Executive Assistant

Executive officers entrust their assistants with confidential business information, and some executives even confide in their assistants on personal matters that have little to do with business. In some cases, executive assistants are not only the gatekeepers for executive leadership, but they also are confidantes. A tough interview question that probes the interviewee's business principles and ethics includes, "Suppose you are the assistant to the CEO of one of the most profitable companies in the world. Your boss lets it slip that she's been wrangling for the acquisition and control of a competitor.

Executive assistants must have organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work. Tough interview questions that assess their strengths in this area include "How you prioritize urgent responsibilities when you have little time left in the day to complete your tasks?" and "One of your co-workers has offered to help you on one of your busiest days; however, you believe your skills are far superior to hers. How would you respond to her offer when you really do need help?" The candidate's answer to the second question also sheds light on her ability to tactfully refuse or accept help from co-workers.

An EA is the personal assistant to someone who's on the executive management team of the organisation or who perhaps sits on the board.

► When was the last time you were in a high pressure situation?

► What was the biggest challenge in your previous / current position?

► What are your strengths?

► What is your weakness?

► How do you handle a large workload?

► Why do you want to leave your current employer?

► What salary are you looking for?

► Do you have any questions for me? Always important?

The most frustrating aspect is the slow pace in the office and it can be difficult to get things done on occasions.

For a long time I really enjoyed working for my current employee and I have felt that I learnt a lot from the role and also from my manager. However the job is limited and doesn't provide me with much room to grow (you can expand this for what ever reason fits your circumstances) . I feel that this position will give me the opportunity to expand my skill set and also move forward in my career.

The most satisfying aspect of my role is being able to help the executives make informed decisions that affect the rest of the Company. I enjoy working with and supporting successful people at the top-level of their career.

This shows you're interested in continuing to move the process forward and it gives the interviewer a chance to share a bit more about the process and/or how many others are in the running for the executive assistant position.

Although it puts your interviewer on the spot, it gives you a chance to address any hesitations the employer may have about hiring you as an executive assistant. This could help you secure the position.

In my previous role I had to work with a lot of strong-minded and opinionated consultants and found that I lacked the ability to be assertive with them and sometimes I felt they were able to get me to do work that I was uncomfortable with. After discussing this with my Manager I attended an assertiveness course and gain the training I needed to deal with them. I find it hard to say no. It is a work in progress but I am getting there.

Expressing a desire to seek additional training signals that you're ambitious and want to enhance your contributions to the company. Questions about career advancement opportunities also indicate you're willing to make a long-term commitment to the organization.

This demonstrates that you're proactive, which is a sought-after quality in an executive assistant. It also gives you a chance to discuss how your skills can benefit the company.

A question like this shows you're interested in learning what it takes to perform well. It will also give you a clearer indication of what the company is looking for in an executive assistant and why you sparked their interest.

A hiring manager has a set amount of time to conduct an interview, so there may be some things he or she only briefly touches upon. Seize the opportunity to clarify anything that seems vague or confusing to you by asking the interviewer to revisit one or more of those topics when it's your turn to ask questions.