jinksd1
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Post by jinksd1 on Aug 16, 2013 3:27:35 GMT -5
I have a job interview next week, for an admin assistant position. I'm expecting fierce competition for this job, and to be honest, I doubt I'll get it since there's likely to be someone with more education or experience. Still, I have to give it my best shot.
This specific position would be a big deal to get, as it offers a great environment, interesting work, and an opportunity to move up later. It's not your run-of-the-mill admin assistant work (which I don't mind, but this would be better). I was thrilled when I learned that their HR department was checking my references last week.
To prepare, I have a list of likely questions that I've been asked at other interviews in the past, and I wrote out answers to help me practice. I'm not going to memorize the answers (don't want to sound too rehearsed), but I want to remember the gist of what I want to say. I'm going to make my husband "interview" me several times this coming week.
Does anyone have any advice for me? I have a good handshake, and I know how to dress for an interview. I'll try to remember to smile and project confidence. Anything else? Any weird or quirky questions I should be prepared for? Any interview techniques or pointers?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2013 7:35:26 GMT -5
No advise but just wishing you best of luck. I doubt they would need to interview too many people, they probably received tons of resumes and, they have already selected the best candidates and you are one of them. The hard part is done!!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2013 7:53:00 GMT -5
one thing....
make sure you express your desire to work there as much in the interview as you did in your post
sounds like you are highly interested....make sure they know that
and make sure they know WHY.....
selling yourself in an interview is the key.....
sounds like you have done your homework on the company
Make sure that the interviewer knows that before you leave the room
best of luck
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Jake 48
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keeping the faith
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Post by Jake 48 on Aug 16, 2013 8:41:30 GMT -5
Good luck
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 16, 2013 10:21:37 GMT -5
At the end of the interview, there should be a time when they ask you if you have any questions. Have questions. My rule of thumb is to ask 2-3 questions. I usually have one or two questions that I prepared in advance, and then another one or two that come specifically from the things mentioned in the interview. These should not be questions about pay scale or benefits.
If you are interviewing with the hiring manager (ie the position's boss), I always make sure to ask: What are you looking for out of this position in the first 6 months/year? If it is a new position (instead of a rehire), I will ask what led them to the decision that this position was needed. If a specific project is mentioned, I'll ask for more information on that project.
Having questions like this show that you are thoughtful about the position, the work to be done, and the expectations of those hiring.
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Abby Normal
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Post by Abby Normal on Aug 16, 2013 10:32:17 GMT -5
Make sure you write a thank you email to them. As an admin assistant, communication and personality are key relationship builders.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 16, 2013 11:04:00 GMT -5
Make sure to smile. It really does make a difference.
When I hire for clerical positions, especially my direct secretaries, I ask how they organize their work station and how they track their "to do" list.
Goodnluck!
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jinksd1
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Post by jinksd1 on Aug 16, 2013 11:06:15 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice. The HR person who called me said I'll be there for 2-3 hours. I'll meet briefly with HR to discuss the benefits package, then go on a tour of the department that I would work in. Then I will take an assessment test for typing, spelling, grammar, etc. on the computer before being interviewed by three people, the director of the department and the managers in charge of the two areas that I would be serving in that department. The HR person that called me said that she wanted to get everyone called for the interviews, but that she wanted to give me first shot at a time and day for my interview. I'm not sure why that would be. Maybe it's because I'm the only person with a current job where my schedule would need to be worked around? Or is she saying that I'm the most promising candidate? Or what? Anyway, I took the first time/day offered, which is on the first day of interviews (they have three days next week when they'll interview). Now I'm wondering if it's best to be the first or last one interviewed.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Aug 16, 2013 11:08:52 GMT -5
I ask how they organize their work station and how they track their "to do" list.
You'd never hire me. You'd be horrified at the state of my desk and the lab bench. But in my defense I know where everything is at. And my boss's desk is worse.
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jinksd1
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Post by jinksd1 on Aug 16, 2013 11:13:53 GMT -5
Make sure to smile. It really does make a difference. When I hire for clerical positions, especially my direct secretaries, I ask how they organize their work station and how they track their "to do" list. Goodnluck! What kind of answers do you like to hear for that? My guess is that she doesn't care so much what their answer is, but just that they indicate that they do have a system for keeping track of what needs to be done and prioritizing tasks, something more than just remembering in their head and doing things in a willy-nilly order.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 16, 2013 11:14:30 GMT -5
Make sure to smile. It really does make a difference. When I hire for clerical positions, especially my direct secretaries, I ask how they organize their work station and how they track their "to do" list. Goodnluck! What kind of answers do you like to hear for that? You'd be surprised (or maybe it's just me who's surprised) at those who don't have an answer for it. And that's a deal breaker for me. I work extremely fast, and I need people who can keep up with me. So, first I'm looking for someone who has an answer. If an administrative assistant applicant cannot immediately describe to me how they're going to get through the numerous duties they have through out the day, that's a problem. Then, I just need something that makes it clear they are an organized person and can meet multiple daily and weekly deadlines. The one I hired in January had answer along the lines of "I have a system in which I spread out each task onnmyndesk from left to right. I put them in thenorder they're supposed to get done. If I need to switch to something else for a moment, it's already out. At the end of the day I know what's still left for tomorrow. " By no means is that how I do it, but she, in addition to other good traits, was the best suited for a fast paced environment.
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jinksd1
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Post by jinksd1 on Aug 16, 2013 11:22:05 GMT -5
Chloe, since you've interviewed people for clerical positions, what other types of questions do you ask, and what are you looking for in the answers? Or if anyone else wants to chime in and answer, I welcome the input.
The questions I'm practicing: Tell me about yourself. Why did you apply for this job? Why do you want to work for this company? What type of work environment do you prefer? What are you looking for in your next job? What motivates you? Do you prefer to work independently or on a team? Are you a team player? What computer skills do you have? What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness? How do you handle stressful situations? How would your former bosses describe you? Tell me about a time you had to plan/coordinate a project from start to finish. Describe a time your workload was heavy and how you handled it. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss? How was it resolved? Have you ever had a conflict with a coworker? How was it resolved? What do you expect from a supervisor? Who was your best boss and worst boss? Why do you want to leave your current job? Why are you the best person for this job? Why should I hire you? Do you have any questions for me?
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 16, 2013 11:33:39 GMT -5
Let me get off my iPad and on my work laptop. (I'm working from home today aka my among trailer.) ill post the list I used last time. It'll be a few minutes. I might need a hot chocolate first
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2013 11:34:25 GMT -5
what are your career aspirations?
describe yourself to me in 3 one word answers (ie honest, kind, etc)
describe an average day at your last job
biggest regret so far about your career?
what do you know about our company, and what we do?
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 16, 2013 12:14:56 GMT -5
How do you handle priorities, especially when you have multiple things you have been told are all "top" priority? (Happens quite a bit when an Admin supports a team, at least in my experience.)
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 16, 2013 12:42:44 GMT -5
I deleted the ones that pertained to working with students.
1. Please tell us a little about yourself.
2. Why are you interested this position?
3. What education or experience do you have in regards to clerical work?
(From this answer, I might ask more specific questions: How many others were working in that office; how many customers (parents and students in our case) came in on an hourly basis? How often were you the only staff member in the office and/or were working in the reception area? What types of projects were you assigned?
4. How would you rate your abilities with computers? What specific programs do you/have you used? Please use the adjectives novice, intermediate, advanced.
6. Give an example of a time when you had to maintain confidentiality and how you will adjust that to working here.
9. Give an example of how you collaborate with colleagues?
10. What types of organizational systems do you prefer to use or have created for yourself?
11. When dealing with daily deadlines, how do approach meeting those deadlines?
14. What kind of record keeping skills have you built through other work experience?
15. Do you have any questions for us or anything else you’d like to share?
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toomuchreality
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Post by toomuchreality on Aug 16, 2013 16:09:13 GMT -5
No advise but just wishing you best of luck. I doubt they would need to interview too many people, they probably received tons of resumes and, they have already selected the best candidates and you are one of them. The hard part is done!!! I hope you get the job!
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kittensaver
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We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
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Post by kittensaver on Aug 16, 2013 16:20:48 GMT -5
RESEARCH THE COMPANY AND KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Sorry to shout, but when I worked in HR I never ceased to be amazed at the number of people who came in and had *NO* idea of what they were potentially getting into . . .
Read - really read - their website, check online for an Annual Report, scan the business section of the local paper (on paper or online), talk to a few employees - - whatever you can find out to be knowledgeable. Show and tell them why you are the best person and the best fit for the job, rather than play the passive "please hire me" card.
Good luck! Fingers crossed for you!
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jinksd1
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Post by jinksd1 on Aug 16, 2013 18:42:13 GMT -5
Thank you, Chloe! Very helpful. I'll add those to my questions to practice.
Kittensaver, I'm already on it. Everyone in this area knows quite a bit about this place and what it's all about, including me, but I already did some additional research on the department I'd be working in, since I didn't know as much about it.
Thank you everyone for all the well-wishes!
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Aug 19, 2013 11:49:08 GMT -5
I have a job interview next week, for an admin assistant position. I'm expecting fierce competition for this job, and to be honest, I doubt I'll get it since there's likely to be someone with more education or experience. Still, I have to give it my best shot. This specific position would be a big deal to get, as it offers a great environment, interesting work, and an opportunity to move up later. It's not your run-of-the-mill admin assistant work (which I don't mind, but this would be better). I was thrilled when I learned that their HR department was checking my references last week. To prepare, I have a list of likely questions that I've been asked at other interviews in the past, and I wrote out answers to help me practice. I'm not going to memorize the answers (don't want to sound too rehearsed), but I want to remember the gist of what I want to say. I'm going to make my husband "interview" me several times this coming week. Does anyone have any advice for me? I have a good handshake, and I know how to dress for an interview. I'll try to remember to smile and project confidence. Anything else? Any weird or quirky questions I should be prepared for? Any interview techniques or pointers? How funny! I'll be serving on an interview panel this week for an HR Admin Assistant... Maybe I'll be seeing you.
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jinksd1
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Post by jinksd1 on Aug 21, 2013 10:09:00 GMT -5
Two hours to go before the interview! I'm going to eat a light breakfast and have some coffee to perk me up. I've been practicing interview questions all week and feel like I'm prepared. I'm going to look them over one more time before heading into the interview, just so they're fresh in my mind.
I'll let you know more about how it went in a few hours!
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Abby Normal
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Post by Abby Normal on Aug 21, 2013 10:44:07 GMT -5
Good luck!
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Aug 21, 2013 10:48:53 GMT -5
Best of luck! Keep us posted.
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dannylion
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Post by dannylion on Aug 21, 2013 10:52:55 GMT -5
Good luck! Sending good thoughts for the outcome you want.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2013 10:53:47 GMT -5
Good luck jinksd1!!!
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geenamercile
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Post by geenamercile on Aug 21, 2013 11:25:20 GMT -5
Good luck
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jinksd1
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Post by jinksd1 on Aug 21, 2013 15:49:41 GMT -5
Done with the interview. I was in the actual interview for about an hour, then had a tour of their department for about 10 minutes, then took a test for about 25 minutes.
Pros: They seem like a great team with a lot of rapport, and they were very friendly and joking around with me and each other quite a bit. I didn't feel I flubbed any of my questions, and I felt comfortable talking to them. At the end when I asked for more detail on their department, they spent about 20 minutes talking to me about it. I thought that was great, because why waste their time if they didn't like me? I very much had the feeling they liked me.
Cons: I don't know how I did on the assessment test. There were four parts to it, all timed very tightly. There were two back-to-back 5-minute typing tests. I know I'm not a fast typist (45-50 wpm), though I'm accurate. So not sure what they will make of that. Then there was a spelling test and a grammar test. I'm generally a phenomenal test taker and have good spelling and grammar in general. I got a 31 on both my Reading and English portions of my ACT test, for God's sake. But I won't lie, I'm feeling like I didn't do as well as I normally would. I don't think I even finished the 5-minute grammar test, which had a ton of very nitpicky technical questions. I don't know. Maybe I did better than I thought, but I kept second-guessing myself. If I didn't do well, I might be sunk.
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Aug 21, 2013 15:56:35 GMT -5
Done with the interview. I was in the actual interview for about an hour, then had a tour of their department for about 10 minutes, then took a test for about 25 minutes. Pros: They seem like a great team with a lot of rapport, and they were very friendly and joking around with me and each other quite a bit. I didn't feel I flubbed any of my questions, and I felt comfortable talking to them. At the end when I asked for more detail on their department, they spent about 20 minutes talking to me about it. I thought that was great, because why waste their time if they didn't like me? I very much had the feeling they liked me. Cons: I don't know how I did on the assessment test. There were four parts to it, all timed very tightly. There were two back-to-back 5-minute typing tests. I know I'm not a fast typist (45-50 wpm), though I'm accurate. So not sure what they will make of that. Then there was a spelling test and a grammar test. I'm generally a phenomenal test taker and have good spelling and grammar in general. I got a 31 on both my Reading and English portions of my ACT test, for God's sake. But I won't lie, I'm feeling like I didn't do as well as I normally would. I don't think I even finished the 5-minute grammar test, which had a ton of very nitpicky technical questions. I don't know. Maybe I did better than I thought, but I kept second-guessing myself. If I didn't do well, I might be sunk. Good for you! Anytime I've used technical tests, and a likable applicant didn't do great, I overlooked it if I felt they could learn. I can teach computer skills. I can't teach other skills.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 21, 2013 16:22:55 GMT -5
If you are taking the test at the same time you have the interview, then I very much doubt the test is a prerequisite. If they were only considering people who got specific scores on the tests, they would have had you (and all candidates) test and then not brought anyone in until all test results could be looked over.
In my last position we tested all of our admin candidates. My hiring managers used to come to me worried that their preferred candidate, based on interviews, wouldn't do as well on the test an another candidate and then would they have to hire the candidate who did better. The answer was always that the hiring manager had the final decision in who was hired.
So why did we test? 1) Tie breaker. If you have two candidates you really like and are having trouble deciding between the two, you can use the test scores as a tie-breaker 2) Make sure people actually have the skills they say they have. Whether it's claimed typing speed (and I don't care about differences unless it's more than 5-10 words/minute), or experience in Word or Excel, we wanted to make sure that people had the skills we needed them to have from the start. If I had been hiring entry level admins (Admin As), it wouldn't have mattered. But we were hiring Admin Cs, and were in the process of dropping from having 4 Admin C's supporting the department to 3. Our staff didn't have the time to be teaching folks how to format documents in Word or perform "sorts" in Excel. If the test came back abysmal, the hiring manager could still hire that person if they really wanted, but at least they were forewarned.
As a note, the agency we used for the testing had it set up so people could test at home. We tried that for a while but then ended up with two staff members who we can only assume "cheated" on the at home test. They passed the tests just fine but were unable to replicate those needed skills in the office. One was a temp who we had planned to take perm, but we didn't. The other was put on a performance improvement plan and eventually let go.
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moneyminded
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Post by moneyminded on Aug 21, 2013 21:28:27 GMT -5
I didn't read the entire thread, but here are a few ideas: 1. Wear navy blue, it shows confidence. 2. Don't wear perfume. 3. Wear simple earrings, if you even do wear earrings. 4. Don't wear bright nail polish, if at all. 5. Take several resumes with you to hand out if there is a panel of interviewers, along with letters of recommendation and certificates you may have earned from other positions. 6. Don't be afraid to ask for the question to be repeated. They just want to know how you would answer. 7. Don't say "um" when answering questions. You would be surprised how many people do this during an interview. 8. Shake their hand and look them in the eye. 9. If there is a panel look at all members, but more at the one that smiles and nods at you the most. Most likely on your side to get the job. And number 10... Breathe and relax. It's your time to sell yourself and shine. Ain't nobody else gonna do it for ya. And of course, best of luck and knock 'em dead!
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