school administrative assistant interview questions

Sample school administrator interview questions and possible answers
  • Why do you want to move into school administration? …
  • Why do you want to leave your current position? …
  • What are your professional goals for the next 5-10 years? …
  • Tell us a story about yourself. …
  • What is your philosophy of education?

Use the interview answer guides to formulate your own winning interview answers for the school secretary or school office assistant position.

Top 20 School Secretary Interview Questions and Answers for 2022

5 School secretary interview questions – skills and experience

Your interview is most likely to begin with questions about your professional background and relevant experience. School secretary interview questions that explore your technical skills and experience include:

What computer applications are you proficient in?

Detail the depth of your experience with each application and the type of work you generated using it.

What sort of reports and documents have you prepared?

  • provide examples of the reports and documents you have prepared
  • provide details of the processes involved in producing them
  • highlight the level of responsibility you were given and the complexity of the documents and reports
  • detail the methods you used to send and distribute communications
  • How do you schedule and keep track of appointments and meetings?

  • what systems have you used to schedule activities and maintain calendars?
  • what follow up procedures do you have in place?
  • How do you keep current with school and District policies and procedures?

    Outline the steps you take to make sure you are up-to-date with school policies and procedures

    What steps do you take to maintain confidentiality and ethical standards?

    Confidentiality and discretion are important for a school secretary.

  • describe the sort of sensitive information you had to manage
  • how did you make sure the information was kept confidential?
  • how was the information stored?
  • 5 Behavioral school secretary interview questions

    Expect behavioral interview questions that evaluate the 5 key competencies required for success as a school secretary including:

    Organizational Skills

    Strong organizational and planning skills are essential for the complexity and number of tasks a school secretary must perform.

    Describe a situation in which you had to balance competing demands and carefully schedule your activities to meet a deadline.

    In your answer focus on:

  • determining the urgency and importance of each task
  • confirming deadlines
  • working out how long each task will take
  • using available resources in planning task completion
  • Good time management interview questions and answers

    Communication Skills

    The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing is key to this role. Communication is the foundation for establishing the strong working relationships that are indispensable for the smooth operation of the school.

    Tell me about a recent situation when you had to simplify a complex issue in order to gain understanding from a student or parent?

    Focus on:

  • adjusting your communication style to meet the needs of the listener
  • presenting the facts in a clear and concise manner
  • encouraging questions
  • asking questions to ensure the right information has been received
  • Judgment

    The school secretary will be call on to exercise sound judgment in making decisions and solving problems.

    Describe a problem you recently had to solve.

    In your answer describe:

  • how you collected all the necessary data about the problem
  • how you considered all the pertinent facts in coming up with a possible solution
  • how you implemented the solution
  • Accuracy and attention to detail

    Maintaining and producing accurate data, records and reports is a critical function for a school secretary.

    Describe what you do to control mistakes in your work.

    Discuss the established procedures you follow to check your work and ensure accuracy.

    Initiative

    Expect questions that explore your ability to be proactive and take action to achieve outcomes beyond your daily duties.

    Describe some of the changes you made to your job at …

    In your answer focus on the following:

  • how you recognized the need for change
  • how you determined the most appropriate and effective method of change
  • how you implemented the change
  • 3 School secretary interview questions – your motivation

    A school secretary is expected to display enthusiasm and commitment to the job. Your motivation for the job will be explored through a variety of motivational school secretary interview questions including:

    What motivates you to do a good job?

    Make sure your answer is relevant to the specific job opportunity. Describing a motivator that is not present in the position will raise a red flag. Typical motivators include:

  • task challenges
  • team involvement
  • goal attainment
  • learning opportunities and professional development
  • positive feedback from student, staff and the public
  • resolving a problem successfully
  • developing effective working relationships
  • contributing to a positive school climate
  • influencing the effective operation of the school
  • Why do you want this school secretary job?

    Focus on what you have learned about the job, the school and District in your research and why you would like to be a part of it. What makes this particular position worthwhile for you? Possible reasons include:

  • variety and complexity of tasks and duties
  • the District and schools goals and objectives, unique characteristics, reputation, student body, staff members
  • What did you like and dislike most about your previous position?

    The interviewer is trying to assess your fit with the job so try and make your answers relevant to the requirements of the position.

    Appropriate general answers about what you enjoyed can include :

  • meeting new challenges
  • dealing with diverse people
  • learning new skills
  • meeting daily and weekly goals
  • Your dislikes should not relate to the characteristics of the job you are interviewing for.

    FAQ

    What questions are asked in a administrative assistant interview?

    Popular admin job interview questions
    • QUESTION: How do you handle stress?
    • QUESTION: Why do you want to be an administrative assistant?
    • QUESTION: What computer skills do you have?
    • QUESTION: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or customer.
    • QUESTION: How do you stay organized?
    • Get more answers.

    How do I prepare for an administrative assistant interview?

    How to prepare for an Administrative Assistant interview
    1. Research the company. …
    2. Understand the job description. …
    3. Run through your job application. …
    4. Prepare your elevator pitch. …
    5. Familiarise yourself with how you will respond to the more common interview questions.

    What are the top 3 skills of an administrative assistant?

    Top 10 Administrative Assistant Skills
    • Organization.
    • Time management.
    • Interpersonal skills.
    • Written communication.
    • Verbal communication.
    • Attention to detail.
    • Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
    • Adaptability.

    Why should we hire you answer administrative assistant?

    How to Answer. Your response to the administrative position may be: “From what you’ve said and the research that I’ve done, your company is seeking an administrative assistant who has excellent organizational skills and is comfortable with technology. My experience makes me a strong fit for this position.

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