This Administrative Assistant interview question list brings together an overview of what to look for in candidates with a balanced sample of suitable interview questions. Feel free to tailor it to suit your company and the vacancy you need to fill.
Administrative Assistants are found in all types of industries. This is usually an entry level position with wide-ranging duties. The best administrative assistants are well organised, meticulous, with great attention to details and have the attitude that no job is too small. The ability to “manage up” is also valuable in this role.
Some tasks, such as data entry, report preparation, calendar management require proficiency with workplace software such as Microsoft Office. Use these interviews as an opportunity to evaluate these skills. Some employers may even include a short skills test in the interview process. If there is a specific skill that you need, such as travel coordination, be sure to add questions about that to this list. Some employers may even include a skills test in the interview process or as part of the recruitment and selection procedure. If there is a specific skill that you need, be sure to add questions about that to this list.
The following open-ended and situational interview questions will encourage your candidates to speak at length about their relevant experience. Use them to guide the interview, and ask follow up questions. You won’t need every single question. They will help you get a sense of their interpersonal skills, such as how well they manage, how well they can work on a team, and what motivates them as employees. The best candidates will be able to articulate what interests them about your company, and will contribute several prepared and spontaneous questions of their own to the conversation.
- Why did you decide to apply for this position?
- What aspects of the job appeal to you?
- Tell us more about your experience in the following: (insert specific skills areas, technology or knowledge requirements necessary for this role in your company)
- What strengths will you bring to the position?
- What has been the most difficult situation you have had to deal with?
- Which of your previous jobs have you enjoyed the most? Why?
- What area of experience/skill will you need to develop if you get the job? How will you get it?
- What type of person do you find the most challenging to work with?
- If you support multiple people at one company, how do you decide which projects to work on first?
- Have you ever had to execute a project with a small budget, or a lack of resources? How did you address these issues?
- Have you ever been on a team with a difficult coworker? How did you handle it?
- Describe a time you worked with a team to meet a common goal. What was your role?
- Describe a time you suggested a way to save time, lower costs, or help the organisation in any way.
- What does “managing up” mean to you? In what ways have you done that?
- Some of this work can be repetitive. What motivates you to excel in this role?
- How do you go about organizing your day?
- What are some of your techniques for handling personal stress?
- Who has been your best manager? Why?
- What would you do to contribute towards supporting our positive work environment and culture?
- Have you any questions?
Click here for a job description that you can customise to your company and use to post on job boards.
