Why this matters:
Office administrators will likely be given multiple tasks they need to juggle, and it’s helpful if they have a good sense of how to prioritize each one. The answer to this question will demonstrate how the candidate stays on top of a busy workload, completing both regular tasks and special assignments, all in a timely way.
What to listen for:
- Calm under pressure
- Strong time management skills and good judgment
- Troubleshooting strategies
Why this matters:
Part of an office administrator’s job may be to improve productivity within the office. This requires them to be aware of the needs of others, so they can troubleshoot, smooth out workflows, help coordinate moving parts, and overcome challenges that may range from a malfunctioning printer to a cybersecurity scare. This question examines their capacity to help.
What to listen for:
- Heightened awareness of the needs of others
- A flair for operational workflow efficiency
- Demonstrated calm under pressure
Why this matters:
Office managers should be experienced with using various software programs, as a lot of their daily responsibilities may involve working on a computer, inputting data, even performing minor bookkeeping duties. This question will reveal comfort in working on different types of software — and the willingness to learn new technology.
What to listen for:
- Proficiency with computers
- Comfort with technology
- A willingness to learn and train
Why this matters:
Because of their proximity to personnel data and other sensitive information, confidentiality and discretion are essential parts of an office administrator’s job. This question helps you determine how the candidate guards against indiscretions in their work — and may include any available certifications or training around best practices.
What to listen for:
- A strong sense of discretion
- Good judgment around what information is sensitive or private and what isn’t
- Familiarity with industry expectations and standard protocols
Why this matters:
Office administrators often collaborate with management and other employees to complete various projects. You want to make sure your candidate can be collaborative and productive within a team. This question also helps you explore what role they might naturally play as part of a group.
What to listen for:
- Comfort working with team members
- The ability to work collaboratively
- A strong sense of contribution and leadership
Why this matters:
Office administrators often interact with clients, so the candidate should be able to make a good impression. Difficult situations are bound to come up, and when they do, you want to be sure that the candidate is going to act professionally, working through any conflict or disagreement to reach a beneficial resolution.
What to listen for:
- A past example of a client conflict that the candidate helped resolve
- Resilience and empathy
- The ability to listen without judgment
Why this matters:
Office administrators may have stressful jobs, which involve juggling multiple assignments, dealing with a range of personality types, and reporting to high-level management. They may even encounter conflict within the workplace. This question assesses their personal resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure, despite difficulties.
What to listen for:
- Stress management coping strategies
- Willingness to ask for help or seek advice
- Commitment to their job
Why this matters:
Organization is an important part of being a successful office administrator. Ideal candidates may have a flair for organizing spaces, physical objects, and systems, and coordinating schedules, workflows, and people. This question provides a glimpse into the candidate’s organizational skills and methods.
What to listen for:
- The concept of organization as a personal value
- The impact of disorganization on themselves and their coworkers
- A sense of their approach to organizing items, systems, and rooms
Why this matters:
Successful office administrators will be incredibly diverse across companies and sectors. This question explores how the candidate views the role, and what strengths they personally value and emphasize. While there won’t be any right or wrong responses, it’s best to see which answers align with your company’s mission, ethos, and core values.
What to listen for:
- Thoughtful responses
- General alignment with your company’s mission
- Confidence in their own aptitude for success
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