Top Administrative Assistant Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they have a realistic view of what a job can offer.

Sample Answer: I expect to be challenged and to learn new things. I want to work with people who are positive and supportive. I want to be able to contribute my skills and talents.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a realistic view of what a job can offer?
• - Do they know what they want in a job?
• - Do they know what they can offer a job

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they are interested in the company.

Sample Answer: I know that you are a leader in your industry, and that you have been in business for over 20 years. I also know that you have a great reputation for treating your employees well and that you have a lot of growth potential.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know something about the company?
• - Do they have a sense of what is important to the company?
• - Do they have a sense of what the company does?

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they are leaving for a better opportunity.

Sample Answer: I am leaving my current job because I am looking for a position that offers more opportunities for growth. I want to be able to use my skills and experience in a way that will help me grow professionally.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a concrete reason for leaving?
• - Do they have a good reason for leaving?
• - Do they understand why they are leaving?

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if this candidate can learn from their mistakes.

Sample Answer: My biggest success was when I was able to help my boss get a promotion. I was working for a manager who had been passed over for promotion several times, and I knew he had the skills and abilities to do the job. I made sure to keep track of his work and accomplishments, and when the time came for promotion, I made sure to be there to support him.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a sense of what they have learned from their mistakes?
• - Do they have a sense of what they have learned from their successes?
• - Do they know how to take advantage of their successes

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they can handle multiple tasks at once.

Sample Answer: I have a very clear sense of what is most important at any given time, and I make sure to focus on that. I also have a very good sense of how long things take me, so I can plan my day accordingly.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a sense of how to prioritize?
• - Do they know how to handle multiple tasks at once?
• - Do they know how to manage their time

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to find out if they are a good fit for the company.

Sample Answer: I have always admired your company because you are a leader in your industry, and I want to be part of that. I know that you value your employees, and I feel that I can be an important part of your team.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know what the company does?
• - Do they know what the company values?
• - Do they know why they are a good fit for the company?

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they have experience in the field.

Sample Answer: I have been an administrative assistant for 10 years, and I have been working in this industry for 20 years. I have a strong sense of what is needed for this job, and I know how to do it.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have experience in the field?
• - Do they have a good sense of what is needed for this job?
• - Do they know what their experience is

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if the candidate knows how to prepare for a technical interview.

Sample Answer: I like to take a look at the company's website and see what they do. Then I read up on the company's products and services. I also like to look at the job description and see what skills are needed. Then I make sure I have those skills.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know how to prepare for a technical interview?
• - Do they know what to expect?
• - Do they know how to study for a technical interview

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they can be honest about their past.

Sample Answer: I didn't like that I was so far removed from the action. I like being at the center of things, and in my last job I felt like I was on the periphery.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a sense of what they liked and didn't like about their previous position?
• - Do they know how to be honest about their past?
• - Do they know how to learn from their past

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if the candidate has a history of staying in one place.

Sample Answer: I have worked for my former employer for 10 years. I enjoy the work and the people, and I am very comfortable in my position.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a history of staying in one place?
• - Do they have a history of moving around?
• - Do they have a history of staying in one place for a long time?

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if this candidate can be proud of their work.

Sample Answer: I am proud of the way I handled a situation with a difficult client. I was able to get him to see that we were on his side and were working hard to help him.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a sense of pride in their work?
• - Do they have a strong sense of accomplishment?
• - Do they know how to be proud of their work

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they have a life outside of work.

Sample Answer: I love to read, and I also enjoy cooking. I am always looking for new recipes to try out.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a life outside of work?
• - Do they know what they like to do?
• - Do they have a sense of their own interests

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they have the experience to do the job.

Sample Answer: I have booked travel for executives and their families for over 10 years. I know how to find the best deals and how to make sure that everyone has a smooth trip.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have experience booking travel?
• - Do they know how to book travel?
• - Do they have a good sense of what is involved in booking travel?

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if the candidate is honest and can learn from mistakes.

Sample Answer: I try to learn from my mistakes, and when I make one I try to figure out what I did wrong and how I can do better next time.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a good sense of mistakes?
• - Are they able to learn from them?
• - Do they know how to take responsibility for them

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they are a good fit for the team.

Sample Answer: I can contribute my strong organizational skills and my ability to make sure that everyone in the office has the information they need when they need it. I am also very good at keeping the office running smoothly and efficiently.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a clear sense of what they can contribute?
• - Do they know what is needed from them?
• - Do they know how to contribute

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if the candidate is a good fit for the position.

Sample Answer: I would be a good fit for this position because I have 10 years of experience in this field, and I am very organized and detail-oriented. I also have a great deal of experience working with people, and I am confident that I can make this office run smoothly.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know why they are a good fit?
• - Do they have a sense of what the company needs?
• - Do they have a sense of what they can bring to the table

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they are self-aware and know how to improve their skills.

Sample Answer: I'm always looking for ways to improve my skills. I read books on the subject, and I go to seminars. I also talk with other administrative assistants, and I ask them how they do things differently.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know what they need to work on?
• - Do they know how to improve their skills?
• - Do they have a plan for improvement

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if this candidate can deal with difficult people.

Sample Answer: I would try to understand what the person's problem was and then try to work with them to find a solution. I would also try to get the person to talk about what was bothering them so that I could help them.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know how to handle difficult people?
• - Do they know how to keep their cool?
• - Do they know how to diffuse a situation

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if this candidate can work well with others.

Sample Answer: I expect my team mates to be open and honest with me. I want to know what's going on with them so I can help them if they need it. I also expect them to be open and honest with each other, so we can all work together better.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know how to communicate effectively?
• - Do they know how to work with others?
• - Do they know how to work in a team