Resume Writing Tips for PA to General Manager

Introduction

The role of a PA to a General Manager demands a diverse skill set and a proactive mindset. Since you often serve as the right hand to executive leadership, your resume must reflect the responsibility, discretion, and efficiency you bring to the position. A well-structured resume tailored for this role can set you apart in a competitive market, capturing the attention of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human recruiters alike.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the first impression you give to recruiters. It should be concise yet impactful, highlighting your years of experience, key competencies, and what you bring uniquely to the PA role. Aim for 3-4 lines that combine your expertise in executive support with soft skills such as communication and problem-solving.

Example: Accomplished Personal Assistant with 7+ years supporting C-level executives. Expert in calendar management, project coordination, and internal communications. Recognized for improving office efficiency by 30% through proactive problem-solving and tech-savvy workflow management.

2. Key Skills

Your skills section should feature a balanced mix of hard and soft skills tailored to the PA to General Manager role. Highlighting relevant competencies helps both ATS and hiring managers quickly assess your suitability.

• Executive Calendar Management
• Travel Coordination and Itinerary Planning
• Confidential Document Handling
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Project Management
• Time Management
• Event Planning and Coordination
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• CRM Software (Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Problem-Solving

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

While listing job duties is important, showcasing your achievements elevates your resume. Use specific accomplishments that demonstrate your impact, efficiency, and problem-solving capacity in measurable terms. Avoid generic descriptions and focus on what you achieved rather than only what you did.

For example, instead of stating “Managed executive’s calendar,” say “Optimized executive calendar management, reducing scheduling conflicts by 25% and improving meeting efficiency.” Metrics-driven achievements immediately convey your contribution and professionalism.

4. Tailor to Job Descriptions

Each job opportunity has unique requirements. Tailoring your resume means analyzing the job description and mirroring the keywords, skills, and qualifications in your resume. This approach improves ATS ranking and demonstrates to recruiters that you are a perfect match for the role. Highlight relevant experiences and discard unrelated details where possible.

5. Tools

• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets)
• CRM Software (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM)
• Project Management Tools (Trello, Asana, Monday.com)
• Calendar Scheduling Apps (Calendly, Doodle)
• Travel Booking Platforms (Concur, Egencia)
• Communication Tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom)
• Document Management Systems (SharePoint, Dropbox)
• Data Analysis Software (Excel advanced functions, Tableau basics)
• Accounting Software (QuickBooks, SAP basics)

6. Metrics

• Percentage reduction in scheduling conflicts
• Number of successful events or meetings coordinated
• Time saved through process improvements (in hours or percentage)
• Budget managed or savings achieved on travel and events
• Improvement in response time or communication efficiency

7. Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Communications, or related field
• Certifications such as Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), Project Management Professional (PMP) – optional but valuable

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings and bullet points
• Keep resume length to two pages maximum, focusing on relevance

9. Concise

Avoid long paragraphs. Use bullet points to make your resume easy to skim. Each bullet should be concise, action-oriented, and result-focused, not exceeding two lines.

10. Bonus

• Include a LinkedIn profile link tailored to professional branding
• Use action verbs like “coordinated,” “facilitated,” “managed,” and “implemented” to demonstrate proactive engagement

Examples

• “Streamlined travel booking process using Concur, reducing expenses by 15% annually.”
• “Coordinated quarterly board meetings involving 15+ executives, ensuring seamless agenda alignment and follow-up.”

Conclusion

A compelling resume for a PA to General Manager role must clearly showcase your impact through measurable achievements, leadership in managing complex tasks, and analytical skills that help executives make informed decisions. By prioritizing relevance, tailoring content to each job, and maintaining a concise format, you position yourself as an invaluable asset to any executive team.