41⟩ Explain me what are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this position?
Do I fit the bill for the kind of person they are looking for? Maybe you'd know whether you are up to the job better than they.
Student Services and Support Officer
Home Teaching Student Services and Support Officer
“Student Services & Support Officer related Frequently Asked Questions in various Student Services and Support Officer job interviews by interviewer. The set of questions here ensures that you offer a perfect answer posed to you. So get preparation for your new job hunting”
57 Student Services And Support Officer Questions And Answers
42⟩ Explain me why is there a gap in your employment record?
While gaps have been more common during the recession you need to show doing something of value. It could include improving your skills, certifications or connections. Building relationships as a volunteer is a usual answer, but you need to show how you were productive. Play down the vacation, reflection time, etc. If you did consulting work build up the value of what you got out of it. Don’t disclose how little you might have been paid.
43⟩ Tell me what do you consider to be your best strength?
This question allows you to brag on yourself, but keep in mind that the interviewer wants strengths relative to the position. For example, being a problem solver, a motivator, and being able to perform under pressure, positive attitude and loyal. You will also need examples that back your answers up for illustration of the skill.
44⟩ Tell me are you good at solving problems?
Not all administrators need to be excellent problem solvers so if you are not the best, be honest and say so. You could say that you are not good at solving problems but you understand the skills of your colleagues well and will always be able to persuade somebody to assist.
45⟩ Explain me what does your company value?
Do your values align with mine? If you are working for a company that values the same things as you (for example, greener technology, pro bono work) then you may enjoy working for a place like that better.
46⟩ Tell us are you able to use any relevant software packages?
If you have experience, mention the packages you have used. If not, get some training in the most important packages before your interview. Ask your recruitment consultant what are the best packages to learn.
47⟩ Please explain the culture of your company in and around the office?
Translates to: Is this the sort of company I want to work for, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week? If you're a very laid back person, a very strict work place might not be for you (and vice versa).
48⟩ Tell us how do you cope under pressure?
Provide some examples of occasions where you were under pressure and you succeeded.
49⟩ Tell me what kind of work would I be doing?
Translates to: Is this what I want to be doing? You don't want to accept a job where you don't really know the sort of things you'll be doing, especially if you find that your daily tasks are too easy.
50⟩ Explain me how you went about acquiring (a) new skill(s)?
This could be through study, training or experience. It all depends on the type of person you are and the type of skills you have.
51⟩ Tell me how do you deal with authority?
Say that you deal with authority as you deal with customers - with integrity, professionalism and politeness.
52⟩ Tell me do you have any skills such as shorthand/touch typing?
Ideally, you will be able to touch type well, so say yes to this. Shorthand is a dying art and fewer people are learning how to do this well. If you have the opportunity to learn it, then do so, because some managers like their administrators to be able to take down shorthand.
53⟩ Explain how do you cope with busy, stressful periods?
Answer that by staying organised and keeping a strict diary you find that stress does not become a real issue. As soon as you identify a possible delay due to high work volumes you raise this with your manager to see if the work can either be reallocated or given priority.
54⟩ Tell me what do we really get if we employ you?
This is similar to "what can you bring to this organisation?"
55⟩ Tell me do you enjoy meeting new people and interacting with customers?
Meeting people and speaking to customers is often a vital part of being an administrator. Say that you enjoy talking to people and that interaction with other people is often what makes the work most interesting.
56⟩ Tell me how do you feel about multitasking at work?
Multitasking is a necessary part of an administration job, so say that you enjoy multitasking and the challenge of ensuring that multiple functions and jobs are completed accurately and on time is part of what motivates you in your work.
57⟩ Tell me about a time when you made the wrong decision?
This is something that might be very difficult to answer. Whatever you choose to talk about, important to remember is to say what the outcome was and state what you learned from this experience. Don't say that you were fired!
