While you want to get the hiring over with and return to work, you'll lose time and money over the long run by being hasty. Plan on spending two weeks to find the right assistant. It's worth the effort - after all, you might end up spending more time with you assistant than you do with your family! To find one, you'll need to be able to spot these essential elements.

Step One: Writing the Job Description

This task forces you to think about how you will use your assistant and what you expect from this person. I urge you to write this on your own. By making the job description specific and goal-oriented, you can lay the groundwork for a productive relationship on your assist's first day on the job.

Step Two: The Ad

This is a winning ad and one that has produced enough testimonials to astound you.

Executive's Assistant

Immediate opening for assistant to assist real estate executive. You should be an organizer, a positive person, a good communicator -- both written and verbal-experienced with computer/word processing, have a good sense of humor, be a fast learner with a quick mind and be willing to work hard and smart. You'll work in a fast-paced real estate office in (your city). We offer an exciting atmosphere in a people-oriented business. This is NOT an entry-level position. Please indicate salary desired. The first step is to send or deliver your resume to:

(your company, address and fax number)

Step Three: Reviewing Resumes

Allow at least a week to collect all resumes before you start the interview process. Review all of them at the same time. I eliminate some even before reading. Those that are not neat in appearance or are done haphazardly are eliminated. Expect to receive at least 30 resumes. For the first cut, I recommend that you narrow the applicants you will consider to 10. The 10 best applicants are all you need to spend time interviewing. Whether you received 30 or 130, this is a good rule to follow.

Once you've made your selection, call the top applicants and set up interviews at your office. For those you've eliminated, a return call is important, not only because it is a courtesy but because you always want to have the most professional appearance possible in the community. Another option is to write a small note to each applicant. We have a letter in our computer that we send out as soon as we make the decision.

For the next three steps, Interview #1, Interview #2 and the Skills Test, be sure to Click Here

Published: October 15, 1998

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Monica Reynolds only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.