How to Answer: How would you handle visitors to the office?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Office Clerk job interview.
3. How would you handle visitors to the office?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know you can handle visitors appropriately. Depending on the position, there may be security measures in place stating visitors are not permitted to wander around the office without a company employee. Some positions are more relaxed, and visitors can come and go as they please. Let the interviewer know that you would handle visitors according to the company's policies. "Visitors" is a broad term and can mean anything from a salesperson trying to sell a product to a vendor who has a regularly scheduled maintenance visit--or hundreds of other scenarios. The main thing you want to convey here is that once trained, you will comply with the company policy regarding visitors.
Written by Emily McMannes on March 13th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
How you would be pleasant and friendly at all times. You would explain to the visitor how you could help them by notifying the person they wish to see, asking if they have an appointment, and essentially knowing how to handle the difference between a friend meeting an employee for lunch or someone who is irate and wants to yell at an employee. You want to show that you know how to gauge a situation and react appropriately, whether that is calling a supervisor for help or just letting someone go on in.
Written by Emily McMannes on March 13th, 2022
Stay Away From
Saying you don't know/have not handled visitors before. The interviewer wants to know what you would do if the situation arises, not that you have never done it before.
Written by Emily McMannes on March 13th, 2022
Handling visitors to the office Example
"I would be polite, professional, and friendly. Depending on company policy, I would ask the visitor how I could help them and then provide further direction such as asking who they were here to see and letting that person know their visitor is here."
Written by Emily McMannes on March 13th, 2022