Top Administrative Assistant Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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 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 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 this candidate has a plan for their career.

Sample Answer: I see myself continuing to be an administrative assistant. I love the work and I am good at it. I see myself doing this job for a long time.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a plan for their career?
• - Do they know what they want to do in 10 years?
• - Do they have a sense of how to get there

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if the candidate has any experience with spreadsheets.

Sample Answer: I have used spreadsheets before. I know how to use them to track information and I have used them to make schedules.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know what a spreadsheet is?
• - Do they know how to use one?
• - Do they have experience with them?

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they have a sense of what they are looking for in a job.

Sample Answer: I am looking for a company that is growing and that has a lot of opportunity for me to grow with it. I want to be able to work with people who are smart and who I can learn from. I want to be able to work in a place that has a good sense of humor and where people are friendly.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know what they are looking for?
• - Do they know how to articulate their needs?
• - Do they know how to prioritize their needs

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if this candidate knows how to translate their past experience into this new role.

Sample Answer: I have been working in an office environment for 10 years, and I have a lot of experience with the day-to-day operations of an office. I have a good sense of how to keep things running smoothly, and I know how to prioritize my work so that I can get things done.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know how their past experience helps them?
• - Do they know how to translate that experience into this role?
• - Do they know how to make their past experience relevant

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

Sample Answer: I have a great sense of organization, and I can keep my head on straight when there are lots of things happening at once. I always make sure to prioritize the most important things first, and then I get the rest done.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know how to juggle multiple tasks?
• - Do they know how to prioritize tasks?
• - Do they know how to manage their time

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if they understand their role in the office.

Sample Answer: My job is to make sure that the executive has everything they need to do their job. I am the person who makes sure that all the information is available and that everyone else in the office knows what's going on.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know what their job is?
• - Do they understand the role of an administrative assistant?
• - Do they understand the role of an executive assistant?

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

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 is to see if the candidate is realistic about their value.

Sample Answer: I am looking for a salary of $45,000 a year. I have a lot of experience and am confident that I am worth this salary.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know what their skills are worth?
• - Do they know how to negotiate?
• - Do they know what the market is paying for their skills