By Mike SimpsonWhen it comes to your job search, practically nothing feels as momentous as meeting with the hiring manager. And since the position of executive assistant often acts as a real linchpin in any company or organization, the hiring manager is going to be particularly careful in finding the “perfect candidate”. After all, if they hire the wrong person the whole operation could go down in flames on the first day. (Ok so I’m exaggerating A LITTLE. But you know how key you are 😉 ) Show
So there’s a chance you’re a bit nervous for this upcoming interview… But don’t worry. We’ve got your back. In this post we’re going to break down the top 30 executive assistant interview questions you need to be ready for and give you sample answers you can use for inspiration. Let’s get cracking! How to Answer Executive Assistant Interview QuestionsYou know that nailing your executive assistant interview question answers is essential. If you don’t impress the hiring manager quickly, you probably won’t land the job. It is really that simple. Now, this doesn’t mean you should panic. Far from it. Understanding how important your answers are can actually be incredibly motivating and even empowering. You just have to be ready to do what it takes to stand out. So, you’re ready to do what it takes; you’re willing to learn all you need to know. Now what? Well, it’s strategy time! First things first, in case you didn’t know or are transitioning from one to the other, an executive assistant and an administrative assistant are two different things. Usually, an executive assistant position is considered a higher-level position. The focus is on supporting company higher-ups and the duties are generally elevated while administrative assistants typically provide general support to an entire department or office. Why does that difference matter? Because it means you’ll face different kinds of questions. You need to adjust your expectations based on the nature of the role. If you don’t, you’ll struggle. Okay, with that out of the way, it’s time to dig in. When you are trying to figure out the best way to answer executive interview questions, having a formula is the way to go. What is that magic formula? The strategies to trump all others? A combination of the STAR and Tailoring Methods. The STAR method is something we’ve covered in depth before. But, for those who aren’t familiar, here’s a brief overview: STAR is an acronym. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Essentially, it’s a storytelling approach. The STAR method is your ticket to answering behavioral questions perfectly. With the STAR method, you can share details about what you bring to the table in a compelling way. First, you set a scene, outlining what was occurring. Second, you give insight into your responsibilities that relate to the scenario. Third, you dive into the actions you took, including what impacted any decisions you made along the way. Finally, you bring it home with a strong closing, letting the hiring manager know how things turned out. MIKE'S TIP: When you answer any executive assistant interview question with an example, you usually want to quantify the details. But only share the numbers if they work in your favor. If you saved or earned a company $2,000, share that number! However, if your efforts only saved or earned $50, you might want to let the hiring manager imagination take that one and skip that detail. Alright, so now you know how to share the story. That’s a great start. But your work isn’t done yet. If you really want to speak the hiring manager’s language, it’s time for Tailoring. The Tailoring method is really all about what it sounds like. You want to customize your answers based on the potential employer’s needs and priorities. It’s all about speaking to the hiring manager’s must-haves and showcasing yourself as a solution to their problems. Mainly, you want to create an irresistible value proposition. You need to make sure the hiring manager doesn’t have any doubts about how you can help the company reach its goals. How do you do that? By sharing relevant examples. When you choose the stories you’re going to tell, select the ones that showcase your achievements in areas that matter to the prospective employer. Make your responses all about what you can do for the company, not what they can do for you. We also wanted to let you know that we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview. After all, hiring managers will often ask you more generalized interview questions along with their executive assistant specific questions! Click below to get your free PDF now: Get Our Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet!FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET: Get our "Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet" that gives you "word-word sample answers to the most common job interview questions you'll face at your next interview. CLICK HERE TO GET THE JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS CHEAT SHEET Top 3 Executive Assistant Interview QuestionsNow you have a strategy, so it’s time for the next step: Reviewing executive assistant interview questions and some example answers. In many cases, your interview isn’t going to be easy. In fact, you should be worried if the questions are too simple. Employee satisfaction rises when the interview is a 4 out of 5 on the difficulty scale. Embrace the challenge! Here’s a look at the top three executive assistant interview questions and answers that can show you what to expect and what an amazing response looks like: 1. If you were given confidential information by the executive you support and another executive asked questions about it, what would you do?Many executive assistants are privy to confidential and sensitive information. Hiring managers ask this question to gauge a candidate’s level of discretion and approach to a potentially challenging situation. Navigating office politics isn’t easy, and this is a scenario where that may be in play. EXAMPLE ANSWER:
2. If an angry person called and demanded to speak with the executive you support, who is currently unavailable, how would you handle it?Executive assistants typically act as gatekeepers for the higher-ups they support. On occasion, that means taking calls for people who are upset, or even irate, and are demanding to be put through to the executive. The hiring manager wants to know that you can diffuse the situation quickly and effectively. EXAMPLE ANSWER:
3. What strategies do you use for time management when you have multiple pressing assignments at the same time?As an executive assistant, you typically have to juggle several tasks and adapt to changing priorities. The hiring manager will want to know that you can handle it without succumbing to the pressure. EXAMPLE ANSWER:
27 More Executive Assistant Interview QuestionsHere are additional executive assistant interview questions you might face during a meeting with the hiring manager:
5 Good Questions to Ask at the End of an Executive Assistant InterviewAt the end of nearly every interview, you’re presented with an opportunity. You can ask questions that help you figure out if this is the job for you. If you don’t know what to ask, here are some questions to keep in your back pocket.
Here are some more great questions to ask the interviewer. Putting It All TogetherLet’s face facts; going to an interview is nerve-racking. But, with the right preparation, you can deliver amazing answers to any executive assistant interview questions that come your way. Just make sure to remember your strategy, rehearse your responses, and prepare your examples. And don’t forget, you’re an excellent candidate. You just have to show that to the hiring manager. FREE: Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet!Download our "Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet" that gives you word-for-word sample answers to some of the most common interview questions including:
Click Here To Get The Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat SheetCo-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan, Penn State, Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page. Why are you interested in this position?“Why are you interested in this position?” asks you to describe your existing skills, what you value in the company, and your knowledge about the company and its goals as they relate to this specific role.
What do you believe an executive assistant brings to a company?Their role is to help support their executive's work by providing key administrative support. Their duties usually include diary management, minute taking and travel planning, but they can extend to tasks such as budget management, event planning and project management.
How do I sell myself as an executive assistant?The best way to show that you would be an excellent fit for an executive assistant position is to talk about your ability to communicate with people at every level of the organization. Tell the interviewer about your communication skills and your ability to adapt based on your audience.
What is your greatest strength as an executive assistant *?High-performing Assistants are smart, confident, excellent communicators and strategic thinkers. They are problem solvers, happy to take the initiative and can proactively support the objectives and goals of their Executive's and their organisations.
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