Question Overview: This question is a trap. The best way to answer it is to turn your weakness into a strength. For example, if you are a perfectionist, you can say that you sometimes work too hard to make sure everything is done perfectly, but that your perfectionism has made you a better administrator.
Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist, so I sometimes work too hard to make sure everything is done perfectly. But my perfectionism has made me a better administrator.
Question Overview: A school administrator must be able to analyze the problems of a school and develop a plan to address them. You want to know that your administrator understands the root causes of poor performance and has the knowledge and experience to address them.
Sample Answer: I would first analyze the school's strengths and weaknesses. I would then develop a plan to address the weaknesses and implement it.
Question Overview: The best administrators are able to manage stakeholders, even those who are unreasonable. You want to know how your administrator will react to a difficult situation and how they will handle a difficult person.
Sample Answer: I've had to deal with a few unreasonable stakeholders in my time, but I've always been able to remain professional and work with them toward a mutually beneficial solution.
Question Overview: This is a question that will help you determine if the candidate is actually interested in the position. It will also give you an idea of how well they know your company.
Sample Answer: I'm very interested in working for your company because I've heard great things about it and I think it would be a great fit for me.
Question Overview: An administrator's future plans are an indicator of his or her commitment to professional development. If an administrator has no plans for growth, it's a sign he or she is content with the status quo and may be less likely to take initiative or be proactive in his or her work.
Sample Answer: I'm interested in advancing my skills and knowledge in business administration and management. I'm also interested in pursuing a master's degree in business administration.
Question Overview: Mistakes are inevitable in business. An administrator must be able to recognize and address mistakes, learn from them and move on. In addition, an administrator must be able to identify mistakes made by others and address them in a constructive way.
Sample Answer: I've always taken responsibility for my own mistakes and learned from them. I've also been able to identify mistakes made by others and address them in a constructive way.
Question Overview: The best administrators are always on the clock, even when they're not at work. They're constantly thinking about their work and how to improve it. They're always looking for ways to streamline processes and cut down on time-wasters. They're always thinking about how to do more with less.
Sample Answer: I use a variety of time-management techniques, including prioritizing tasks, setting goals and breaking down large projects into smaller tasks.
Question Overview: A business administrator must be able to work well with others, including managers, peers and subordinates. The best administrators are able to work with a variety of personalities and styles while still maintaining their own professionalism.
Sample Answer: I've worked with a variety of different people in my career, and I've always been able to find common ground and work effectively with them.
Question Overview: The best administrators are adept at handling difficult clients. They are able to maintain a professional relationship while also being assertive and firm when necessary. They also know how to tactfully handle a client's anger or frustration without compromising their own integrity or the company's reputation.
Sample Answer: I would listen carefully to the client's concerns and address them directly. I would also be sure to document the conversation in case there were any misunderstandings.
Question Overview: The best administrators are always calm, cool and collected. They're also able to effectively manage stress and conflict. You want to know how your administrator would handle a difficult situation, like a coworker or customer yelling at him or her.
Sample Answer: I'd calmly ask the person to repeat himself or herself, then explain my position and why I made the decision I did.
Question Overview: An administrator must be a lifelong learner, so you want to know his or her ideal learning environment. Is it a classroom, a conference, a book or a mentor? What is the best way for this person to learn?
Sample Answer: I like to learn by doing. I've found that the best way for me to learn is by taking on new responsibilities and projects.
Question Overview: An administrator's job is to solve problems, and sometimes the best solutions are those that are outside the box. You want to know that your administrator is not only creative but also able to effectively communicate his or her ideas to others.
Sample Answer: I would gather information on similar problems and their solutions, then apply what I learned to the current situation.
Question Overview: An administrator's job is never done. Even if you have an assistant, you'll want to know that your administrator is willing to work overtime when necessary.
Sample Answer: I'm always willing to work extra hours when necessary.
Question Overview: An administrator must be able to sell the company's product or service to clients, vendors and other stakeholders. This requires a thorough knowledge of the product or service, its features and benefits, and how it compares to competitors' offerings.
Sample Answer: I'd begin by explaining the product's features and benefits, then I'd demonstrate how it compares to competitors' offerings. I'd also make sure to highlight the company's reputation for quality and reliability.
Question Overview: This question is a double-edged sword. You want to know why your candidate is leaving his or her current job, but you also want to know why he or she is leaving your company. If the candidate has a good reason for leaving, you want to know what it is. If the candidate doesn't have a good reason for leaving, you want to know that too.
Sample Answer: I'm looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to grow professionally.
Question Overview: An administrator must be able to not only organize but also facilitate meetings and events. This includes not only setting up the logistics but also managing the flow of information and ideas, keeping the meeting on track and on time, and ensuring that everyone is heard and that decisions are made.
Sample Answer: I've organized a variety of meetings, including weekly staff meetings, quarterly departmental meetings and annual conferences. I've been able to keep these events on schedule while ensuring that all attendees have been heard.
Question Overview: An administrator's experience and skills are the foundation of his or her professional identity. You want to know how your candidate has developed and demonstrated these qualities in the past.
Sample Answer: I've developed my skills by taking continuing education courses, reading industry journals and networking with colleagues.
Question Overview: The most difficult thing on your last job position? That's a loaded question. You want to know what challenges your administrator faces on a daily basis and how he or she handles them. You also want to know how the administrator would handle similar challenges in your company.
Sample Answer: The most difficult thing on my last job position was managing the team. I had a very small budget and a lot of work to do, so I had to be very creative with how I allocated resources.
Question Overview: You want to know that your administrator is a Cy-Fair alumnus because it shows that he or she has a strong sense of loyalty and pride in the institution. Moreover, it demonstrates that he or she has a strong sense of community and is willing to give back to the community in which he or she was raised.
Sample Answer: I chose Cy-Fair because I wanted to be a part of a great school with a strong reputation. I also wanted to be able to stay close to home.
Question Overview: Background checks are standard for administrative positions, and you want to know your candidate is not only qualified but also trustworthy.
Sample Answer: Yes, I've never had a criminal record or been sued for any reason.