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Interview Blunders Administrative
Professionals Should Avoid
by
Diane Domeyer, executive director of Office Team
The job market for support professionals is stronger than it’s been in many
years, but that doesn’t mean hiring managers are handing out employment
offers willy-nilly. Employers are carefully evaluating administrative
candidates, expressing interest in only those who are most qualified and fit
well with the firm’s corporate culture. That’s why the interview remains the
most important step in the hiring process — it’s your opportunity to explain
your most desirable qualifications in greater detail and demonstrate your
soft skills.
But even the most confident candidates can trip over their own feet,
literally, when meeting with a potential employer. In an OfficeTeam survey,
we asked executives to name the strangest things they have ever heard of
happening in a job interview. The results show that many applicants could
benefit from a refresher course in interview basics. Here are some sample
responses:
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“When discussing why the candidate had been fired from several jobs, he said
his previous employers had conspired to place a curse on him, and he was
conducting his own secret investigation.”
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“After answering the first few questions, the candidate picked up his cell
phone and called his parents to let them know the interview was going well.”
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“When asked by the hiring manager why she was leaving her current job, the
applicant said, ‘My manager is a jerk. All managers are jerks.’”
If you’re currently looking for a new administrative role, here are some
tips to help you avoid the errors above and make a good first impression
with the hiring manager:
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Research. Do some digging prior to your meeting with the hiring
manager to learn about the organization. Annual reports, newsletters,
information on the firm’s website and media coverage can all tell you about
its operations and industry position.
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Practice. Role-play your interview with a friend or family member,
who can act as the interviewer. Pay attention to what you say and how you
say it. Voice inflection, eye contact and friendliness demonstrate your
enthusiasm for the job and your “fit” with the corporate culture.
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Prepare. Be ready for the interviewer to say, “Is there anything else
I can tell you about the job?” Ask questions based on your research, which
will signal your interest in the company.
Above all, be yourself when interviewing for an administrative position.
Pretending to be someone you’re not to impress the hiring manager will only
work against you in the long run if the position turns out to be a bad fit
for your skills or personality. Present an accurate picture of your
experience level and work style so you can ensure the best job match.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Diane Domeyer is executive
director of OfficeTeam, the nation’s leading staffing service specializing
in the temporary placement of highly skilled administrative and office
support professionals. OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and
offers online job search services at
www.officeteam.com.
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Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™
