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Questions An Assistant Should Ask At The Interview Stage

So the interview has gone brilliantly. You did all your research and prepped beforehand and so far there’s been not one glitch… Then they ask “Do you have any questions?”

Many interviewees aren’t even sure if they should ask anything when this comes up, or if it’s just a courtesy question.

That isn’t the case. It isn’t a trick question or rhetorical, it is genuinely meant to be an opportunity for you to find out anything that wasn’t covered in the interview/job spec!

To give you some inspiration, here are some of the questions you may want to ask if they aren’t thoroughly covered in the interview or in your research:

Questions About The Business

• What project to date gives the best picture of what the company is all about?
• What changes are the company looking to make to achieve future goals?
• How do the various departments work together? How do they promote communication between teams?
• What are the company’s current challenges and how do they plan to overcome them?

Questions About The Boss

• Do you currently work with your assistant on diary and email management?
• How do you prefer your assistant to contact you?
• In what ways would you want your assistant to help ease your workload? What key skills does this require?
• Do you prefer a hands-on approach from your assistant or do you like to work more independently?

Questions About The Role

• What is the typical working day/week of the assistant?
• What software is used regularly as part of the role?

Questions About Your Progression In The Role

• What do you expect from the chosen candidate in the first months/year of taking the position?
• How important is staff career development and training considered to be?
• Do you offer regular appraisals and work reviews?
• Once settled in, is there possibility of additional responsibilities being taken on in the role?

Questions About The Office Culture

• What would you say the general office culture is like?
• What advice would you offer to a new starter joining the team?
• How would you describe the atmosphere in the office?
• Is organising social and team building events part of the assistant’s role?

Considering becoming a Personal Assistant? Pitman Training Swords offer one of the most sought after PA Diplomas in Ireland. For more information, visit our website or give us a call today.