Interviewing a Personal Assistant
A simple guide if you are new to interviewing
Choosing a Personal Assistant, or PA, can feel daunting, especially if you have never interviewed someone before.
You do not need to be an expert. The aim is to find out whether the person has the right skills, seems reliable, and feels like someone you could get on with.
KCIL can help you prepare for interviews and support you through the process.
Start with a phone call
Before arranging a full interview, you may want to have a short telephone conversation with the candidate.
This can help you get a first impression and decide whether you would like to invite them to an interview.
You could use this call to ask about:
- Their availability
- Where they live or how they would travel to you
- Their previous experience
- Whether they are still interested in the role
- Any important requirements, such as driving, personal care experience or working at certain times
You do not need to make a decision during this call. It is just a way to help you decide whether to offer an interview.
Where can you hold the interview?
You can choose a place that feels comfortable and practical for you.
You could interview:
- At your home
- In a quiet public place, such as a quiet café or library
- Online, for example by video call
- At the KCIL office in Kingston
If you would like to use the KCIL office, please let us know in advance so we can book a suitable space for you.
You may also want someone you trust to be with you at the interview, especially if you are meeting the candidate at home.
KCIL can support you
KCIL can help you prepare for the interview.
We can support you with:
- Thinking about what questions to ask
- Making sure the role and duties are clear
- Helping you feel more confident
- Attending the interview with you, where possible
- Talking through your thoughts afterwards
You remain in control of the decision. Our role is to support you.
The interview does not have to feel formal
The best PA interviews are often more like a conversation.
Of course, you need to check that the person can do the job. But it is also important to find out whether you feel comfortable with them.
A PA may be supporting you in your home, with personal care, going out, daily routines, appointments or activities that matter to you.
It is okay to ask yourself:
- Do I feel comfortable talking to this person?
- Do they listen properly?
- Do they seem reliable?
- Do they understand what support I need?
- Would I feel confident having them in my home or supporting me in the community?
Getting on well with your PA can make a big difference.
Before the interview
It can help to write down a few notes before the interview.
Think about:
- What support you need
- What days and times you need support
- Whether the PA needs any specific skills
- Whether they need to drive
- Whether they need experience with personal care, medication prompts, communication needs, mobility support, children, pets or anything else important
- What matters to you in how someone supports you
You may also want to have a simple job description ready, so the candidate understands the role.
Questions you could ask
You do not need to ask every question. Choose the ones that fit your situation.
Getting to know them
- Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
- Why are you interested in this PA role?
- Have you worked as a PA or carer before?
- What do you enjoy about supporting people?
Experience and skills
- What experience do you have that would help you in this role?
- Have you supported someone with similar needs before?
- Are you comfortable supporting with personal care?
- Are you comfortable supporting someone at home and out in the community?
- Do you have any relevant training or qualifications?
- Are you willing to do training if needed?
Availability and practical questions
- What days and times are you available?
- Are there any times you cannot work?
- How would you travel to me?
- Do you drive?
- Do you have access to a car?
- Are you looking for short-term or long-term work?
- When could you start?
How they would support you
- How would you make sure you support me in the way I choose?
- What would you do if I wanted something done differently?
- How would you respect my privacy and independence?
- How would you handle confidential information?
- What would you do if you were running late or could not come to work?
Scenarios
You could ask what they would do in common situations.
For example:
- What would you do if I became unwell while you were supporting me?
- What would you do if there was an emergency?
- What would you do if you were unsure how I wanted something done?
- What would you do if we disagreed about something?
- What would you do if plans changed at short notice?
Ending the interview
- Do you have any questions about the role?
- Is there anything you would like to know about me or the support I need?
- Are you still interested in the role after hearing more about it?
After the interview
You do not have to decide straight away.
It can help to make notes after each interview, while it is still fresh in your mind.
You might want to think about:
- Whether they had the right availability
- Whether they understood the role
- Whether they seemed reliable
- Whether they had the right attitude
- Whether you felt comfortable with them
You can contact KCIL if you would like to talk through your thoughts.
Remember
Interviewing a PA is not about asking perfect questions.
It is about finding someone who can support you safely, respectfully and reliably—and someone you feel comfortable with.
KCIL supports disabled people and their families to find PAs in Kingston, Richmond, Sutton and Croydon. Any questions? Call 020 8546 9603 or email [email protected]
