Based on the level of work they perform and the type of
information they have access to, interviewing an executive assistant
requires questions that explore work habits, commitment, confidentiality
and tact. Aside from being able to format memos, schedule appointments
and calculate expense reports, many executive assistants have nearly as
much influence the executives they support have. Using tough interview
questions can help identify the candidates who have the skills,
qualifications and professional characteristics an executive assistant
needs.
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Organizational Skills
Executive assistants must have organizational skills and the
ability to prioritize work. Tough interview questions that assess their
strengths in this area include "How you prioritize urgent
responsibilities when you have little time left in the day to complete
your tasks?" and "One of your co-workers has offered to help you on one
of your busiest days; however, you believe your skills are far superior
to hers. How would you respond to her offer when you really do need
help?" The candidate's answer to the second question also sheds light on
her ability to tactfully refuse or accept help from co-workers.
Business Principles
Executive officers entrust their assistants with confidential
business information, and some executives even confide in their
assistants on personal matters that have little to do with business. In
some cases, executive assistants are not only the gatekeepers for
executive leadership, but they also are confidantes. A tough interview
question that probes the interviewee's business principles and ethics
includes, "Suppose you are the assistant to the CEO of one of the most
profitable companies in the world. Your boss lets it slip that she's
been wrangling for the acquisition and control of a competitor. Another
executive asks what you know about your boss's scheme. What do you say?"
Qualifications
Asking a candidate to name the qualifications he thinks are
necessary for someone who provides assistance to executive-level
leadership gives you an idea of the competencies and strengths he has.
Questions such as, "What are the five most important job competencies
successful executive assistants have?" and "Core competencies include
verbal and written communication skills, analytical thinking skills, and
conflict resolution skills. If you had to select only two of those
competencies, which two are most helpful to an executive assistant?"
Technology
"Identify two types of technology that are essential to your job
function" and "Name one software program you feel is impossible to do
without in the performance of your job duties" are difficult questions
for some executive assistants to answer. These team members frequently
use several programs, applications and technology solutions to
accomplish their daily tasks. It's challenging to select one or two most
important and justify why they're essential.
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