Why this matters:
Software management systems improve workplace productivity. A strong administration manager uses these systems to streamline an organization’s operations. Team members will rely on the administration manager’s guidance with software applications during training and as operations evolve. Therefore, candidates must show proficiency in computer literacy skills, especially in those relevant to administrative duties.
What to listen for:
- Familiarity and confidence when speaking about computers and software
- Knowledge of specific software that facilitates organizational management and operations
- Insight into how software applications can improve productivity and efficiency
Why this matters:
Administration managers should not only be organized themselves, but they must also use organizational systems to help increase efficiency in the workplace. Candidates who have implemented systems to stay organized and prioritize tasks understand the direct relationship between organization and efficiency, an understanding that’s necessary for this role.
What to listen for:
- Notable experience using organization to augment efficiency
- Enthusiasm or conviction when speaking about the power of organizational systems
- Willingness to improve upon past systems
Why this matters:
An administration manager assesses workplace policies and procedures to ensure they are current, constructive, and aligned with the mission and goals of an organization. Qualified candidates should be comfortable addressing procedural challenges, making others in leadership aware of them, and collaborating to find solutions.
What to listen for:
- Willingness to address systemic flaws
- Capacity for thinking outside the box
- Solutions-oriented mindset
Why this matters:
An employee’s onboarding experience can set them up for success or failure in the workplace. Since administration managers are often responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training employees, it’s essential for them to be able to demonstrate successful onboarding experiences — and to share an approach that aligns with your expectations.
What to listen for:
- Knowledge of what makes for a successful onboarding experience
- Patience and an aptitude for teaching and training
- The assumption of responsibility for training outcomes
Why this matters:
Encountering challenges in the workplace is inevitable; the best administration managers respond to them with fortitude. Candidates who can reflect on their experiences with candor and positivity and view challenges as opportunities to learn are in a great position to help guide and support team members through the challenges they will eventually face.
What to listen for:
- A resourceful and resilient mindset
- A positive attitude
- Views a challenge as a learning opportunity
Why this matters:
Administration managers assess staff performance and productivity with an eye toward efficiency. They must identify weaknesses and speak to employees about ways to improve their performance. Candidates should be able to set clear expectations, motivate employees to improve, and acknowledge strengths along with shortcomings.
What to listen for:
- Ability to motivate and encourage others
- Refrains from making categorical judgments about people
- Addresses uncomfortable situations with professionalism
Why this matters:
Communicating new policies to staff is a key part of the administration manager’s job, so it’s important that candidates have excellent communication skills — written and verbal. They should also know how to use language to necessitate action and motivate others. Top candidates will understand the advantage of strategic language that inspires a team.
What to listen for:
- Awareness of the power and importance of effective communication
- Facility with language
- Logical and strategic thinking skills
Why this matters:
Administration managers wear several hats within a company and must know how to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. Candidates who demonstrate an ability to multitask and stay organized under pressure are in a good position to handle the many demands of their role while supervising team members in theirs.
What to listen for:
- Calm demeanor when discussing high-pressure situations
- Strategy for prioritizing tasks
- Experience staying organized while handling multiple responsibilities
Why this matters:
Effective leaders and managers cultivate a spirit of inclusion and make room for all voices. Administration managers are often in positions of leadership and should prioritize efforts to value and respect all employees’ perspectives, regardless of their background or status within a company. Promoting diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do and leads to more successful organizations.
What to listen for:
- Takes diversity and inclusion seriously
- Offers insights on how to foster DEI in the workplace
- Team-oriented mindset and collaborative spirit
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