How familiar are you with Microsoft Office Suite?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Entry Level Example
Answer Example
Experienced Example

The interviewer asks this question to see if you have experience working with Microsoft Office Suite. Many organizations require their Court Clerks to be familiar and competent in using this application as it is part of their job duties. If being skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite is a job requirement, it should be listed in the job announcement.

Focus on answering that you are familiar with and experienced using all aspects of Microsoft Office Suite. Explain your experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, or any other Office Suite applications you are comfortable using. If you have certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist, be sure to inform the interviewer.

If the job announcement states the organization is looking for a Court Clerk skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite, avoid saying you are unfamiliar with the program. If you do not have the skills they are looking for, you will be passed over for another candidate. If having experience using this application is required, it is best to take an online course, read how-to guides, and practice using the different applications to familiarize yourself with Microsoft Office Suite before your interview.

"I became familiar with Microsoft Office Suite during my college years. My professors required all work to be submitted using the Microsoft Word and PowerPoint programs. I am proficient with those two applications and am taking a Udemy course online to become more proficient with Microsoft Excel."

"I have been using the Microsoft Office Suite application for ten years and feel competent with all features. At work, I generally use the Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote applications, so those are what I am most familiar with."

"I am extremely familiar with Microsoft Office Suite. I received my Microsoft Office Specialist Associate certification two years ago, certifying that I am an expert in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. I am also comfortable using Microsoft Outlook and OneNote."