Administrative assistant interview questions are an integral part of the selection process. Never take the interview process for granted, because the way you perform in the interview plays a large part in the final decision of the employer regarding your selection or rejection from the interview. Individuals who are more keen to beautify their resume and cover letter and their outer appearance need to realize the fact that an interviewer might excuse anything he/she considers as wrong, but if you fail to make the right impression while being interviewed, you may lose all the chances of getting selected.
An administrative assistant is the one who looks after all the secretarial tasks for the administration. These tasks include documentation, presentation, scheduling and canceling meetings, handling communication with external parties, etc. As an administrative assistant, a person has to juggle between multiple tasks, use electronic tools, travel, negotiate, and perform several other functions. He/she needs to be highly energetic, confident, patient, communicative, and a positive individual who knows how to maintain a balanced flow in order to execute the assigned tasks with perfection.
The administrative assistant interview questions test you on several parameters. For your reference, we have provided a set of questions along with suggestions to answer the question in a way that it becomes easy for you to communicate and establish an identity of a perfect match for the job.
Question 1: Tell us about your qualifications and work experience. Do you think they are relevant to this position?
Answer: The answer to the first part of this question is easy. However, answering the second part may be a bit stressful. You are required not just to describe, but to convince the interviewer that your academic qualifications, skills, and experience make you a perfect match and if required, you can also adapt new skills and techniques easily.
Question 2: Which computer applications are you proficient in?
Answer: It is obvious that you will have to use a large number of applications to execute the job duties. However, do not create a false impression of being technically proficient by stating that you are well versed in applications that you have never used. It may help you to impress the interviewer, but when you will fail to use the same during the test or after being employed, then you might get terminated from the job. The choice is yours.
Question 3: What is your biggest professional achievement?
Answer: Your biggest professional achievement can be a compliment from your senior or a certificate or recognition that appreciates your contribution or even the feedback of the human resource manager.
Question 4: What are your strengths and weaknesses? Do you have any plan to overcome your weaknesses?
Answer: This is one of the most intriguing interview questions that is asked to almost every individual appearing for any kind of job. While describing your strengths is easy, it sometimes becomes difficult to accept what your weaknesses are. However, it won't be a regressive factor, because the employer sooner or later can point out your weaknesses. Therefore, it is better to accept the same, as it will strengthen your image of being a professional who is ready to accept and learn.
Question 5: What salary do you expect for this job?
Answer: Expectations are mostly different from reality. You need to learn the average salary offered in other companies for this position and accordingly state your expectations. Do not hesitate in negotiating unless you feel that the salary offered by the company fulfills your requirements. However, do not hesitate to compromise with the salary if the job has tremendous opportunity for growth.
Question 6: On a scale of 1-10, where do you rate yourself?
Answer: Rate yourself and justify your rating. It will give an impression that you are aware of what you can do and in which areas you need improvement.
Question 7: What made you apply at our organization?
Answer: To answer this question, first you need to research about the organization and gather as much information as you can. It is obvious that you will not be able to learn everything in a short period of time, still you need to justify what made you apply at this organization.
Question 8: Do you have any questions?
Answer: Ask whatever you feel like you should know about the organization. It will give an impression that you are inquisitive and also interested to know more about the organization you have chosen to work with.
The questions and suggestions for the administrative assistant interview have been provided in order to prepare easily for the interview and be more confident to face the interviewer.