Top Office Assistant Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Office Assistant interview by going through these most asked Office Assistant interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: Have you ever audited your own work?
  • Question Overview: An office assistant is often the first person to notice when something is amiss. It's their job to ensure that everything is in its proper place and that nothing is missing. This requires them to be honest with themselves and their work.

    Sample Answer: I'm always looking for ways to improve my work. I know that if I don't audit my own work, then no one else will. I'm always looking for ways to improve my work and make sure everything is in its proper place.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to be self-critical
    • - Confidence in their work
    • - Track record of noticing mistakes

  • Question: Why did you apply for this job?
  • Question Overview: The office assistant role is a crucial position in any company. It's important to hire someone who has a genuine interest in the work they'll be doing. You want to hire someone who is excited about the opportunity to help your company grow and succeed.

    Sample Answer: I've been working as an office assistant for over a decade. I'm looking for a new challenge and want to work for a company that is dedicated to growth and success. I'm excited about the opportunity to help your company grow and succeed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A genuine interest in the job
    • - A desire to work for your company
    • - A track record of success in similar roles

  • Question: What are your plans after graduation?
  • Question Overview: You want to hire someone who is eager to grow within your organization. You want someone who is willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities. You want someone who is willing to put in the time and effort to learn the ropes and become a valuable asset for your company.

    Sample Answer: I'm planning on taking the CPA exam in the next year or two. I'm also looking into taking some classes at night to get my MBA. I'm excited about the opportunities that will open up after I complete these courses.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A clear plan for the future
    • - Confidence in their goals
    • - A willingness to learn

  • Question: What are your shortcomings?
  • Question Overview: The office assistant is a jack-of-all-trades. They are responsible for a variety of tasks and duties. The trick is finding someone who is honest about their shortcomings and can explain how they plan to overcome them.

    Sample Answer: I'm not great at public speaking or writing. I'm working on becoming more comfortable in front of a crowd and am taking a public speaking class. I'm also working on my writing skills by taking a creative writing class.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty about shortcomings
    • - Plans to overcome shortcomings
    • - Ability to articulate plans

  • Question: Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a patient.
  • Question Overview: The best way to identify a great candidate for office assistant is to ask them about a time they went above and beyond for someone. This is a great question to ask because it gets them thinking about the specific details of the situation. You want to hire someone who is able to think on their feet and make quick decisions.

    Sample Answer: I had a patient who was having trouble with their insurance company. I spent hours on the phone with them and their insurance company until they were able to get the care they needed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A willingness to go above and beyond
    • - A history of going above and beyond
    • - A desire to help others

  • Question: What is your opinion on cleavage at work?
  • Question Overview: You want to hire someone who is professional and mature. You want to find someone who is capable of acting professionally in any situation. You want to find someone who is capable of handling any situation with poise and grace.

    Sample Answer: I understand that cleavage is not appropriate in the office. I have never worn anything that would be considered inappropriate for work. I have always been mindful of my appearance and how it reflects on my employer.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A professional opinion on the matter
    • - An understanding of what your company's policy is
    • - Acknowledgement that cleavage is not appropriate in the office

  • Question: How would you ensure the privacy and confidentiality of residents?
  • Question Overview: The office assistant is often the first person to greet residents and visitors. They are the first line of defense in ensuring that private information is kept private. It's important that your office assistant is able to identify potential threats and take action to prevent them from happening.

    Sample Answer: I would ensure that all residents are greeted by name when they arrive at the office. I would also be sure to check for any suspicious activity and report it immediately. I'm very aware of the importance of privacy and confidentiality.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify potential security risks
    • - Experience in handling confidential information
    • - Confidence in their response

  • Question: How would you handle a problem where you had to solve it without knowing what to do or having someone to ask?
  • Question Overview: The office assistant is often the first person to notice when things go wrong. They are the first line of defense against a problem that could cause a lot of damage. They need to be able to recognize when something is wrong and know how to fix it.

    Sample Answer: I'm always prepared for the unexpected. I've learned that it's better to be safe than sorry. I'm always looking for solutions and will find a way to get the job done.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence in their ability to solve problems
    • - Ability to think on their feet
    • - Creativity in problem solving

  • Question: Tell me about yourself.
  • Question Overview: You want to hire someone who is confident in their abilities and willing to share their personal story. You want to know that they are a good fit for your company and will be able to work well with the rest of your staff. You want someone who is dedicated to their career and has a desire to grow within your organization.

    Sample Answer: I'm a big believer in the importance of teamwork. I'm always looking for ways to help my coworkers and make the office run more smoothly. I'm a hard worker who is dedicated to my career and always looking for new opportunities to grow.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A strong sense of self
    • - A desire to grow within your organization
    • - A willingness to share personal details

  • Question: What kind of work do you like to do?
  • Question Overview: The office assistant is a jack-of-all-trades. They are the glue that holds the office together. They are the first person to arrive in the morning and the last to leave at night. They are the person who makes sure all the little things get done. They are the person who makes sure everyone else is doing their job.

    Sample Answer: I like to do whatever it takes to get the job done. I'm a people person and enjoy working with others. I'm a great communicator and love to help people find solutions to problems. I'm a hard worker and always strive for excellence.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done
    • - A desire to learn new skills
    • - A track record of working well with others

  • Question: How will you describe yourself as an animal?
  • Question Overview: Office assistants are often the first point of contact for clients and customers. They need to be able to communicate effectively and build rapport with clients. This is a great question to ask because it can reveal a lot about how your applicant will handle themselves in the office.

    Sample Answer: I'm a lion! I'm strong and powerful, but I'm also a team player. I'm proud of my work and always ready to help my co-workers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A sense of humor
    • - Confidence in their answer
    • - Ability to think on their feet

  • Question: How do you manage stress?
  • Question Overview: It's important to hire someone who can handle stress well and doesn't let it affect their work. You want to hire someone who is able to stay calm and collected in a crisis.

    Sample Answer: I'm good at prioritizing tasks and delegating work. I'm also good at calming down co-workers when they're stressed out. I know how to keep the team focused on the big picture and not get bogged down by the little things.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • - A positive attitude
    • - A willingness to take on extra work when needed

  • Question: What is your area of study?
  • Question Overview: You want to hire someone who is passionate about their field of study. This shows that they are dedicated to their career and are willing to put in the time and effort to succeed.

    Sample Answer: I'm currently studying business administration at a local college. I'm interested in learning more about the legal industry and how it works. I've always been fascinated by the law and how it affects our society.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A genuine interest in the field of study
    • - A history of success in the field
    • - A desire to grow within the industry

  • Question: What was your favorite part about your previous job?
  • Question Overview: The last thing you want to do is hire someone who is just seeking any new job. You want to hire a career-driven applicant who has goals to grow within your organization. You need a motivated person who truly enjoys helping your company move in the desired direction and serving as an integral driver for that growth.

    Sample Answer: I am detailed oriented and proud that my organization of schedules, events and files helps the office stay organized. It's a great feeling knowing that I make a difference in the big picture. I work hard to push toward company goals and help the entire team stay productive.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A genuine love for office work
    • - Interests that align with your industry
    • - An understanding of how your company works

  • Question: What do you think is your best asset to this office/position?
  • Question Overview: It's important to hire someone who is not only capable of doing the job, but also someone who will be a good fit for the company culture. You want to hire someone who will be able to mesh with the existing staff and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

    Sample Answer: I'm a people person and enjoy working with others. I'm always looking for ways to help others succeed and make them feel valued. I'm a great team player and always willing to pitch in wherever needed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work well with others
    • - Passion for the industry
    • - Desire to grow within your organization

  • Question: How do you keep yourself organized?
  • Question Overview: The office assistant is the person who keeps the office running smoothly. They are the ones who keep everyone on task and moving forward. In order to do this, they need to be organized and efficient. If they aren't, it will quickly become apparent and the rest of the staff will be negatively affected.

    Sample Answer: I'm a list maker. I always have a list of things to do and check them off as I go. I also use my calendar to schedule appointments and meetings. I'm great at prioritizing tasks and delegating work to others when necessary.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to prioritize tasks
    • - Track record of meeting deadlines
    • - Confidence in their ability to stay organized

  • Question: What would you do if someone called, a coworker walked in and needed your help at the same time?
  • Question Overview: Office assistants are often the first line of defense when it comes to dealing with your clients and coworkers. They are the ones who greet people at the door, answer phones and schedule meetings. They are the first impression of your company. You want to hire someone who is able to handle these situations with poise and professionalism.

    Sample Answer: I would politely ask the caller to hold while I finish up with my coworker. I would then ask my coworker if they could come back later and help them. If they needed my help immediately, I would ask them to wait while I finished up with my other task.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to prioritize tasks
    • - Confidence in their response
    • - Creativity in handling a variety of situations

  • Question: How would your previous manager describe you?
  • Question Overview: It's important to find out how your office assistant is perceived by their previous employers. You want to hire someone who is well-liked and respected by their peers. This is a sign that they are a team player who can work well with others.

    Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who is always willing to go above and beyond for my boss. My boss says I'm always willing to help out with any project, no matter how big or small. I'm a great multitasker and can manage multiple client files with reliability.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A positive reputation
    • - Confidence in their abilities
    • - A willingness to learn from mistakes

  • Question: How would you handle working with doctors?
  • Question Overview: Doctors are notorious for being difficult to work with. They are often busy, distracted and easily frustrated. The trick is to find someone who can work well with doctors and their unique personalities. You want to hire someone who can anticipate their needs and make them feel comfortable.

    Sample Answer: I'm a great listener and am able to anticipate my boss's needs. I have experience working with doctors and other professionals. I'm a people person and enjoy helping others.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle a variety of personalities
    • - Confidence in their ability to work with doctors
    • - Experience working with doctors

  • Question: What is your typing speed?
  • Question Overview: Typing speed is a crucial part of the job, especially if you're hiring someone to work in an office environment. You want to hire someone who can type quickly and accurately.

    Sample Answer: I have a typing speed of 60 words per minute. I'm also comfortable with dictation software and can quickly learn any new software programs you use.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Speed and accuracy
    • - Confidence in typing speed
    • - Ability to type without looking at the keyboard