Admin Assistant Mock Interview
Master 40 Admin Assistant interview questions covering organization, communication, and office technology.
Question 31 of 40
What is the most challenging situation you have faced as an Admin Assistant? How did you overcome it?
Entry Level
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"While working as a server, a guest had a severe allergic reaction to one of the dishes he ordered. I followed our policy to call 911 and not interfere with any medical assistance unless fully trained, which I was not. It was a terrifying situation; still, I took on the role of keeping other guests calm and contained the situation on an emotional level. Luckily, the guest was okay in the end!"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
The interviewer would like to know how you react when it comes to workplace challenges. They also want to see what you consider to be a problematic situation. For instance, if the most challenging situation is that a colleague has eaten your lunch, chances are, the interviewer will see you as unable to handle substantial workplace challenges.
Use a relatable example, and be sure to highlight what you did to overcome the situation or make the best of it. If you are new to your admin career, you can give an example from another job. You could also discuss a situation you faced while volunteering or participating on a team or committee. This question is not the time to complain about your jobs or co-workers. Keep your response as positive as possible.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"A few years ago, my company went through an acquisition which put nearly all of our administrative team out of work. Being the most senior Admin Assistant on the team, I was the last to be let go, which meant that when someone was laid off, I would take over their responsibilities. It was a very disheartening and upsetting situation; however, I promised myself that I would remain collected and professional through my final moments with the company. They offered me a glowing reference, which I greatly appreciate."
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Anonymous Answer
In my current job, I got extra work from my colleague. She is new to this work and cannot handle critical client tax returns. It was a very disheartening and upsetting situation because I have to complete my work and this extra works. This is not the end, but she also massed with client information and updated it in the wrong place in the tax return. Also, I have to deal with the client, and those are upset due to work delays. I took the role of organized work and contained the situation on an emotional level. Luckily, I clear all those new client files within the time frame, and the client was happy in the end!
Chad's Feedback
This is a great start! It can certainly be challenging when you have to complete extra work and smooth over relationships with clients due to a colleague's shortcomings. However, be very careful about speaking negatively about a coworker. This is not the time to complain, or place blame on others, and doing so never makes you look good. I suggest revising your answer in a way that highlights your ability to take on additional work, and what you learned by overcoming the situation. Remember to keep your response as positive as possible.
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