NEWS
CAREER Professional development tips for executive-level PAs
THE FINAL WORD FROM A CHIEF OF STAFF
JO JONES Navigating the reality of modern job hunting
I’ m back after quite the journey! When I last wrote about my redundancy in 2024 and subsequent recruitment success, I thought I’ d found my next long-term role. A year later, I’ ve learned that career progression isn’ t always linear. And protecting your confidence through setbacks is as vital a skill as any on your CV.
I did secure that new role last November. But over time it became clear the working practices and culture didn’ t align with my values. Making the decision to leave was terrifying. My partner was brilliantly supportive – but my inner critic worked overtime:‘ What are you doing? Are you insane?’
As EAs, we’ re problem solvers who pride ourselves on making things work. Walking away felt like failure. But sometimes the bravest decision is admitting when something isn’ t right and choosing your wellbeing over a pay packet.
The harsh reality of today’ s job market Nothing quite prepares you for job hunting in 2025. Ghosting by recruiters? Absolutely real. I had two interviews where the recruiters simply vanished afterwards, despite my follow-ups. Most applications disappeared into the void – submit your details, request more information then watch the tumbleweeds roll by.
It’ s soul-destroying stuff. Each silence chips away at your confidence until you start questioning everything about yourself. Was my CV terrible? Did I completely misread those interviews? Maybe I’ m just not good enough anymore?
I tried following my own previous advice; that extra Monday morning cuppa, not obsessing over job boards. But taking your own medicine is harder than prescribing it. The reality was that job hunting was tougher than anything I’ d anticipated.
Finding your lifelines My turning point came through two recruiters, Rychelle and Phoebe, from different agencies. They took time to understand who I was and where I wanted my career to go. They listened. And, in a process that often feels utterly dehumanising, they treated me like a person with value to offer.
Their support helped me find my way again – and I’ ve recently started a new position. It’ s early days, but I’ m genuinely hopeful.
The bus has finally left the station and I’ m cautiously optimistic about where it’ s heading. To anyone currently navigating this journey( ghosting, rejection, self-doubt and all) remember that finding the right fit matters more than finding something quickly. Your worth isn’ t determined by response rates or interview outcomes. Sometimes the path forward requires going sideways first. S
Jo Jones is EA at Lightsourcebp
Practical strategies that actually helped me
Looking back, here’ s what made the real difference:
■ Purposeful distractions: Job hunting 11 hours daily is counterproductive. I helped my partner renovate our Victorian home( well, I held things and made tea), and supported a friend with domestic tasks after she broke her leg. These activities reminded me I had value beyond my job title.
■ Protecting my professional worth: Yes, I let unprofessional recruiters knock my confidence, and I’ m still angry with myself about that. But recognising it helps you build resilience for next time. Their poor behaviour reflects on them, not your capabilities.
■ Identifying champions: Whether it’ s supportive recruiters, partners, friends or former colleagues, lean on people who believe in you when you’ re struggling to believe in yourself. My partner Paul never stopped championing me, even when I couldn’ t see my own worth.
■ Boundaries with the search: Create specific job-hunting hours. Outside those times, live your life. Your identity extends far beyond your next role.
62 Executive PA | Spring Issue 2025