Question Overview: This question reveals how a candidate feels about the company and whether they’re motivated to work there. It’s also a chance for you to learn more about the candidate’s career goals and aspirations.
Sample Answer: I’ve always been fascinated by the way technology is changing the way we live and work, and I’m excited to be part of a company that is on the cutting edge of innovation.
Question Overview: This question reveals how a candidate views the role of an executive assistant and whether they have the right attitude and aptitude for the job.
Sample Answer: I want to be an executive assistant because I’m passionate about supporting senior-level executives and making sure that they’re able to focus on their core responsibilities. I love being able to help people and make a positive impact on their lives.
Question Overview: Executive assistants are often responsible for managing their boss’s schedule, so it’s important to find out how they prioritize their own tasks. This question reveals how a candidate prioritizes their time and manages their workload.
Sample Answer: I use a combination of my Outlook calendar and Google Calendar to keep track of my tasks and appointments. I also take advantage of my company’s time-tracking software to make sure I’m staying on top of my workload.
Question Overview: Executive assistants are often put in the position of making decisions for their bosses. This question reveals how a candidate will handle this responsibility and make sound choices that benefit the company.
Sample Answer: My boss was out of the office for a week on business, so I had to make all of his travel arrangements. I had to decide whether to book him on a direct flight or a connecting flight, and I also had to decide whether to book him in first class or coach. I decided to book him on a direct flight in first class since he was traveling for business and would be able to work during the flight.
Question Overview: While this question is a common one, it’s important to ask it to determine how a candidate will handle their own shortcomings. This question reveals how a candidate will handle their own weaknesses and how they will handle the weaknesses of others.
Sample Answer: I’m a perfectionist, so I tend to spend too much time on projects and tasks until I feel like they’re perfect.
Question Overview: Executive assistants are often the first point of contact for new employees and vendors, so it’s important that they have a solid understanding of how to make a good first impression. This question reveals how a candidate will introduce themselves and make others feel welcome.
Sample Answer: I’m very excited to join the team and look forward to meeting everyone. I’ll be sure to introduce myself at our next team meeting and will be sure to follow up with a personal email to each person on the team.
Question Overview: This question reveals how a candidate will handle the stress of a high-pressure environment and how they will perform when faced with a challenge.
Sample Answer: I’m driven by the opportunity to help others and to make a difference in the world.
Question Overview: This question reveals how a candidate will sell themselves to a hiring manager. It’s important that they highlight their strengths and explain how they’re a good fit for the role.
Sample Answer: I’m an experienced executive assistant with over 10 years of experience supporting high-level executives. I’ve worked in both small and large companies, so I know how to work in a variety of environments. I’m passionate about helping people and making sure that everyone is happy and comfortable.
Question Overview: This question reveals how a candidate feels about their current role and whether they’re a good fit for your company. It also gives you insight into how they will react to the inevitable challenges that come with any job.
Sample Answer: I love working with my team and helping them achieve their goals. I’m not a huge fan of the commute, but I know that it’s worth it for the job I have.
Question Overview: Executive assistants are often expected to work long hours and weekends. This question reveals how a candidate will handle the demands of the job, which can often include working in the office until late at night and on weekends.
Sample Answer: I’m available to work from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday. I’m also happy to work some weekends and evenings when needed.
Question Overview: Executive assistants are often the first point of contact for a company’s most important stakeholders. This question reveals how a candidate will handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism.
Sample Answer: I’ve had to deal with angry customers before, but I’ve always tried to remain calm and collected. I’ve found that the best way to diffuse a situation is to listen to what the customer has to say, acknowledge their concerns and offer a solution.
Question Overview: An executive assistant’s job is often thankless, but it’s crucial to the success of a company. This question reveals how a candidate will handle the stress of a high-pressure job.
Sample Answer: The hardest part of my job is when I have to deliver bad news to my boss. I know how important it is to maintain a positive attitude and keep things running smoothly, so I’ve learned to deliver bad news in a way that doesn’t make my boss feel like I’m attacking him or her.
Question Overview: This question reveals how a candidate feels about their previous roles and what they enjoyed most about them. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more about their career trajectory and how they’ve grown professionally.
Sample Answer: My favorite job was working as a nanny for a family with two young children. I loved being able to help the kids with their homework and play games with them after school. I also loved being able to teach them new things and watch them grow.
Question Overview: This question reveals how a candidate will reflect their boss’s values and serve as an effective gatekeeper – all while diffusing volatile situations.
Sample Answer: I’m known by my friends as their personal tech support specialist, so I love fixing things when they go wrong and can master new tools and programs quickly.
Question Overview: Executive assistants are the gatekeepers of their companies, so it’s important to find someone who can be trusted with confidential information and who can be a strong representative of the company. This question reveals how a candidate will represent your company and how they will handle sensitive information.
Sample Answer: A good assistant is always aware of what’s going on in the office and is able to anticipate their boss’s needs. They are also able to work independently and prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines.
Question Overview: Executive assistants are often the first point of contact for high-level executives, so it’s important that they are comfortable and confident in their abilities. This question reveals how a candidate will react to pressure and criticism.
Sample Answer: I’m sure I want to be an executive assistant because I love working with people and have a passion for helping others. I’m also excited to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
Question Overview: Executive assistants must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of management, from entry-level employees to the CEO. This question reveals how a candidate will navigate tense situations and maintain positive relationships with difficult managers.
Sample Answer: I’m always willing to listen to other people’s points of view, even if I don’t agree with them. I’m also very good at finding common ground and building rapport. I believe that if you can understand where someone is coming from, you can work together more effectively.
Question Overview: Executive assistants are often the first line of defense when a company faces a crisis. This question reveals how a candidate will react to stressful situations and how they will handle delicate situations diplomatically.
Sample Answer: I was working with a new executive who was very hard to reach. He was constantly on the move, traveling from one meeting to the next, and I was never able to get in touch with him directly. I had to reschedule several meetings and conference calls because he wasn’t available. I eventually learned that he had changed his phone number and email address without telling anyone. I found his new contact information and updated our records so that we could reach him more easily in the future.
Question Overview: Executive assistants are the gatekeepers to their bosses’ time and schedules. This question reveals how a candidate will interact with senior leaders, which is crucial to ensuring that the executive assistant is a trusted member of the team.
Sample Answer: I always make sure to greet senior leaders with a smile and a firm handshake. I’m always prepared for meetings and have an eye for detail, so I’m always on top of their schedules and can anticipate any questions they might have. I’m also very good at anticipating their needs and making sure they have everything they need before they even ask.
Question Overview: An executive assistant is often the first point of contact for multiple directors, so it’s important that they know how to prioritize tasks and work with competing demands. This question reveals how a candidate will handle these situations.
Sample Answer: I would first determine the urgency of each request and then assign tasks based on the order in which they need to be completed. If I had a few minutes to spare, I would also check in with each director to see if there were any other tasks that they needed help with.