Administrative Professional Interview Tips

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:

“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.”
“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.”
“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:

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.
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.
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.