PA job description - how would you interpret this?

[cakelover12345]

I'm thinking of applying for PA role to a senior manager. I am reading the person specification and job description, but one point in particular is standing out to me.

I haven't seen this one before. It says the ideal candidate needs to be "sensitive to the needs of senior management" - how would you interpret this, particularly if you have experience as a PA?

I obviously know what this means in a literal sense, but do you think anything ulterior could be being suggested here? The rest of the JD is standard stuff.

I have had a few rough jobs in the past and am being super cautious! Thanks!

All it means is that you need to work closely and anticipate their needs as opposed to always having everything spelt out to you. Ulterior motives? What an odd thing to think! They certainly wouldn’t be advertising it as part of the job spec. I find it very bizarre that you thought anything else.

I would read that as code for " can be a difficult person to work for". However it might just mean they need someone who can work out what is needed without having to be explicitly told

I would avoid this job. It probably means they are a bit difficult or not good at clearly articulating their expectations.

It’s a bit like “must have good sense of humour” or “family atmosphere” or “we have ambitious plans”.

I have 2 x PA jobs out at the moment, 1 of them says exactly that!

Are you insinuating that there’s a sleazy element and they’re putting it on their job descriptions?

My senior management person is lovely. It’s included because we want someone who is experienced with dealing with a senior manager - they have different needs to lower level managers. Mostly it means being on the ball, anticipating what they might need/require, not involved in office gossip/drama. Kind of a cross between a PA and exec assistant

I take it to mean super intuitive and being the soul of discretion.

I know nowt though.

That’s exactly what it means

I think don't apply for this job if you're not sure how to interpret that.

I also think it’s about working with the top level of the organisation and being sensitive to all this entails, you’ll have access to confidential materials, financial information etc.

It probably means that you need to be discreet and confidential and know how to deal appropriately with a wide range of people .

It could also cover them wanting you to work all hours and undertaking any shit they require whenever/ whatever . Including stuff that wouldn't fall within what I would consider professional duties commensurate with the role . I don't mean anything weird just stuff like doing their shopping , walking the dog or expecting you to answer emails at 10 pm at night or cancel holiday at the last minute .

I was a senior manager before I retired.

That phrase means a lot but nothing sinister or tricky.

It means having tact and discretion as you will be privy to many things you cannot gossip about.

It means knowing what matters and when to bring things forward immediately. As an example, when to interrupt a meeting or conversation because something important has come up.

It means understanding that keeping good records and producing good work is important. That includes carefully proofreading documents you OR the person you support produce.

It also means resolving things yourself if possible. My assistant had to field calls from disgruntled or downright angry people. I had one quit immediately after the first call of that nature. Others took it in stride and were able to provide the caller with the information they needed without involving me.

There is more but I hope that helps.

Thanks so much for the helpful replies.

I would hope it means what @LoveFall says, which is how I would interpret it at face value. No, not concerned it meant anything sleazy or anything like, I was thinking along the lines of it being code for "diva"!