How to Answer: Have you ever taken a role in a company that hasn't fit into your long-term career plans?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Secretary job interview.
1. Have you ever taken a role in a company that hasn't fit into your long-term career plans?
How to Answer
Most people have taken on a position that was not a fit for them in the end. It's best to openly discuss any positions that you have held that were not a fit. This will assist the interviewer in being able to place you within their organization accurately. Be sure to end your answer on a positive note, discussing how you bounced back from the misstep.
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 2nd, 2021
Entry Level
"I have not taken a position simply to have a job. I am cautious who I work for and am happy that my discretion has worked well for me and my career path."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 2nd, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, you will see that from March to May 2007 I held a role as Executive Assistant with Company XYZ. This particular role was not what I was expecting and had little to do with administration and more to do with cold calling from the phone book. This wasn't nurturing my plan to grow the admin side of my career, so I resigned after just two months. Luckily I landed a wonderful job immediately after and grew with that company for the following six years."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 2nd, 2021
Experienced
"Sure, when I was younger and just starting out on my own, paying the bills is very important. You can't sit around and go bankrupt waiting for your dream job. That said, I never wanted to take advantage of anyone. For that reason, I stuck primarily with temporary admin positions through a temp agency."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 2nd, 2021