Personal Assistant

This shows you're interested in continuing to move the process forward and it gives the interviewer a chance to share a bit more about the process and/or how many others are in the running for the executive assistant position.

A hiring manager has a set amount of time to conduct an interview, so there may be some things he or she only briefly touches upon. Seize the opportunity to clarify anything that seems vague or confusing to you by asking the interviewer to revisit one or more of those topics when it's your turn to ask questions.

In my previous role I had to work with a lot of strong-minded and opinionated consultants and found that I lacked the ability to be assertive with them and sometimes I felt they were able to get me to do work that I was uncomfortable with. After discussing this with my Manager I attended an assertiveness course and gain the training I needed to deal with them. I find it hard to say no. It is a work in progress but I am getting there.

Expressing a desire to seek additional training signals that you're ambitious and want to enhance your contributions to the company. Questions about career advancement opportunities also indicate you're willing to make a long-term commitment to the organization.

What type of personalities do you work best with

This demonstrates that you're proactive, which is a sought-after quality in an executive assistant. It also gives you a chance to discuss how your skills can benefit the company.

► Do you consider yourself to be a single- or multi-tasker? How do you handle being pulled in two or more directions at once?

► How would you respond to a co-worker who asked you for information you knew to be confidential or that you were uncertain as to its confidentiality?

► In this position, you will be required to provide guidance to other administrative support personnel. What characteristics do you feel you would bring in acting in a leadership capacity?

► What work-related situations do you find the most frustrating?

► What is missing from (or is a part of) your present job that you would like to see in this one?

This is always important and you should look at their company website to get some inspiration.

► When was the last time you were in a high pressure situation?

► What was the biggest challenge in your previous / current position?

► What are your strengths?

► What is your weakness?

► How do you handle a large workload?

► Why do you want to leave your current employer?

► What salary are you looking for?

► Do you have any questions for me? Always important?

Personal Assistant is a broad job category that designates an individual who provides various kinds of executive support to people and groups in business enterprises.

► What are your computer skills? Did you use PowerPoint for preparing presentations?

► Do you have experience in staff management, IT, or business intelligence?

► Are you familiar with preparing background searches?

► How do you research organizations and individuals prior to meetings?

► How did you compile reports and communications for your superior or CEO?

► What file management practices do you use?

► What marketing materials, such as newsletters and press releases, have you prepared?

► Have you prepared fund proposals?