Administrative Assistant screening interview questions

What a good administrative assistant screen should establish

• Organization and prioritization
• Written and verbal professionalism
• Discretion with confidential information
• Proficiency with office software and calendars
• Proactive problem solving

The questions, and what to listen for

1. 01

   Describe a typical day in your last administrative role.

   Listen for: Range of responsibilities, ownership, and volume.

2. 02

   Two executives need something urgently at the same time. What do you do?

   Listen for: Clarifies deadlines, communicates, negotiates priorities.

3. 03

   Tell me about a time you handled confidential information.

   Listen for: Discretion and awareness of boundaries.

4. 04

   Which calendar, email, and document tools are you proficient in?

   Listen for: Specific tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoom, expense systems) and depth.

5. 05

   Describe a process you improved.

   Listen for: Initiative and measurable results.

6. 06

   How do you handle a scheduling conflict you caused?

   Listen for: Owns the mistake, fixes it quickly, prevents recurrence.

7. 07

   Tell me about supporting a difficult stakeholder.

   Listen for: Professional, adaptive, maintains standards.

8. 08

   How do you keep track of many small tasks?

   Listen for: Reliable system, not memory alone.

9. 09

   Describe your experience arranging travel or events.

   Listen for: Attention to detail and contingency planning.

10. 10

    What kind of manager do you work best with?

    Listen for: Self-awareness and flexibility.

Red flags

• Vague about tools or resistant to learning new ones
• Shares confidential details from past employers in the interview
• No system for tracking work