, and media. In her previous experience, Elen worked closely with editorial teams and visual artists to bring content to life. She always seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth and is eager to contribute to the writing field.

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