Administrative Assistant Job Interview Tips
- Be on time for your interview. GPS the location ahead of time. You may even want to do a test drive the day before.
- Research the company you are interviewing with. The more you learn about the company and what they do the better prepared you will be.
- Dress professional. No jeans, sneakers, etc. Wear a suit or a nice skirt and blouse. No jeans, sneakers or sandals. If you don't have anything to wear borrow from a friend.
- Bring a copy of your resume. Yes, you may have sent it to them, but sometimes they won't have it in front of them.
- Be prepared to take a skills assessment test. This may include a typing test. Review basic skills ahead of time.
- Shake the interviews hand if they extend their hand. Make eye contact and pay attention. Speak clearly and load enough for the interviewer to hear you.
- Keep your answers short. Practice answering questions ahead of time with a friend.
- Always be positive. Even if you didn't like your last job explain you are looking for a better opportunity. Don't bad mouth your previous employer or company.
- Be prepared with references. Yes, they will ask.
- Smile and be confident.
One thing I'd recommend about using GPS or a mapping service (MapQuest, Google/Yahoo Maps, etc.): They often calculate a route based on current traffic conditions, under the assumption you'll be leaving in a few minutes, or at least an hour after accessing the information. Depending on when your interview is, and when you perform the search, this can be good or bad.
My suggestion? If possible, do a search during a time when normal rush hour congestion occurs. If your interview is at 10 AM, pull up the directions at around 5:15 PM or so the workday before. Or, pull them up at around 7 AM the morning of the interview. This will help you gauge a better time frame as to when to leave for your interview, and when you're hired, you'll know what time to leave once your hours are discussed.
Jennifer Hodge you have a spelling error. LOUD NOT LOAD...
Good preparation will lead to excellent prospects.
Helpful tips
This is Awesome Jennifer Hodge ! Would you have any advice for recent Administrative Assistant grads looking for their first job opportunity? We get lots of questions asked from concerned members who struggle to get their foot in the door but find it difficult because hiring managers demand years of experience. Any feedback or strategy suggestions you can offer will be appreciated. Thanks Jennifer Hodge ;-)
This is great interviewing advice!
This is such GREAT advice!! I love your posts : )
Now that is great advice