What to Look For in a Personal Assistant

At Grapevine, we’ve spent more than two decades placing top-tier personal assistants into some of the busiest, most dynamic households and careers in entertainment. A high profile personal assistant is not just an extra set of hands, they are the right hand. The person you trust with your schedule, your home, and often your privacy. Finding that person requires knowing exactly what to look for beyond the obvious résumé bullet points.

When you live in the public eye, privacy is non-negotiable. A great personal assistant knows how to move quietly, protect sensitive information, and blend seamlessly into any environment. They are the type of person who never overshares, understands boundaries, and treats every detail of your life with care.

Schedules change by the minute, and one phone call can rearrange an entire week. A standout assistant does not flinch. They pivot quickly, solve problems on the fly, and keep the day moving without creating drama or stress. You want someone who thrives in a whirlwind and never loses their cool.

From coordinating international travel to ensuring your favorite smoothie is waiting after a long shoot, organization is everything. The best assistants track details that others overlook, anticipate needs before they are spoken, juggle multiple priorities at once, and keep systems tight so nothing falls through the cracks.

This role is not only about tasks, it is about people. A personal assistant interacts with managers, stylists, family members, press, and everyone in between. Emotional intelligence allows them to read a room, manage personalities, and know when to step in or step back. That balance is key.

The right assistant is polished and professional, but also warm and approachable. They can shift gears from handling a high-stakes meeting to helping coordinate a family birthday party. The role requires both confidence and humility. They are not looking to be in the spotlight, but they know how to shine when it matters.

Today’s assistants need to be fluent in more than calendar apps and travel platforms. They should be quick to learn new systems, manage communication across multiple channels, and troubleshoot without hand-holding. Resourcefulness, figuring things out with limited information, is one of the traits that separates good from great.

At the end of the day, this role is about trust and synergy. The best personal assistant is more than an employee. They become an extension of the person they support. They anticipate, protect, and streamline so their principal can focus on what they do best.

Grapevine Takeaway: Hiring a personal assistant is one of the most impactful decisions you can make. The right match creates ease, efficiency, and peace of mind. It is not about finding just anyone, it is about finding the one.