Administrative Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

Administrative Assistant Interview Questions and AnswersAdministrative Assistant Interview Questions and AnswersWhen youre bewerbungsinterviewing for anadministrative assistant job, the interviewer will want to learn abouthowrelevantyourqualificationsarefor the position and how youwouldfit inwiththe company and the department. Because the job requires both administrative and interpersonal skills, hiring managers will often ask about the specific attributes you have that qualify you for the position,as well as your less quantifiable people skills. Tips for Handling the Interview Its important to be aware the discussion will likely go beyondsoft skills,suchasyour communication abilities,organizationalskills, or timeliness. You should be ready to talk abouthard skills, too. 114 Watch Now How to Answer 4 Common Questions For Administrative Jobs Be Prepared to Discuss Software ProgramsSince many administrative assistant positions require frequent use of specific software, you may ha ve to discussthevarious programs youve worked with, how you have used these programs, and your level of expertise. Sample AnswerI love using technology and learning about new programs. I also have a knack for teaching co-workers who might not be so savvy about using systems. In my last job at Kent Associates, I volunteered to review project management systems for the team of professionals I supported.My babo approved my recommendation and we brought in a web-based system, Asana, that helps us to track projects and share information on a web platform.Sample AnswerI am the go-to person in the office for PowerPoint slides and enjoy helping our sales people to wow customers withtheir presentations.I am also an advanced user of Excel and create complex macros to prepare budget projections for project proposals. Be Ready to Discuss Administrative ProcessesYou should be prepared to discuss your workflow and administrative processes in previous positions. As an administrative professional, there should be nodoubtthat you are organized and detail-oriented. Your interviewer will want to knowhowyou manifest these qualities in your everyday workflow. Sample AnswerOrganizational abilities and attention to detail are among my strongest assets.I have thrived in situations where I can bring reservierung to complex projects.For example, Ipreviouslysupported eight professionals who were planning promotional events for clients.I developed a template for tracking goals and progress for each project and set it up on a shared drive so that all members of staffinvolvedcould tracktheirprogressregardingthe teams projects and events.Sample AnswerWhen working for the Alfred Group, I created a procedures manual that outlined the stepsrequiredtoprocessloan applications, and then uploaded it online so that all the loan officers could follow the saatkornprocedures. Always Respond PositivelyBe mindful of your demeanorthroughoutthe interview. Since administrative assistants often interface very closely with the individuals for whom they work, it is essential to be positive, professional, and politeatalltimes. Youll want the interviewer to have no doubt that working with you would be a pleasant experience. Sample AnswerI worked the front desk in our agency, and it was critical that I made a positive first impression forbothcurrent and prospective clients. I am a natural can do person,and my reviews have regularly lauded my customer service orientation.Sample AnswerThe company surveys clients after interactions, and my name consistentlysurfacesas a staffer whoishelpful, pleasant, and professional. My babo has commented on how often clients ask for me when calling the office for assistance. Preparing for the Interview One of the ways to prepare is to analyze the job description to try to get a sense ofwhether there is a particularskill seton which the position focuses. For example, is there an emphasis on travel planning, project coordination, day-to-day meeting sch eduling, personal assistance, or anything else? If so, be sure to emphasize your most relevant experience when answeringjob-specific interview questions. Make a list of the skills mentioned in the job posting, and feel free to add some others that you think would be applicable as well. Then take a look at your ownadministrativeandofficeskills, andmatch your qualifications to the job. This will help you tailor your answers in the most relevant way to the specific position. Administrative Assistant Interview Questions and Answers While preparing, it can be useful to review questions you might be asked, and give some thought to how to frame a response, highlighting specific experiences and successes from previous jobs. What computer skills do you have,and what programs are you comfortable using? -Best AnswersAre you comfortable using a phone with multiple lines and handling a high volume of telephone calls? -Best AnswersAt this company, we like to think of ourselves as a team that works together towards the same goals. How do you feel about working in a team environment? -Best AnswersHow would you feel supervising two or three other employees? -Best AnswersWhat is your greatest strength,and howwouldit help your wertzuwachs in this position? -Best Answers What is your greatest weakness? -Best AnswersHow do you handle stress and pressure? -Best AnswersWhat was it like working for your supervisor? -Best AnswersWhat do you expect from a supervisor? -Best AnswersDo you prefer to work independently orina team? -Best AnswersDo you work well with people? -Best AnswersGive somepersonalexamples of teamwork. -Best AnswersReceptionist interview questions-List of Questions Questions to Ask the Interviewer You should also do someresearch about the company, and be prepared to ask pertinent questions when the opportunityarises. It can be helpful to come up with a few questions ahead of time that you might ask, or discuss further, if you didnt get the chance earlier in th e interview. Often,this will be near the end of the interview, so its important to leave the interviewer(s)with a good impression. A great way to do that is to show your interest and preparation for the job interview by tying in questions you were asked with some questions of your own. What are the responsibilities of this position?Can you describe a typical day(week) in this department?What are the strengths in this department? What are the weaknesses?What would your past assistants say was the best part of working for you? What would they say was the worst?Inwhatdirection do you see the company going in the next five years? Do you feel that there are any threats to its success?Why did your last assistant leave the position? What were his/her strengths? What were his/her weaknesses? What is he/she doing now? Whatattributesdid your best assistant have? What about your worst assistant?How often are performance reviews performed? Who conducts them?What skills are most important to you in an administrative assistant?How do you reward and encourage the people who work in your department?Are there any ongoing production issues in this department?How have you dealt with personnel problems in the past?What are some of the biggest challenges for a person in this position?What is the most rewarding aspect of this position, in your opinion? Do you (Does the company/department) support membershipsofprofessional associations, and continuing professional development?What would you describe as the role of the administrative staff in this office?Are overtime or weekend hours expected?What do you like most about working for this company? Are thereanychanges you would make?What do you like least about working here?Do you encourage the department to work as a team, or concentrate mora on individual contributions? Be Prepared for More Job Interview Questions In addition tojob-specificinterview questions, you will also be asked more general questions about your employment his tory, education, strengths, weaknesses, achievements, goals, and plans. Heres a list of themost common interview questionsand sample answers.