Teresa Leigh, owner and founder of Teresa Leigh Home + Family Office, has specialized in household risk management for over two decades. She’s seen it all — from staffing disasters to stolen property and beyond — and has garnered practical advice to share with ultra-high-net-worth families. In this column, Leigh responds to questions submitted to her about pertinent issues. If you’d like to submit a question that would be kept confidential, please email her at [email protected].
What do you think are the most relevant interview questions that should be asked of personal-assistant candidates who will be working for me in a busy home office setting?
— Lusia, Santa Cruz
In my experience, employers have an unfortunate habit of overfocusing on a candidate’s likability instead of seeking out the authentic, nonembellished skill sets of experienced personal assistants. I understand the need to feel comfortable with someone who will be in your personal space. However, the shine will quickly wear off a new hire if the person fails to exhibit professionalism or lacks the expertise to do the job. Skill trumps personality every time.
To better understand if your favorite candidate has the right stuff, I’ve included my top three interview scenarios.
1. Use an example of a problem you are currently facing or a project that needs a solution. Here is an example: “I need to hire an interior decorator for my home at the beach. What questions would you recommend that I ask when I interview decorators?”
Guidance: Listen to how they ask questions about this project. Are the questions organized and fluid? Are they in chronological order? Are they asking critically important questions, e.g., where is the beach house located, what is its size, what is your style, how complex is the project, how do you like to work with decorators, and are there decorators with whom you prefer not to work?
2. Question: Can you offer me a past employer interaction that did not go well and explain what you learned from that encounter?
Guidance: Pay attention to the details they share and the demeanor they convey as they reply. Are they able to offer an example that makes sense? Are they divulging disparaging information about the employer or their families? Are they accepting responsibility or placing blame? Did they answer the question about what they learned from the situation to your satisfaction, or did they go off into storytelling mode and hijack the interview?
3. (This is one of my easy favorites.) Question: Walk me through a typical day on your last job.
a. Tell me how you organized your day and how you dealt with unexpected or urgent situations.
b. How did you manage the changes that occurred overnight?
c. How did you track projects?
Guidance: Listen carefully to your candidate. Did their answers offer examples of a full day, or were they operating off an assigned task list? How does this past employment relate to the job you need done? Did they share when their day started and ended? Were they available to take calls or texts in the evenings or on weekends?
Interviewing for a successful personal assistant is a skill learned through experience. Don’t be afraid to lean in and ask the tough questions.
Teresa Leigh is an expert adviser and educator in household, property and family office staff for high-net-worth individuals. Clients are drawn to Teresa’s individualized personal attention, passion, genuineness and expertise. She is renowned for her ability to empathically understand her client’s situation and provide them quick and effective resolutions.