Question Overview: A car is a necessity for most office clerks. They must travel to and from work and may need to visit clients, vendors and other business partners. A candidate that doesn't have a car may not be able to travel to these locations.
Sample Answer: I own a car and have no problem driving to work or visiting clients, vendors or other business partners.
Question Overview: Clerks work in a variety of industries and have a variety of job duties. The candidate's work experience will help you determine if they possess the skills and knowledge to perform the job duties you require. The candidate's work experience will also help you determine if they are a good fit for your company's culture.
Sample Answer: I have worked in the medical, legal and marketing industries as a clerk. I have performed data entry, word processing and document creation.
Question Overview: Clerks are a dime a dozen. You want to hire someone that stands out from the crowd. The candidate should possess the skills and attributes that make them unique and better than other candidates. They should be able to explain why they are the best candidate for the job.
Sample Answer: I have experience in multiple industries as a clerk, which gives me a broader understanding of information systems, standards and data processing. I have experience with IT protocol and standard practices. I have also worked with multiple software programs, such as Microsoft Office and Google Docs.
Question Overview: This question is a fun way to learn about the candidate's personality and interests. It's a great icebreaker question to start off the interview.
Sample Answer: My favorite song is "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz.
Question Overview: Clerks are the first point of contact for customers and clients. They are responsible for greeting customers, answering questions and providing assistance. The candidate's answer will indicate their level of customer service, how they prioritize tasks and how they handle stressful situations.
Sample Answer: I would take the call on hold and then attend to the family of four. I would apologize to the caller and let them know that I would be with them shortly. I would then attend to the family of four and help them with their questions.
Question Overview: Confrontation is a part of the job for clerks. They must deal with angry customers, business partners and visitors on a daily basis. The candidate's answer will reveal how they handle confrontations. A candidate that is well-prepared for confrontation is more likely to remain calm and handle the situation in a professional manner. They are more likely to have a higher success rate in dealing with confrontations.
Sample Answer: I've had to deal with angry customers and business partners in the past. I remain calm and handle the situation professionally.
Question Overview: The candidate's previous job will give you an idea of their work history and what they did in their previous job. Their previous job will also give you an idea of their experience level.
Sample Answer: I was a clerk in a medical office.
Question Overview: A candidate that wants to work for you is more likely to be a good fit for your company. They are motivated and have a desire to work for your company. They are interested in the job and want to work for your company. They are excited about the opportunity and want to work for you.
Sample Answer: I am interested in working for your company because I have heard great things about it. I want to be a part of a successful team.
Question Overview: Clerks are responsible for completing a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment. The right candidate will remain calm and collected when the workday becomes stressful. They will not let stress affect their work performance and will complete tasks in a timely manner.
Sample Answer: I handle stress by remaining calm and focused on the task at hand. I don't let stress affect my work performance. I complete tasks in a timely manner.
Question Overview: Friends and family members can provide insight into a candidate's personality. They can describe the candidate's personality, work ethic and work habits. Friends and family members can also provide information about the candidate's interests, hobbies and personal life.
Sample Answer: My friends would say that I'm a hard worker with a strong work ethic. I'm always on time and take pride in my work. They would also say that I'm a friendly person who enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Question Overview: Clerks deal with difficult clients on a daily basis. They must remain calm and professional when dealing with clients. Clerks must also be able to manage difficult situations and keep their cool. The candidate's answer will help you determine if they are able to handle stressful situations and remain calm.
Sample Answer: I've had experience dealing with difficult clients in my previous job. I always remained calm and professional when dealing with them. I would listen to their concerns and address them professionally.
Question Overview: This is a great question to ask a candidate that shows initiative. The right candidate will bring experience, skills and knowledge to your company. They will have the ability to perform tasks and duties that are vital to the success of your business. They will have a positive attitude and be a team player. They will be a valuable asset to your company.
Sample Answer: I have experience in the clerical field and can bring my skills and knowledge to your company. I'm a team player with a positive attitude and I'm eager to learn new skills.
Question Overview: A candidate's answer will indicate their desire to be a valuable asset to your company. They want to contribute to the company's success and will work hard to achieve this goal. They are willing to take on additional responsibilities and work hard to complete tasks. Their answer will also indicate their willingness to learn and grow in the position.
Sample Answer: I want to contribute my clerical skills and knowledge of office management to your company. I want to learn more about your business and help you grow.
Question Overview: Conflicts with superiors arise in the workplace. The candidate's response to conflicts will determine how they handle stressful situations. A candidate that can remain calm and handle conflicts professionally will be a valuable asset to your company.
Sample Answer: I've never had a conflict with my superiors. I always try to work out problems and find solutions with my coworkers and office manager.
Question Overview: Customer service skills are vital to the success of any business. Clerks must be friendly and helpful when dealing with customers. They must be able to communicate effectively and resolve customer issues. The right candidate will possess a positive attitude and a willingness to help customers.
Sample Answer: I treat customers with respect and courtesy. I'm always willing to help them with any questions they may have.
Question Overview: Office staff work closely with co-workers. They must resolve issues with each other to keep the office running smoothly. The candidate's answer will reveal their ability to work with others and their ability to resolve conflicts.
Sample Answer: I had a conflict with a co-worker over a project we were working on together. We were both working on the same project, but we had different ideas on how to complete it. We talked about our ideas and found a solution that worked for both of us.
Question Overview: The hiring manager wants to know when the candidate can start work. They want to know if the candidate has other commitments that will prevent them from starting work on time. The hiring manager wants to know if the candidate is available to start work immediately or if they have a few days to prepare for their new job.
Sample Answer: I can start work on Monday.
Question Overview: A candidate's answer to this question should be based on the job description and the company's needs. The best fit is a candidate that possesses the skills and experience to perform the job duties. The candidate should also possess the personality traits that fit well with the company culture.
Sample Answer: I have the skills and experience to perform the job duties. I am a hard worker, detail-oriented and a people person. I'm friendly and enjoy working in a team environment.
Question Overview: A difficult situation is one that requires you to think quickly and act decisively. As a clerk, you will encounter difficult situations on a daily basis. The right candidate will be able to handle these situations with ease and grace. They will be able to think on their feet and make the right decisions quickly.
Sample Answer: The most difficult situation I've ever been in was when I was working as a clerk in a law firm. I had to deal with a disgruntled client who was very upset about the outcome of his case. He was very angry and threatened to sue the company. I had to remain calm and deal with the situation in a professional manner.