EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Interview Questions & ANSWERS! (How to PREPARE for an EA INTERVIEW!)

Summary

In this informative presentation, Richard McMun from interview.com shares essential tips for acing an executive assistant interview. He outlines key questions to prepare for, offers advice on crafting responses that highlight relevant skills and experience, and provides top-scoring example answers. Additionally, he guides viewers on how to handle stress and prioritize tasks effectively. The tutorial also includes a downloadable resource of 21 answers to common interview questions, aiming to give job seekers a competitive edge.

Takeaways

• 📝 Richard McMun from interview.com is offering a tutorial on how to pass an executive assistant interview.
• 💡 The tutorial covers four main areas: preparing for interview questions, tips for answering, example answers, and resources for further guidance.
• 🗣️ The first question to prepare for is 'Tell me about yourself,' emphasizing the importance of showcasing skills, strengths, and relevant experience.
• 🔑 Two important tips are provided for each question: practicing answers beforehand and aligning responses with the job description and company expectations.
• 🌟 A top-scoring example answer is given for each question, demonstrating how to effectively communicate one's qualifications and suitability for the role.
• 🤔 The script advises on how to answer common interview questions such as motivation for the role, important skills and qualities, handling difficult situations, and stress management.
• 📈 Tips for answering include giving reasons for choosing the role, understanding the job description, and showing professionalism and adaptability.
• 📑 The script provides guidance on organizing meetings, prioritizing work, and discussing strengths and weaknesses in an interview context.
• 💼 The importance of being a positive role model for the organization and supporting the executive management team is highlighted.
• 📲 Viewers are encouraged to subscribe to the YouTube channel for career progression support and to download additional resources from the provided website.
• 🔗 Richard McMun's LinkedIn is offered for networking, emphasizing the value of connecting with like-minded professionals.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the presentation by Richard McMun?

The main purpose of the presentation is to teach viewers how to pass an executive assistant interview by covering important interview questions, providing tips for answering them, and offering example answers.

What are the two important tips Richard McMun suggests for answering executive assistant interview questions?

The two important tips are to practice your answers beforehand to come across as a confident communicator and to talk about your skills, strengths, and relevant experience that you can bring to the organization.

How does Richard McMun define the role of an executive assistant in his example answer for 'Tell me about yourself'?

Richard McMun defines the role of an executive assistant as a diligent, loyal, fast-working, and highly organized individual with the experience and knowledge to manage duties effectively, including organizing diaries, answering calls, scheduling meetings, and handling office duties.

What are the reasons Richard McMun provides for wanting to be an executive assistant?

Richard McMun provides reasons such as enjoying the level of responsibility, having control over work output, enjoying organizing and working under pressure, and thriving on the reliance of others on his support.

What are the most important skills and qualities of an executive assistant according to the script?

The most important skills and qualities include exceptional organizational abilities, adaptability, effective communication, discretion, confidentiality, time management, problem-solving, technology proficiency, and proactivity.

How should an executive assistant handle a rude or disrespectful caller according to the script?

An executive assistant should handle a rude or disrespectful caller by not taking the comments personally, focusing on the main purpose of the call, being polite and respectful, and acting quickly to free up the line for other callers.

What is the suggested method for prioritizing work as an executive assistant?

The suggested method for prioritizing work includes writing a list of jobs, color-coding tasks based on urgency, and being ready to respond quickly to pressing matters raised by senior managers and executives.

How does Richard McMun recommend handling stress and pressure as an executive assistant?

Richard McMun recommends handling stress and pressure by focusing on responsibilities, creating a plan of action, blocking out distractions, and maintaining control over stress as a physical feeling that should not detract from goals.

What strengths and weaknesses does Richard McMun suggest discussing during an executive assistant interview?

The strengths suggested include versatility, speed of work, adaptability, working under pressure, and resilience. The weakness provided is difficulty saying no to people, which can be seen as a willingness to take on additional work.

How should an executive assistant organize a meeting according to the script?

An executive assistant should organize a meeting by determining the purpose, location, duration, and attendees, sourcing a suitable venue, creating an agenda, sending out communications with all necessary details, and arranging refreshments and resources like flip charts, pens, and projectors.