Five Essential Interview Questions for Executive Assistants

It’s no secret that the more prepared you are for a job interview, the more confident you’ll feel for your big moment. If you are searching for an executive assistant role, approaching the interview process can be intimidating. 

The more prepared you feel, the more you’ll be able to showcase your personality and speak confidently about your skills and passions. 

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As you prepare for your upcoming interview, here are some of the most commonly asked interview questions that executive assistants get in a job interview. 

The Executive Assistant Job Description: Look Here First

As you spend time preparing, first look back at the job description that the employer posted. This can give you helpful insight into what the interview questions will entail.

Every executive assistant role is different, depending on the executive or team they'll be partnering with on a daily basis. By consulting the job description, you’ll be able to see what your primary role and responsibilities will be, along with the hard and soft skills you’ll need to be successful in the position. 

Knowing the job description, you can adapt your answers to questions like:

• What are your strengths in a team setting? 

• How do you handle conflict?

• What are your most significant responsibilities in your current role?

Essential Executive Assistant Interview Questions 

Now that you’ve studied the job description and are confident in your understanding of the role, it’s time to prepare with some typical questions that executive assistants get asked during job interviews. 

We’ll explore these common questions and provide some background on each, the details you should include, and more.

1. How do you prioritize tasks and deal with deadlines?

Explain how you succeed in time management, juggle various tasks at once, and keep a level head when things get stressful. If you have examples that showcase this, use them.

2. How do you manage an executive’s schedule during conflicts?

Scheduling is a significant component of an EA’s role. For some, it’s the primary task during the day-to-day.

If this question gets asked, you should expect to handle schedules frequently. So, come prepared with examples of your problem-solving and communication skills.

3. Have you had to step in when your executive could not make a meeting? How did it go?

Most EAs will tell you that there will come a day when the executive can’t make a meeting, and you’ll be tasked to go in their place. Whether virtual or in-person, this can be stressful for EAs, whether they have many years of experience or they're new to the role.

If you haven’t had to represent your executive yet, paint a picture of what you would do in the situation. Share how you would present yourself professionally and emphasize your commitment to the executive.

4. What tools and software are you experienced with, and how are you currently utilizing them?

Discuss the tools you use daily and describe your proficiency with each one, particularly the ones related to task and time management, scheduling, and inbox management. This will give the executive a solid understanding of your technical skills and your confidence in the tasks you’ll be handling on a regular basis. 

5. What are the most essential skills you would bring to this role?

Now’s your chance to share the hard work you’ve put in during your career to get to where you are today. Don’t be shy; highlight your most valuable skills, particularly those mentioned in the job description. 

In doing so, you’ll show that you came prepared for the interview and that you are the best person for the job.

Prepare for Your Dream Job with ASAP 

As you prepare for your dream job, ASAP is here to help in any way we can. With ample free resources, we strive to offer everything EAs and admin professionals need to grow in their careers. Explore our resources today and start rising to the top!