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Interview Tips: Key Questions to ask and NOT to ask

Written by: Lula Walmsley
Published on: 26 Aug 2014

Interview Questions Dos and Don'ts

 

Interviews can be a daunting experience, so it’s really important that you prepare for them well in advance. Not only can preparation make a great difference to your confidence, it is also proven to enhance your chances of being offered roles by up to 40%.

Read this article to get our top tips on how to prepare for your PA job interview including the questions that you should be asking your prospective employer.

 

Before the interview:

  • Research: Take time to research as much as possible about the organisation and the interviewer’s background. Try to find out about the company’s history, products, recent changes, projects, culture, competitors, and clients. Take the time to check the company website and speak to your recruitment consultant about any company questions you have.

  • Plan: Ensure you have all relevant details such as time, date and interview location, as well as the interviewer’s name.  Plan your journey and give yourself extra time for any unexpected delays. Make sure you know the name of the person you are going to see, exactly where they are located and how long it will take to get there. Ensure that you have the company’s telephone number with you in case of an emergency.

  • Prepare: Make a list of your strengths against the PA job description and the responsibilities of the role and read them out loud. This will help you to start becoming ‘fluent’ in selling yourself and help with your confidence.

 

During the interview:

  • Body Language: Shake hands firmly with the interviewer(s) at the beginning and end of the interview; a friendly expression will indicate that you have a positive relationship led approach; and always maintain eye contact. As many interviews now take place remotely, it's important to ensure you are prepared for virtual conversations and you can find out how to ace your next video interview on our blog.

  • Smile: When you arrive at the office an instant tick box for many companies is a candidate who smiles. It seems simple, it is!  Nervousness can often be misconstrued as aloofness, disinterest or a range of other negative emotions. If you remember to smile no matter how nervous you feel, this will help give off a positive impression.

  • Enthusiasm about the job: Another key thing clients often tell us is that a candidate was not offered a job because they didn’t know if they wanted the job. It’s absolutely key to get across that you want this personal assistant job, be clear and tell them. Keep to the point - but be yourself: Keep your answers succinct and don’t go off on a tangent. Give yourself time to think and collect your thoughts, especially when asked a complicated question, and remember you can always ask the interviewer to repeat the question to ensure you have provided a well rounded answer. If you don’t know, admit it – never lie.  Be yourself. That’s who they want to see and in the end, it’s who you need to be if you are going to be happy in this PA role.

  • ASK QUESTIONS: Always ask questions, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and also will help you to learn more about your potential new job as a PA! Be careful what you ask though, here are our list of do’s and don’ts:

 

DO Ask:

  • What would a typical day look like for me?

  • What will be the biggest challenges of the role?

  • What could I do to really add some value to the team within the first few months of joining?

  • Where would you expect to see me in the business after 2 years?

  • What is your management style?

  • What gives you the edge over your competitors?

  • Why should someone come and work for your organisation?

  • What made you want to work for this company?

DON'T Ask:

  • What will I be paid?
  • When will I be paid?
  • How often does the team go out drinking?
  • Why would you not hire me?
  • How much do you spend on the Christmas party?

 

We hope this has helped you to prepare for your interview. For more advice on how to flourish in a PA job interview, you can read top tips on our careers advice page.   If you’re ready to apply for your next PA job, browse the latest PA and Private PA opportunities on SecsintheCity today or create a job alert to be notified of suitable roles when they are posted.