Be ready for your secretary interview. Secretarial or administrative professional jobs are still out there but the competition is fiercer than ever. Use these expert tips to know how to handle the secretary interview and get the job you want.
Prepare the right interview answers
Secretarial jobs require a broad base of skills and abilities. The questions asked in the secretary interview will differ depending on the employer, the level of the job and the experience of the candidate. However you can prepare for typical secretarial interview questions such as:
* How does your work experience prepare you for this position?
* What are your strengths and weaknesses as a secretary?
* What qualities do you consider to be the most important for a secretarial or Admin Assistant position?
Prepare good answers to these interview questions by using the keywords that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Review the job posting or ad and underline the words used to describe the job and candidate requirements. Examples include planning and organizing ability, oral and written communication skills, initiative, confidentiality, adaptability, integrity, reliability, accuracy and attention to detail. Check the key tasks of the position in the job posting and see which qualities and experience would be necessary for performing these tasks – for example, if “scheduling” is a key activity then the successful candidate would need to be organized and able to plan and prioritize properly using appropriate scheduling tools.
Ask the right questions
Impress the interviewer by asking insightful and thoughtful questions during your secretary interview. Do some background research on the company and the position to help you prepare a list of good questions to ask your interviewer. Here are some examples:
* What are the most important priorities in this job?
* How would you measure success in this position?
* What is the biggest challenge facing this department/organization?
* How would you describe the typical management style in this department/organization?
Use this as an opportunity to find out the information you need to make the right job decision a#1 An-drew
This is such a beautiful Biblical boy name and even though it lost it’s popularity in the 1930’s through the 1950’s, it started to gain it’s popularity back shortly thereafter. Andrew can be found throughout the Gospels and in the Book of Acts. He was the brother of Simon. Andrew means manly and courageous. It’s origins are English and Scottish.
#2 Anth-ony
Anthony is a Biblical name that is Basque and English in origin. It means worthy of praise. Anthony has a steady increase in popularity since the 1880’s.
#3 Ben-ja-min
This name certainly has gained popularity over the years. After struggling from the 1940’s through 1965, it skyrocketerd in the 1970’s. Benjamin originated in the Bible and is Hebrew (and English). Benjamin was Rachel’s son. There is also a Hebrew tribe that is called the Tribe of Benjamin. You can find this Biblical name all throughout the Bible. There will also be 12,000 from the Tribe of Benjamin (out of the 144,000 Isrealites that will be saved) who will have the seal of God on their forheads. This is found in Revelation 7. Benjamin means son of my right hand.
#4 Chris-to-pher
As one of the most popular names, this one means Christ bearing. This name gains it’s origins from the Bible as well. You can say that it has always been a fairly popular name.
#5 E-li-jah
This is a name that has grown in popularity over the years. It was unpopular in the 1970’s but has since grown into a rather popular name ever since. This is also a Biblical name, which is Hebrew. It means the Lord is my strength. Elijah was a great man of God. You can find him throughout the Old Testament, mainly. He was one of the two men in the Bible that didn’t actually die, but the Lord sent a whirlwind to bring him to Heaven. He followed everything the Lord asked of him, trusting Him.
#6 Is-aac
The meaning in this Biblical name is he will laugh. Isaac was the son of Abraham in which Abraham was going to sacrifice as the Lord commanded. Once they reached the mountain, the Lord provided Abraham with a sacrifice and Isaac was saved. The moral is to never put anything before God, including your child. Know that the Lord will never ask that you sacrifice your child, literally, but to trust Him, especially with your children. He provided us with His son as a sacrifice, already.
#7 Josh-ua
Joshua was sort of a popular name, until the 1970’s when it gained high popularity. Joshua of the Bible was an assistant to Moses. He became leader of the Isrealites when Moses passed away. He also fought the battle of Jericho with the Isrealites, by walking around the city seven times. The walls fell and the city was destroyed. Joshua means Jehovah saves. (The Lord said in the Book of Isaiah, that beside me, there is no Savior).
#8 Mat-thew
This has always been a pretty popular name as far back as the 1880’s. It is Hebrew in origin. Matthew was one of the Lord’s disciples. In fact he was a tax collector and the Lord came to him and told him to follow Him. Matthew means God’s gift.
#9 Mi-cheal
Michael has become another extremely popular Biblical name since the 1930’s. There are three different Michael’s that are found in the Word of God. The first one is in the Old Testament and he was one of the sons of Izrahiah and considered one of the chief men. Then there was a prince who aided the one who appeared to Daniel; in the Book of Daniel. There are two known Archangels and one of them is Michael, who is the angel of war. Michael means Godly-like.
#10 No-ah
Noah has grown in popularity since the 1960’s. In the Bible, Noah was the one that was commanded to build the Ark. Many mocked him and said that there will never be a flood (it had never rained prior). The Lord also said that the end times will be like it was in the Days of Noah. People will mock the Church, be drunk and have no regards to the Lord. They will say that He will never come. Make sure that you are in the Ark (the Church) before the flood (Jesus Christ) comes!! Noah means rest or peace.
#11 Thom-as
Thomas was a disciple of Christ as well. He was the one that doubted that Jesus was Messiah. When the Lord rose, He went to Thomas and told him to put his finger through His hand and side, where He was pierced. When Thomas did this, he replied to the Lord, saying “my Lord and my God”. He gained revelation that Jesus Christ was in fact God Almighty and Messiah. Thomas is another Biblical name that has grown in popularity over the years. Many have used it for a great middle name as well. Thomas means twin. well as to show your commitment and enthusiasm for the position.
Wear the right clothes
Make the right first impression by wearing business-like interview attire. A suit in a conservative color or a well-tailored jacket with a skirt or tailored pants is a safe option. An unfussy blouse in a light or neutral color always looks smart under a jacket or blazer. Jewelry should be understated and not distract the interviewer from focusing on your face and what you are saying. Your attention to detail will show that you have made the effort to create the best impression. Think about your nails, your hair, your shoes. A pair of scuffed or unpolished shoes completely spoils the image. Carry a small briefcase or portfolio to hold your resume and examples of your work.
Use the right communication style
Good communication skills – the ability to listen actively and respond effectively both orally and in writing – are key to success in a secretarial position. Be aware of how you communicate during the secretary interview and make sure you impress the interviewer with your communication style and skills. Listen closely, don’t interrupt and ask appropriate questions to clarify what the interviewer is looking for. Respond in a clear and concise manner. Avoid non-words like “you know” and “like” or using negative words like “sort of” and “perhaps”. Talk in complete sentences and avoid rushing through your answers. Count to three beats in your head before answering and at the end of your sentences. Be aware of your body language – leaning slightly forward, about 10 degrees, towards your interviewer gives the message that you are both interested and involved.
Conduct the right follow-up
Timely follow-up is always one of the requirements for successful job performance as a secretary. Make sure you write and send your interview thank you letter within 24 hours of the job interview. Let your references know that they are likely to be contacted. Give them some details about the position so they can think about relevant information to provide to t he employer. Make a follow-up call to the company within a week or so of the interview. During this call you can thank the employer again for the interview and confirm your interest in the position. You can politely and professionally ask for an update on the hiring decision process.
Be well prepared for your secretary interview. Use the Secretarial Interview Questions Guide to know the interview questions to expect and to help you prepare winning interview answers.
Julia Penny is a human resources consultant with many years experience in recruitment and career management. Her comprehensive website Best Job Interview provides all the resources you need for job interview success.
