An interview for an administrative assistant requires specific preparation. If you’re interviewing for this position make sure you follow these easy steps.

An interview for an administrative assistant requires specific preparation. If you’re interviewing for this position you'll find these tips very helpful. 

1. Read about the duties and responsibilities of an administrative assistant.
   If you’re applying for this job, but have no experience as an admin assistant yet, it’s best to know exactly what the job entails. Admin assistants are generally responsible for scheduling, recording, filing, organising records and making use of database programmes to create data reports.
   
   
2. Know the company you’re applying to.
   Whichever interview you’re attending, always ensure that you research the company as much as possible. It’s important that the employer knows that you are motivated and interested in the company and you’re not just desperate for the job. 
   
   
3. Know and understand the job spec.
   Each employer has a different traits and qualifications that they are looking for in an employee. Read the job spec carefully and look for skills, qualifications and traits the employer is looking for. Is the employer looking for an employee who is creative, punctual and extremely organised, for example? Know the details so that you can match yourself to the job.
   
   
4. Prepare, prepare, prepare

   With the interview in mind, prepare short, concise answers for questions like “tell me about your past work experience”, “What are your strength?”, “Why are you qualified to do this job?

5. Know your CV
You have to be able to answer and expand on anything that you stated on your CV. Also ensure that your CV is updated with any skills or qualifications that would work in favour of an administrative assistant.


6. Practice your data entry skills

   It’s not uncommon for employers to ask candidates to do a data entry test as part of the interview so ensure your typing and ten-key proficiency is top notch.
   

7. Prepare answers for administrative assistant interview questions
   You may be asked any of the following questions:
   
• "Can you explain how you manage and organise a daily schedule, which tools you use to set reminders and also how you handle conflicting appointments?"
• "In the company we tend to handle lots of confidential information. How do you treat sensitive information and also explain what you would do to ensure the information remains privileged."
• "Every administrative assistant is required to multi-task. Can you share two examples of how you managed to handle multiple tasks at once?" For this question it’s important to focus on time-management, organisation technique and delegation.
  
  
8. Dress appropriately
   Every business will need an administrative assistant. If you aren’t sure of what the dress code is, call the receptionist and find out. Keep it professional and stylish and always remain well-groomed for any interview.

Good luck with your interview! We'd love to hear how it turned out - let us know how it goes in the comments below!