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: 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 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: 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 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 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 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: 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: 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 will handle stressful situations and work through roadblocks. It’s important to find out how a candidate will react when they’re faced with a difficult task or situation.
Sample Answer: The most challenging part of my last project was when I had to work with a vendor who was very difficult to reach. I had to be very persistent and patient, but I was able to get the information I needed and complete the project on time.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to ask this question because it will help you understand what the candidate is good at and what they need to work on.
Sample Answer: My previous employer would say that I’m a hard worker who is always willing to go above and beyond, but that I need to learn how to say no when I’m overwhelmed.
Question Overview: This is a standard question that gives you an opportunity to learn more about the candidate’s background, experience and personality.
Sample Answer: I’m a hardworking, detail-oriented person who is passionate about customer service. I’ve been working in the customer service industry for over 10 years and have been an executive assistant for the past three years. I’m looking for a new opportunity where I can continue to grow and develop my skills.
Question Overview: A successful executive assistant is an expert on their company’s history, structure and mission. This question reveals how well a candidate understands the company’s goals and objectives, which will help them serve their executive more effectively.
Sample Answer: I know that you were founded in 1887 as a small, family-owned hospital. You’ve grown to become one of the largest hospitals in the state, with over 1,000 beds and over 100 outpatient locations. I also know that you have a reputation for providing excellent patient care and are known for your cutting-edge research.
Question Overview: Executive assistants are often tasked with streamlining processes and saving their employers time and money. This question reveals how a candidate will approach these tasks, which are crucial to the success of any company.
Sample Answer: I streamlined my company’s expense reporting process by creating a Google Sheet that automatically calculates mileage and fuel costs for each trip. This saved my boss over $3,000 in the first year alone.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal a candidate’s personality and sense of humor. It’s a fun way to get to know them outside of the formal interview process.
Sample Answer: I’d be a taco because I’m spicy, delicious and always full of surprises.
Question Overview: Executive assistants are responsible for helping their bosses achieve success, so it’s important to find out how a candidate defines success. This question reveals how a candidate will help their boss achieve their goals and what they expect to get out of the job.
Sample Answer: Success to me is helping my boss achieve his or her goals. I want to be a part of a team that is working towards the same goal and I want to be recognized for my contributions.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal how a candidate will sell themselves to an employer. Ask this question to find out how a candidate will convince you that they’re the right fit for your company.
Sample Answer: I’m a hard worker who is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. I’m also a great communicator who can build strong relationships with my coworkers and clients. I’m passionate about my work and love helping people, which is why I’m excited to work for your company.
Question Overview: Healthcare executives are often very busy and need a dedicated assistant who can keep up with their hectic schedules. This question reveals how a candidate will handle the fast-paced nature of the healthcare industry.
Sample Answer: I’ve always been interested in the healthcare industry because it’s so important to our society. I’ve always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, and I think that working for a healthcare company is the best way to do that.
Question Overview: This question reveals how a candidate will represent your company and brand. It also gives you insight into the candidate’s self-perception and how they view their own strengths and weaknesses.
Sample Answer: I would hope that my last employer would describe me as hardworking, dedicated and organized.