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Admin Assistant Mock Interview

Question 3 of 40 for our Admin Assistant Mock Interview

Admin Assistant was updated by on August 25th, 2020. Learn more here.

Question 3 of 40

Tell me about a time when you received criticism from your manager. How did you react to that criticism, and did you make improvements based on the feedback?

"(Situation) Recently, I received instructions to create a PowerPoint presentation to promote one of our company's internal client appreciation events. (Task) As the Admin Assistant, it is part of my role to design the look of the presentation and edit the content that my manager provides. (Action) Although I do not have experience in graphic design, I felt that I had a good enough eye for style and that I could make the presentation look clean and attractive. I went ahead and completed the task in just four hours. After my manager reviewed my work, some of the slides required different wording, and he had a different color scheme in mind. I felt that my manager could have relayed those thoughts upfront rather than criticize my work after the fact. However, at the same time, I could have been firmer about asking for direction from the beginning. (Result) I listened to his ideas and incorporated them. I had the changes back to him within an hour, and he was very pleased with how quickly I incorporated his feedback. What I learned from the situation is that I should ask more questions if there is room for interpretation. I ask for firmer guidelines more often now, and this improvement has significantly boosted my productivity on particular projects."

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How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you received criticism from your manager. How did you react to that criticism, and did you make improvements based on the feedback?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Admin Assistant job interview.

  • 3. Tell me about a time when you received criticism from your manager. How did you react to that criticism, and did you make improvements based on the feedback?

      How to Answer

      The interviewer is seeking out information regarding potential areas of weakness. They are also looking for evidence of professional communication. Show that you can handle constructive criticism and that you respond appropriately. As an Admin Assistant in a professional setting, you know that feedback helps you to learn and improve the quality of your work, which is why you graciously accept constructive criticism. Give an example that will not make you exempt from the role. For instance, if one of the primary responsibilities of this role is calendar management, you would not want to discuss a situation involving disorganization on your part.

      With this 'Tell me about a time...' style question, you will want to give a story-based example. To ensure that you are specific and organized in your story response, try using the STAR framework. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result.

      Written by Rachelle Enns on August 22nd, 2020

      Entry Level

      "(Situation) A couple of months ago, my professor suggested that I work to increase my typing speed. (Task) I did not think it was slow at typing, sitting around 60 words per minute, but he wanted me to increase my speed regardless. As a student, of course, I should listen to feedback from those teaching me. (Action) To improve, I have been taking typing classes online and then testing myself once per week. (Result) So far, I am at a typing speed of 72 words per minute, and I can already see how this pick up in speed will impact my productivity once I gain employment as an Admin Assistant."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Answer Example

      "(Situation) Recently, I received instructions to create a PowerPoint presentation to promote one of our company's internal client appreciation events. (Task) As the Admin Assistant, it is part of my role to design the look of the presentation and edit the content that my manager provides. (Action) Although I do not have experience in graphic design, I felt that I had a good enough eye for style and that I could make the presentation look clean and attractive. I went ahead and completed the task in just four hours. After my manager reviewed my work, some of the slides required different wording, and he had a different color scheme in mind. I felt that my manager could have relayed those thoughts upfront rather than criticize my work after the fact. However, at the same time, I could have been firmer about asking for direction from the beginning. (Result) I listened to his ideas and incorporated them. I had the changes back to him within an hour, and he was very pleased with how quickly I incorporated his feedback. What I learned from the situation is that I should ask more questions if there is room for interpretation. I ask for firmer guidelines more often now, and this improvement has significantly boosted my productivity on particular projects."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on August 22nd, 2020

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Like everyone, I have received input from my managers that helped me to see how my work could be improved. Once I was asked to revise a project that I had spent a lot of time on, but after listening carefully to the critique, I saw how I could make changes that would strengthen the finished product. I am always eager to learn from people with different views and experiences, especially when the commentary can help me grow in my career and strengthen my skillset."

      Chad's Feedback

      This is a good start! However, with this "Tell me about a time..." style question, you will want to give a detailed story-based example. The example you have provided is too vague. Consider adding more detail, especially around the type of project you were working on, the exact criticism your work received and from who, and what the final outcome was. To ensure that you are specific and organized in your story response, try using the STAR framework. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result.
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