Top Administrative Assistant Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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 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 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 the candidate is willing to give their all.

Sample Answer: I am willing to give my all to this job. I know that it is a crucial part of the functioning of the entire office, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that happens.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know what they are willing to give?
• - Do they know how to give their all?
• - Do they know how to make sacrifices

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 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 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 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 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 the candidate is interested in the company and the position.

Sample Answer: I was attracted to this company because I have been following it for a long time and really like what you do. I am interested in this position because it will give me a chance to work with a new team and learn a lot about a new industry.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know why they are interested in the company?
• - Do they know why they are interested in the position?
• - Do they know what they want to get out of the job

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if this candidate has the background to be successful in the position.

Sample Answer: I have a background in business and marketing. I worked for a company that sold office supplies, and I learned how to manage inventory, sales and marketing. I am passionate about real estate, and I am passionate about my job.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have the skills and experience to do the job?
• - Do they have a passion for real estate?
• - Do they have a passion for their job?

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see how the candidate deals with difficult situations.

Sample Answer: I try to take a deep breath and count to 10. Then I take a break from the situation and come back when I am calmer. When I return, I try to find out what happened and why it happened. I try to be as empathetic as possible.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know how to deal with anger/frustration?
• - Do they know how to deal with anger/frustration in a professional manner?
• - Do they know how to deal with anger/frustration in a way that makes them look good

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

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if the candidate has a clear idea of what they want.

Sample Answer: I'm looking for a job that will let me use my skills to the fullest. I want to be able to work with people and help them get things done. I don't want to be stuck in an office all day, but I do want to be able to work with people.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know what they want?
• - Do they have a clear vision of what they want?
• - Do they have a clear idea of what they don't want

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see how they think about the people in their life.

Sample Answer: My mother, my father and my brother are the most influential people in my life. My mother taught me to be strong and independent, my father taught me to be a hard worker and my brother taught me to be confident in myself.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a strong sense of who is influential in their life?
• - Do they know why these people are influential?
• - Do they know how to be influential

Question Overview: The goal of the question is to see if this candidate can self-reflect and improve.

Sample Answer: My current supervisor would say that I need to be more organized. I'm working on that, and I think I'm getting better at it.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know what their weaknesses are?
• - Do they know how to improve?
• - Do they know how to ask for help

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 this candidate is a good fit for the company.

Sample Answer: I love working here. The atmosphere is very friendly and I feel like I can really be myself. I like that I have a chance to work with so many different people, and that I get to help make things happen.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they know what the company does?
• - Do they know what the company culture is like?
• - Do they know what the company values are?

Question Overview: The goal is to see if they have a long-term plan for their career.

Sample Answer: I am planning on staying in this position for at least another year, and then I am hoping to move into a more managerial position. I am not sure what that will entail, but I am hoping to learn more about that as I go along.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Do they have a sense of where they want to be in the future?
• - Do they know what they want to do next?
• - Do they know how to get there