Here are some very frequently asked administration interview questions specific to posts such as Secretary and Administration Assistants:
- Talk me through your relevant technical skills, experience and educational qualifications.
- What would you say are the characteristics of an Administration job holder?
- Tell me about a time when you successfully managed a number of tasks at the same time
- Talk me through your skills with planning meetings and managing calendars
- Tell me about at time when you had difficulty scheduling an important meeting
- What appeals to you about administrative jobs?
- What do you find most challenging about office support jobs in general?
- Why do you think you would be the best fit for this administrative position?
- What technologies have you used in your past office support jobs?
What are the most commonly asked interview questions?
Answers to 10 most common job interview questions
- What are your weaknesses? "What are your weaknesses" is one of the most popular questions interviewers ask. ...
- Why should we hire you? Answer " Why should we hire you ?" by summarizing your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial industry and my proven ...
- Why do you want to work here? ...
- What are your goals? ...
What are good interview questions to ask employees?
These can include:
- How Has Your Company Managed Work-Life Balance While Doing Remote Work? ...
- How Did You Support Employees Who Were Dealing With New Life Challenges During the Pandemic? ...
- How Did You Ensure Employees Had the Resources They Needed, Like a Computer, Internet Access, or a Quiet Place to Work, During the Work-From-Home Period? ...
What are some interview questions for an administrative assistant?
Here are good questions you can ask:
- “What are you hoping a new person can bring to this role?”
- “Has anyone failed in this position, and why?”
- “What does a typical day look like?”
- “Can you show me examples of projects that I would be working on?”
- “How much interaction with clients or customers will I have?”
- “What abilities are most important for a new person in this job?”
What questions could you ask at a job interview?
Use these interview questions with sample answers to learn what a quality candidate response looks like:
- Why are you interested in this position?
- What makes you a qualified candidate for this role?
- What strategies do you use to diffuse tense situations?
- How would you bring value to our team?
What questions are asked in an admin interview?
Interview questions about workplace cultureWhat comes to mind when you think of our company? ... What appeals to you about this administrative job?How do you envision an administrative assistant could contribute to an organization?In which type of office environment do you excel most?More items...•
How do I prepare for an administrative interview?
5 Essential Steps in Preparing for an Administrative or Executive Assistant InterviewResearch the company and the person/team you're meeting with. ... Understand the job description. ... Have a good grasp of your relevant skills, experiences, and strengths. ... Run-through some data-entry activities. ... Expect to answer questions about…
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers for administrators?
Popular admin job interview questionsQUESTION: How do you handle stress?QUESTION: Why do you want to be an administrative assistant?QUESTION: What computer skills do you have?QUESTION: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or customer.QUESTION: How do you stay organized?Get more answers.
Why should we hire you as an administrator?
Example 1: Office administrator “You should hire me for my passion and proven abilities in organization for office efficiency. I pride myself on my time management, coordination and interpersonal skills.
What are the 5 hardest interview questions?
The most difficult interview questions (and answers)What is your greatest weakness?Why should we hire you?What's something that you didn't like about your last job?Why do you want this job?How do you deal with conflict with a co-worker?Here's an answer for you.
How do I pass an administrative assistant interview?
How to prepare for an Administrative Assistant interviewResearch the company. ... Understand the job description. ... Run through your job application. ... Prepare your elevator pitch. ... Familiarise yourself with how you will respond to the more common interview questions.
How do you handle stress and pressure?
2. Commit to a Positive AttitudeDecide what you can do. Pinpoint which parts of the situation you have the power to change or influence for the better. ... Get support. Find someone to talk to about your situation. ... Care for yourself. Take especially good care of yourself when stress in your life is high.
What is the simple definition of administration?
Definition of administration 1 : performance of executive duties : management worked in the administration of a hospital. 2 : the act or process of administering something the administration of justice the administration of medication. 3 : the execution of public affairs as distinguished from policy-making.
What are the duties of an office administrator?
An Office Administrator, or Office Manager, completes clerical and administrative tasks for an office. Their main duties include welcoming and directing visitors, coordinating meetings and appointments and performing clerical tasks, like answering phones and responding to emails.
What are the duties and responsibility of an administrator?
Administrator duties and responsibilitiesManage data in spreadsheets and reports.Keep records and reports up to date.Help maintain the budget plan.Organize and schedule meetings and events.Supervise other staff and delegate responsibilities.Handle technical issues in their area of expertise.More items...•
What are administrative tasks?
Most often, these tasks relate to supporting an office, and include phone, email, and calendar management, internal communications, preparing reports, maintaining office equipment and office supplies, and some human resources functions.
Why do you want this job?
Focus on the job at hand 'I want this job because I have clear skills that will help me achieve...' 'This role will give me the opportunity to combine both my skills in [skill 1] and [skill 2] to achieve...' 'I love [job role specific task] and my last job took me away from that.
Why are you interested in this position?
“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …” “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …” “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”
Why did you apply for this position?
'I see the role as a way of developing my career in a forward-thinking/well-established company/industry as…' 'I feel I will succeed in the role because I have experience in/softs skills that demonstrate/ I've taken this course…' 'I believe my skills are well-suited to this job because…”
What are 3 good interview questions?
How to master these 7 common interview questionsWhere do you see yourself in five years time? ... What are your strengths/weaknesses? ... Why should I hire you? ... Tell me about yourself/your work experience. ... Why do you want this job? ... What are your salary expectations? ... Why are you the right fit to succeed in this role?
What are powerful interview questions?
Good Interview QuestionsWhat single project or task would you consider your most significant career accomplishment to date?Is it better to be perfect and late, or good and on time?Tell me about a time you screwed up.Tell me about a time you set difficult goals.More items...•
What 3 questions should I ask interviewer?
7 good questions to ask at an interviewCan you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role? ... How could I impress you in the first three months? ... Are there opportunities for training and progression within the role/company? ... Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?More items...
How do you close an interview?
How to close an interviewAsk questions.Address any concerns.Remind the interviewer of your strengths.Express your interest in the job.Ask about the next steps.Offer additional information.Leave the meeting politely.Send a follow-up email.
What is your weakness best answer?
Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.
What can you bring to the company?
Think about: your enthusiasm for the profession and the employer and your desire to make your mark. your personal qualities, such as your drive and willingness to learn. the skills the employer seeks and how you have demonstrated them in the past – your answer should show why you would be competent in the job.
What is your weakness best answer?
Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.
Is it OK to admit you are nervous at an interview?
“I'm a little nervous.” Acknowledging that your nerves are getting the better of you might actually help you shake off your nervousness. Most interviewers have been there, too, at some point in their career and will understand.
How do you answer why should we hire you for administrative assistant?
How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You”Research the company and position.Make a list of your strengths.Talk about your experience in the industry.Highlight your skills (both hard and soft skills).Mention key professional achievements or awards.Mention your educational background and/or training.More items...•
How do you answer why do you want to be an administrative assistant?
Example: “I see being an administrative assistant as a crucial piece of the functioning of an entire office, and it is my job to make that happen. I am tremendously organized, enjoy making things flow more smoothly and have 10 years of experience doing this. I stay in this career because I love doing it.”
How to answer administrative questions?
You'll likely have to answer basic questions that help the interviewer get to know you and assess how you'll fit the role. Here are several examples to help you get an idea of what to prepare for: 1 How would you describe yourself? 2 What attracted you to this particular administrative position? 3 What do you know about our company? 4 How do you see yourself contributing to our company? 5 How did you hear about this position? 6 What skills will make you successful on the job? 7 What is your ideal work environment? 8 What do you feel is a weakness you'd like to improve? 9 What are your goals? 10 Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
What to ask an administrative assistant?
In many instances, administrative assistants and office support professionals take on management and leadership roles. The interviewer may likely ask about your experience supervising others or how you would approach performing in a leadership role. Highlight your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively and work as part of a team to direct and lead projects or tasks.
What are common administrative assistant interview questions?
1. “Why did you apply for this job and what makes you think you’ll be a good administrative assistant?”
How to prepare for an administrative assistant interview?
Making sure you’re prepared for an administrative assistant interview position means doing your research beforehand, putting yourself into the right mindset, focusing on your past work experience so you can draw out relevant, targeted examples to interview questions, and making sure you’re not just ready for the job interview, but the actual job itself.
What Are Administrative Assistants?
Modern administrative assistants are like the Swiss army knife of employees and are required to know an enormous amount of information and possess a multitude of skills. Gone are the days where a good administrative assistant was the person who made the best pot of coffee and had the best voice for answering phones.
What questions can I ask the hiring manager?
1. “Describe your perfect assistant. What are the best qualities you’re looking for?“
What are the most common interview questions?
Download our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you word-for-word sample answers to the some of the most common interview questions including: 1 What Is Your Greatest Weakness? 2 What Is Your Greatest Strength? 3 Tell Me About Yourself 4 Why Should We Hire You? 5 And more!
Why do you have to answer broad ranging questions in an administrative assistant interview?
Because the role of a good administrative assistant is so wide-ranging and varied, hiring managers are going to be on the lookout for candidates who possess a multitude of skills. This means, if you’re going in for an administrative assistant interview, you should be prepared to answer equally wide-ranging and varied questions that cover both hard and soft skills.
Why is it important for a hiring manager to pull you in for an interview?
A hiring manager is going to be much more likely to pull you in for an interview if they can see at a glance that you’re perfectly matched for the job. Making their job easier makes it easier for you to land the position you’re applying for!
What to expect in an administration interview?
You will be expected to take part in a formal face to face interview most likely in front of a panel and using Competency Interviewing techniques and questions. Indeed depending on the level of the job there may well be several screening steps and interviews to undergo.
What should the aim of an interview be?
The aim at interview should be to impress, by demonstrating, knowledge of the company, (products/services, sales figures, news, etc.), motivation, and a smart appearance. First impressions count for a lot so you need to put yourself immediately on the short-list of applicants by being obviously qualified, enthusiastic, and personable. Employers are human, and can take an instant like or dislike to someone, but by being likeable you already have a foot in the door.
How to prepare for an interview?
Prepare examples demonstrating your skills: A great tip when preparing your interview answers is to think of situations where you have demonstrated your skills successfully. Get a copy of the job description and for all of the core competencies listed create an answer using a strong relevant example. 2.
What do you need to do to get into a job at a higher level?
At a higher level you would need to undergo a more rigorous selection process involving several rounds of interview. You might begin with Human Resources to check background knowledge, and be expected to complete tests of verbal and numerical skills.
What is your favorite part about being an administrative assistant?
Example: "My favorite part about being an administrative assistant is getting to work with so many people in the office. Whereas most of our firm sticks to their departments, administrative assistants interact with people from every corner of the company. I enjoy getting to expand my skill set and learn something new each day from these interactions."
How to prepare for a real interview?
Practice interviewing. Practicing your interview with a friend or family member can be helpful when preparing for it. This will help ease nerves and help you practice what you want to say during the real interview. Check your body language.
Why do hiring managers ask this question?
Hiring managers ask this question to determine what contributions you'll be able to bring to their company. When you answer this question, make sure you're showcasing how you provided value to your workplace and company overall.
Why is it important to interview for a job?
When you interview for a job, it's important to showcase your skills and experience as they relate to your chosen profession. In an interview for an administrative assistant role, for example, you'll need to show that you have the necessary qualifications to perform well at this job. The more you prepare for your interview, ...
Is technology beneficial to administrative assistants?
Example: "I think the increasing implementation of technology in the workplace will be continuously beneficial to the role of an administrative assistant. Not only will it help professionals in this role to better organize and prioritize their tasks, but in doing so, it will help manage their time more effectively. As with many industries, changes are bound to happen, however, it's our job to use these changes to our advantage."
What to look for in an administrative assistant interview?
It’s important to find out if the person you’re interviewing is serious about being an administrative assistant and understands what the job entails. You want someone who is genuinely interested in the role — and also in your company.
What is the best way to hire an administrative assistant?
Hiring a great administrative assistant requires two things: knowing exactly what skills, experience and personality traits are necessary to succeed in the role and fit in at your organization — and recognizing those qualities in administrative candidates. It sounds simple enough.
What is the second part of the interview equation?
The second part of the equation — evaluating the candidate — is best accomplished through the job interview. Your choice of interview questions for administrative assistant candidates directly determines how much information you’re able to glean.
Do managers know the work style of candidates?
Managers often don’t know the work style of candidates until they’re on the job, but it’s worth asking about the way they take direction, their communication style, how they prefer to structure their day and whether they’re adaptive, dependable, efficient, able to multitask and so on.
How has your previous job experience prepared you for the position of an administrative officer?
Preferably, you will want to hire an administrative officer who has had previous experience in organization, communication and basic office management skills. However, this question can be applied to those with and without experience in the administrative field. You will be able to determine the candidate’s understanding of the position as well as how their past experience has laid the groundwork for them to succeed as an administrative officer.
Why did you apply for a position as an administrative officer at our company?
Every corporate entity has a unique brand or status. Also, each candidate has applied to your company for personal reasons. This question can help you ascertain if the applicant is just looking for a job or if they want to become a dedicated part of your organization. It answers this question: Is the candidate a mutual fit for your company?
What does a typical work day look like at your current or most recent administrative position?
There are many work styles and methodologies for accomplishing daily tasks at the office. You want an administrative officer who is dependable, trustworthy, efficient, flexible, discreet, self-motivated and able to multitask. It can be difficult to ascertain these qualities in an interview. This question will give you insight into the candidate’s work style from their own perspective. Look for a candidate who takes initiative for their daily tasks.
How would you handle an employee or colleague in the office with whom you do not get along?
It can affect everyone in the office and even extend company wide. You should seek a candidate who is proactive in resolving conflict and desires to put the organization’s needs first.
Why do hiring managers ask this question?
This question tests your general knowledge. Usually, hiring managers asks this question (and ones like it) to assess your level of expertise, allowing them to ensure you have the proper knowledge base for the role.
What do hiring managers prefer?
Hiring managers prefer candidates with traits that help them excel in the role. This question is an opportunity to showcase soft skills that allow you to thrive.
Why is attention to detail important?
As with all things technical, attention to detail is essential. A single wrong selection in a system can wreak havoc on an organization. As a detail-oriented individual, I take the time to evaluate my work to identify any potential errors, allowing me to correct them before they have any impact on the company.”
Can you apply questions to any job?
Those kinds of questions can apply to any job on the planet. But that doesn’t mean hiring managers don’t see them as important, so it’s good to be ready for them.
