How do you handle stressful situations?

"At XX company, I was often required to handle seemingly unlimited requests at one time. I would sometimes get overwhelmed and stressed, but I found that by taking a step back for a minute, evaluating the work closely, and communicating directly with the request owners, I couuld prioritize more effectively."

The interviewer wants to know if you can work well under pressure, especially in unexpected situations. They want to know that you can remain calm and professional in times of stress or crisis.

Be honest. Describe a situation (a professional one is ideal, but if you do not have a great deal of work experience, think of a time when you volunteered for a group, helped a friend or sibling move into their apartment, etc.) where you felt stressed, and explain how you were able to manage it.

Stating that you don't work well under pressure/stress. All positions can be stressful at times, and the interviewer wants to know how you handle it, not that you are unable to do so.

"When I was a receptionist at XX hospital, we had multiple unexpected patient emergencies. At first it was scary, but after a bit of a learning curve I learned to calmly and effectively handle anything that came my way."

Are you comfortable processing financial information?

"Yes, I would be. I do not have a great deal of experience in that area, but I am definitely comfortable learning the process."

The interviewer wants to know that you are flexible. You do not need to be a finance guru, but you want to show that with guidance, you are comfortable with financial information.

Stating you are comfortable with anything required of you. Even if you have zero financial experience, that's ok. The interviewer wants to know if you would be comfortable, not how much you know about it.

Focusing on lack of experience with financial information if you don't have any or stating that you are not comfortable handling finances. Don't appear as if you are afraid of finance--a lot of people are! That's also ok, but don't show it!

"Yes. In my previous role with XX company, I processed travel arrangements, billing, payroll, and benefits information for XX amount of employees. I am very comfortable with processing financial information."

How would you handle visitors to the office?

"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."

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.

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.

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.

How would you respond to questions regarding company policies?

"Yes, the company policy to uphold safety and security is very important. You can find detailed information here (provide website)."

The interviewer wants to know if you would just hand out information or check to see if it is appropriate to do so. In some cases, simple policies can be offered, but more complex questions would require some research.

Being aware of company policies (after hire). Knowing where to find such information if it is public. Let the interviewer know you would research company policies and learn what to share/not to share with other co-workers, visitors, or family/friends.

Appearing as if you do not know/do not care about company policies or how they are distributed. You want to make sure the interviewer knows that you will learn the policies and where to direct others to find them.

"I am unsure exactly how that policy is stated. Let me research it and get back to you by (give time frame)."

How do you handle confidential information?

"Confidentiality is very important to me. I would never share information unless asked to by a supervisor. If I am unsure if a co-worker should see a document I felt should be kept confidential, I would clear it with a supervisor first before sharing the information."

The interviewer wants to know you are professional and can keep confidential information private. They want to know you won't be sharing information with co-workers when it is not appropriate.

A desire to keep information to yourself. Describe how important it is and clearly state that you would never offer information to anyone without clearing it with the supervisor first (in case of a situation where a co-worker asks for the information).

Appearing as if confidential information doesn't matter to you. Employers want to know you are diligent and that information shared with you stays with you. You want to assure the interviewer that you are trustworthy and can be responsible for sensitive information.

How do you handle/distribute work as part of a team, if you are not in a supervisory role?

"If I am tasked with a project that is too much for me to handle in the allotted time, I would first ask my supervisor if they might help me by assigning some pieces of the project to others. If that is not possible, I would talk with my team members and ask them for help."

The interviewer wants to know you are a team player. They want to know you are comfortable asking for help and that you can accomplish tasks working with other individuals on the team in various roles, including those similar to yours (for instance, working with part-time staff, interns, volunteers, as well as leadership).

Assuring the interviewer that you are happy being part of a team and would ask for help if you needed it. Assure them that if the situation were reversed, you would be happy to help your peers if they needed assistance.

Appearing as if you are a dictator. If you were a supervisor yourself in a previous role, this is especially important. Do not say "I have been a supervisor, so I have no problem delegating tasks." That is not part of an Office Clerk's role and would make it seem as if you are "used to being the boss."

How would you approach your supervisor if you are in need of sick/leave time?

"If I am sick, I will let you know as soon as I realize I won't be able to come in. If appropriate, I would call or text you the night before my shift. There are obviously occasions where one wakes up ill. If that were the case, I would let you know immediately. I understand that emergencies happen, and I am more than willing to cover for a sick co-worker if they had an emergency."

Everyone needs leave time occasionally. The interviewer wants to know that you would handle it professionally and not leave them hanging without any notice.

Remaining positive and letting the interviewer know you would try your best to give advance notice. That is not always possible, but you want to convey that you would let them know as soon as possible if you need sick or leave time.

Seeming indifferent to others' time. If you need to be out of the office, someone else will need to cover your duties, so you want to be sure you are clear that you understand that.

"Before I plan a vacation/leave time, I would speak with you about when would be an appropriate time to do so and ensure someone would be available to cover my shift."

"I did want to talk with you about that. I have a pre-planned/paid for vacation from X date to X date two months from now. Would that be a problem?" (In most situations, it will not be a problem, and the interviewer would prefer to know ahead of time before you are hired.)

What makes you a great fit for this position?

"I have done extensive research into XX company, and I am very interested in a role within the XX industry. My background and skills speak directly to [mention specifics from the job description]. I have great enthusiasm for the industry and know I can make a difference by supporting leadership to be more effective and productive, saving time and money."

The interviewer wants to hear that you've done your research about the position/company. They want to know you are familiar with the company and why your skill set would be advantageous to them.

Your research on the company and how your skills are perfect for the role. Reference the job description and detail how your background will can lend itself to the company's success.

Not having an answer. There is one! Do not appear as if you don't know the company, the role, or your own background. The interviewer wants to hear positive information about why you are a good fit. In general, when we speak of what to "stay away from," we mean to continually focus on positive information that will encourage the interviewer to understand you really are the perfect fit!

What have you done to improve your skills as an office clerk?

"I am always willing to take on additional training or certifications. I listen intently to feedback from management and apply their suggestions directly to my work. For example, at XX company, my supervisor noticed I was struggling with prioritization. She asked if I would be interested in a free seminar on campus, and I jumped at the chance! It immediately proved beneficial, as it taught me valuable skills I could apply right away. My supervisor noticed I was much more relaxed and asked if the seminar helped, and I said that it certainly did! She then continued to forward me information on seminars, courses, etc. offered through the company and allowed me time to be away from my desk to take them."

The interviewer wants to know you are willing to learn and grow in a role. They want to know you are open to feedback and suggestions for improvement.

How you have asked questions, listened, and taken XX courses to help grow your skills. Mention that you welcome any additional training to continuously improve.

Appearing as if you already know everything and do not need to improve. We all do! Be sure to emphasize that you are open to constructive feedback from managers to help grow your skills.

Do you work well under pressure?

"Yes. I have often been pressured by many things, for instance deadlines, emergencies, irate clients or customers, and others! I actually thrive under pressure, although I can also be equally successful in a quiet environment."

This question is asked as a follow up to the previous one ("How do you handle stressful situations?") The interviewer wants to know that you can keep up with challenging scenarios.

Saying "yes." Draw from the previous question. Give more detail about stressful or pressured situations where you calmly and effectively worked through them.

If you have just explained a stressful situation, it would not bode well to then say you can't work under pressure. However, be careful. You do not know if this position will be pressured or not, so avoid saying that you can ONLY work under pressure.

Why are you qualified for this position?

"Having thoroughly researched the job description and the company, I see you are looking for someone who is an excellent multi-tasker. In all of my previous positions, I have been complimented many times on my ability to juggle different priorities. I also enjoy this work and am excited and challenged by taking on a similar role."

First, good for you! You are there for an interview, so the interviewer has already decided you are qualified to be there. The interviewer wants to hear about your personal background to back up what they already know from reading your resume (which they have reviewed extensively). Your resume is just a piece of paper, though. You should think about the job description, compare it to your resume, and find relevant examples that will allow you to detail any related experience. This shows your resume is more than a piece of paper with a list of tasks. Let your personality shine through and make the interviewer feel confident you will excel in the role.

Give a confident answer that details examples from your job (or other) background that will reassure the interviewer they made the right decision in calling you for an interview! Try to be specific and give concrete examples of what you have done that mirrors what is required in the job description.

The interviewer wants a brief, concise, and informative answer and has a limited time to speak with you. So, you don't want to tell a long story that will take up valuable time. Stay away from long stories with irrelevant details, and focus on two or three specific skills/experiences that qualify you for the position.

"Having thoroughly researched the job description and the company, I see you are looking for someone who is very detail-oriented and focused. I have been complimented on my ability to stick with one task to completion without distraction. This is the kind of work I am best at, which is why I chose to apply for this role."

What are your career goals as an Office Clerk?

"I plan to learn everything I possibly can on a day-to-day basis to excel in this role. My goal is to represent the company at the highest level."

The interviewer wishes to know if you are planning on staying in the position for a minimum of a year; two is better. They want to know you are committed to this role for the foreseeable future.

You should provide the interviewer with information on how you wish to excel as an Office Clerk for a few years, until they feel that you are ready to move upward within the company.

Anything that suggests you view this is a "short term" position or a "placeholder" until you find something better. They want to know you're going to stick around.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

"In five years, I hope to have proven myself to you and the company. I hope to eventually advance and take on more responsibilities."

Assuring the interviewer that you see yourself growing in your role and performing at a high level as an Office Clerk for a few years. In five years, you would like to be advancing within the company. They want to know you're going to stick around for a while. Interviewing and hiring is an arduous process for both the interviewer and interviewee. The interviewer wants to know they are not wasting their time on someone who only plans to hang around for six months.

The interviewer wants to know they can count on you. They want assurance that you will be a dependable and reliable employee and that the position is not just a placeholder till you "find something better."

Any indication that this is a short-term position for you. In other words, if you tell them you're working through school in Marine Biology or something completely unrelated to the company, they will get the impression you just want something for right now, as opposed to a long-term commitment.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

"I believe my previous experience in (describe), which is a large part of this position, coupled with my dedication to exceed expectations, makes me a perfect fit."

The interviewer wants to know how you can contribute to the company. They want to hear that you will be dedicated, dependable, and an asset--which of course you are!

Your dedication to the position, your dependability, and your reliability. They want to know they can count on you to perform with a high level of commitment.

Anything that would be considered the opposite of "best candidate"! Be positive and open about how you feel you would excel in the role.

What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?

"I sometimes get overwhelmed when I have too many tasks and struggle to prioritize them. When this happens, I talk to the assigners of the tasks to understand which one is really the priority and what can wait. I tend to try to do everything at once and have learned that if I take it one step at a time, it alleviates my anxiety."

The interviewer wants to know that you can acknowledge you aren't perfect--nobody is! Everyone has flaws, and the interviewer wants to know what yours are and what you're doing to improve on them.

Addressing minor flaws, which we all have. Maybe you overthink things sometimes or get overwhelmed with too many tasks. Whatever it may be, the most focus should be put on answering what you're doing to improve it. The key is showing that you can identify your flaws and have an active plan to address them.

Stating something that would be completely detrimental to hire. For example, "I'm always late for work" or "I'm told I am not good with people" would not be advantageous!

What is your greatest strength?

"My loyalty and dedication to a role with great attention to detail. I love to make my employer shine!"

The interviewer needs to know that your strengths play into the role for which they are hiring. They want to hear that the skills they need are strengths you possess. You can look to the job description for this, focusing on responsibilities that you are experienced in. There will be key skill sets that the interviewer is looking for, so strive to highlight those.

Speaking directly to the job description, while being honest. You don't want to say you're an expert in *whatever* thing if you are not. The job description should provide enough information for you to pick out a few things you know you are good at.

Being unsure. The interviewer wants to hear a strong reply about your strengths. Know what they are, and know how they can directly impact the position.

"I am extremely dedicated to any role I take on. As volunteer for XX organization, I have received kudos often for my ability to always be on time and showing 100% commitment to tasks set before me."

What do you like the least, or find the most difficult, about working as an Office Clerk?

"I have found that prioritization is sometimes difficult. As an Office Clerk with many tasks coming my way simultaneously, I have found I need to speak up and ask each individual for a projected timeline so I can understand what is most appropriate to focus on first."

The interviewer wants to know where your challenges lie, and how you plan to overcome them. They are looking for flexibility and the ability to adapt to tasks that are boring or difficult.

Honest feedback. There is no "wrong" answer, yet you want to remain positive and not just tell the interviewer what you "didn't like" about a previous position or what you might not like about this one. Challenges happen, the interviewer wants to know how you handle them.

Complaining; nobody wants to hear negativity even if you do find some tasks boring or less productive, so be sure to spin this question in a positive manner.

What type of reporting structure did you work within in previous jobs?

"In my last role, I reported to the Sales Manager specifically. However, I often assisted other managers as needed and was clear on how to prioritize work."

The interviewer wants to know if you are comfortable reporting to more than one individual. As an Office Clerk, the role will typically require handling multiple requests from multiple leaders. This is not always the case, but it would be a typical environment.

Flexibility. Even if your previous role was reporting to one individual, you want to be sure to convey you are open to a matrixed environment where you are receiving requests from different team leaders and have the ability to prioritize accordingly.

Emphasizing that you have only ever reported to one person at a time, even if that's true. This would show the interviewer that you may not be able to handle multiple requests.

"In my previous role, I reported within a matrix environment to the Sales Manager, Marketing Manager, and Advertising Manager, so I am very comfortable reporting to several leaders. I can also focus on one leader if the position requires it."

What do you like most, or what is most rewarding, about being an Office Clerk?

"In my previous role as an Office Clerk for XX company, I loved working as part of a team to support leadership. I am very organized, and the most rewarding part of the role was making sure everything was organized so that if my supervisor needed something, I could quickly deliver it."

The interviewer wants to know why you are perfect for this position. They want to hear examples of exciting experiences you have had in previous positions, or, if you have not held an Office Clerk position in the past, what other things you have done and enjoyed that are similar to this role.

Specific examples from the job description that you can speak to directly and honestly. If you have not been an Office Clerk in the past, use an example from a previous position. Assure the interviewer that commitment to a role is important to you.

Anything that suggests that this is a "short term" position. Entry level positions are often a person's way of just "getting in the door." The interviewer does not want to hear that. They want to know that you are interested in this specific position and why.

"I have been a homemaker for the past several years, raising two children. Organization is my forte! Having to juggle scheduling for myself, my spouse, kids' soccer practice, ballet camp, baseball, softball, and more, has made me a master calendar manager."

How would you keep track of office supplies?

"If there is not an inventory process in place, I would create one. I would evaluate the supplies, research how often they are typically ordered, and create a specific system to ensure supplies are always available."

Again, the interviewer wants to know that you are proactive. They do not want the supply closet out of something if a team member needs it, and if that is your responsibility, you need to be sure you're on top of it.

Your impeccable organizational skills. Let the interviewer know that you would consistently monitor the level of supplies and order more when appropriate or as instructed.

Appearing as if you do not care about your co-workers. This question is intended to show that you are committed to keeping your team members happy, and you don't want to convey that is not a priority to you.

"I would communicate to team members and leaders that if they notice something is running low, to please inform me so that I can order more of that item."

"Over several years with XX company, I realized that the whole faculty was ALWAYS out of erasers for the white boards. I don't know where they went half the time! One day there would be 20 in the supply closet and the next day, none. After clearing it with my supervisor who approved the cost, I kept a stash in my desk for emergencies until I could order more."

What do you know about our company?

"I have Googled your company and also asked friends and family what they know about XX company. The information I learned assures me that XX company objectives align with my own personal goals, such as (give example). I have noticed you've been in business for XX number of years, which impresses me as a stable and productive environment."

Having no clue about the company (i.e. their goals/mission/values). Be sure to research at least the basics, if not more, so you can speak intelligently about how the company is a good fit for you. You do not need to spout out every milestone the company has hit in the last five years, but you definitely want to demonstrate you know what they do and why it interests you.

Any quantifiable information you have been able to glean. Provide knowledge of the company's overall goals, knowledge of products they sell or represent, how long they have been in business, etc.

The interviewer wants to know that you did not just arbitrarily pick this position out of nowhere. They want to know that you have done your research, which shows you have a true interest in the company.

How do you handle situations where workflow is slow?

"I like to keep busy, so if workflow is slow I would ask other team members or leaders if I could help with something."

The interviewer wants to know that you are proactive. When work is slow, they want to know you're still earning your paycheck.

Being positive! Let the interviewer know that you are active in helping other team members or leaders if needed, and that if your workflow is slow you are willing and able to pitch in wherever needed.

Appearing as if you would be just sitting there. You want to sound eager and interested in helping others.

"I would take that time to be sure all files are organized properly, check the supply room to ensure it is stocked, check the kitchen for outdated items, and ask others if I could help them with anything."

Would you be available to work extra hours if needed?

"Sure. I do have other commitments outside of work as we all do, but with a few hours' notice I can arrange to stay late/come in early/work on a weekend if necessary."

Again they are looking for flexibility. They do not want to know if you'll work 20 hours of overtime every week but want to know if in a crunch you are willing to pitch in and help.

Your willingness to be available for extra hours in certain circumstances. Again, you're not offering up your whole life, so imagine a scenario that involves a one-time project where the deadline was unexpectedly moved up with no notice to the company. The supervisor asks if you could stay an hour late (or come in an hour early) 3 days this week to ensure the project can be completed.

Saying that you have kids (or dogs or whatever it is) that you need to be home for at a specific time every day. That may be true. But don't say that. Let the interviewer know that if specific occasions arise once a year where you are asked to stay late, arrangements could be made. Again, they're not asking you to work a million extra hours, just maybe once in a while (if ever) during a particularly stressful time.

What have you done at your present/last company to increase revenues, reduce costs, or save time?

"As a receptionist, I may not have been in a position to increase revenue company wide, but I did suggest a program to contribute a quarter for a cup of coffee. We had great coffee, and it was expensive to provide to the whole office. I suggested that to mitigate complaints, we phrase it in such a way that if we couldn't make up the cost somehow, we would have to downgrade the coffee. Nobody complained at all - a quarter is a lot better than the three or more bucks they would spend at Starbucks next door! We ended up making about $53/week for fifty employees!"

This question may not be typical for an Office Clerk, but they want to know you have an answer ready. There is certainly something that you did in the past to address at least one of these scenarios.

One or two of those things. You do not need to give detail on all three, specifically if you do not have a great deal of experience.

Looking like a deer in the headlights. This question can be a little scary, especially if you're thinking, "But geez, all I did was answer the phone!" You've done something, so make sure you know what that is and don't freeze.

"At my last job, I recognized that we were using a lot of paper and printer ink. I realized that for drafts, most people were automatically printing "one-sided/color," just for those documents to be edited and thrown away. I suggested to my boss that we ask people to please be diligent and if they were just going to print out a draft to select double-sided and black and white settings. I cannot remember exactly the cost savings, but I know that we ended up ordering about half our usual amount of paper and colored ink!"

"My company was using an archaic process of file sharing when I started working there. They used flash drives that they handed back and forth to each other to share information. Not only was it time consuming because one person would have to go up two floors to hand a flash drive to someone else, but errors happened frequently. The company already had OneDrive and MS 365, but we weren't using it. I talked to my boss and suggested we started using programs we already had. It was slow-going at first, but ultimately everyone got on board. "

What type of documents, and in what formats, have you generated in the past?

"When I was with XX company, I formatted documents in MS Office Suite daily and utilized company software including (describe)."

The interviewer wants to know how technologically savvy you are. Typically, you can use the job description to what they are looking for. If not, describe in general what systems you have utilized in the past.

What you know and know well. For instance, if you have extensive experience in MS Office or if you have a certification in Excel, highlight that. Be sure to state that you are quick to learn any technology you are unfamiliar with and would welcome any training that could be offered on any programs you are not familiar with.

Sounding as if you are not capable of mastering new technology, even if your background is not specific to it. Flexibility is key, and that means you want to show that even if you don't know something, you're willing to do the research to figure it out.

"Although I have not been in an office environment recently, in my position as a volunteer with the school board I created many flyers (or other example) for events and utilized MS 360 to communicate with board members and other volunteers."

Can you tell me about your work experience as an Office Clerk?

"When I was with XX company, I supported several individuals performing varied positions from Accounting to Marketing. I answered and transferred telephone calls, took messages, sorted and delivered mail, scheduled appointments, and received customers and visitors."

The interviewer wants to know how experienced you are and if you can handle the requirements of the position. If you don't have experience, don't worry! This is an entry level position, and if you have at least some office experience (as a receptionist, administrative assistant, etc.) that will work.

Anything that you have done in the past, paid or unpaid, that lends itself to the requirements of the position. Even if your title was not "Office Clerk" specifically, you can draw on your previous experience from anywhere to detail how it speaks to the job description.

Simply stating "I don't have any." The interviewer has your resume, and if you don't have direct experience, they already know that. You're there, so the interviewer has seen something that they like about you.

"Although I do not have direct Office Clerk experience, when I worked as a front office receptionist (or other) I provided general information to staff, clients, or visitors, created documents in MS Office suite, and filed paper and electronic documents."

Why did you choose to pursue a career as an Office Clerk?

"My background in/as a (give example) has enabled me to see the value of an Office Clerk role. I have learned that support staff is a strong indicator of overall company success."

Drawing from your work (or personal) background, provide the interviewer with information about why you're interested in the role. Identify the reasons that your experience lends itself to this role and how you can contribute to the company's overall success.

Stating that you "just needed a job." The interviewer wants to know what interests you specifically about the position and the company.

The interviewer wants to know what led you to this position. Why are you there? Something about the role attracted you enough to apply for it, and that's what you should focus on.

"While perusing job opportunities to advance my career, I came across your listing. This position itself is something that is right up my alley. I enjoy (state specific examples from the job description) and was impressed with the company's history."

Tell me about a complex project you were tasked with completing under deadline.

"When at XX company, the team was tasked with completing a multi-faceted marketing plan. The deadline was moved up, and we all had to really focus on that one project for several days to meet the goal. I was asked to work directly with the Director of Marketing to ensure all his/her/their goals were completed by listening carefully and prioritizing tasks accordingly. Other team members were assigned to other pieces of the project in conjunction with my work. The project was completed ahead of the deadline without anyone having to work past typical business hours, and the client was very pleased with our work!"

The interviewer wants to know how you approach organizing work to meet deadlines. They want to know that you would remain calm and ask for help if needed.

Describing a successful project with a deadline in detail. Explain the project and what you specifically did to assist leadership to meet the goal.

Speaking as if you did it all yourself. An Office Clerk will typically assist in larger projects as part of a team, and you do not want to appear as if you are going to "take over" something that is not required. Also, do not say you "worked overtime." The interviewer doesn't want to hear that you were unable to complete the task during work hours unless specifically stated.

Have you had experience in maintaining office equipment? If so, what type of products?

"In my role with XX company, we had many types of equipment, including a multifunctional Xerox copier, a postal machine, telephones, and scanners. I kept track of regularly scheduled maintenance, and if there was a problem with equipment that I could not handle immediately (such as a paper jam), I had the information at my fingertips and called the appropriate company for help."

The interviewer wants to know if you are technologically savvy and to what extent. They want to know that you have at least the basic skills for the position (reference job description) which would typically include the operation of basic office equipment (phones, computers, postal machines, copiers, etc.). You don't need to have a degree in "office equipment management," but showing you have the ability to know where to go/where to look for help if something breaks is what the interviewer would like to hear.

Think of instances where the copier went down, the printer stopped working, the postal machine quit, or other office equipment decided to just stop working. Describe what you did to rectify the situation.

You do not need to be a tech guru, so don't get mired in all the steps you took to try to get the copier working. The interviewer wants to know what you did about it, not that you spent ten hours trying to figure out why the copier wasn't working.

What type of duties did you handle in previous positions?

"When I worked as an administrative assistant at XX company, my duties were varied and often ad hoc as assigned. This included assisting management staff in preparing confidential documents, completing and updating records, and processing invoices through an electronic system. I also had to be very flexible to assist other staff in varied roles as needed."

The interviewer wants to know you have some experience that will lend itself to the position. Even if you don't have direct experience, draw on other things such as raising a family, volunteer work, etc. Describe duties that you can relate to the job description of this position. If you answered phones, filed, whatever it may be, it's still experience.

Appearing as though you do not understand the job description or do not have any background experience. Again, you're there! So the interviewer saw something they liked on your resume. Focus on your knowledge of the position and what background you have that is relevant.

Any direct experience related to an Office Clerk role. This could be typing, filing, routing telephone calls, or anything in your history that supports your knowledge of the role for which you are interviewing.

"For the past several years, I volunteered at the public library which allowed me to work specific hours while raising my children. In this role, I helped keep the library running efficiently by carrying out clerical duties, and was available to help visitors/students find the resources and materials they were looking for."

Office Clerk Interview Questions

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1. How do you handle stressful situations?
2. Are you comfortable processing financial information?
3. How would you handle visitors to the office?
4. How would you respond to questions regarding company policies?
5. How do you handle confidential information?
6. How do you handle/distribute work as part of a team, if you are not in a supervisory role?
7. How would you approach your supervisor if you are in need of sick/leave time?
8. What makes you a great fit for this position?
9. What have you done to improve your skills as an office clerk?
10. Do you work well under pressure?
11. Why are you qualified for this position?
12. What are your career goals as an Office Clerk?
13. Where do you see yourself in five years?
14. Why are you the best candidate for this position?
15. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
16. What is your greatest strength?
17. What do you like the least, or find the most difficult, about working as an Office Clerk?
18. What type of reporting structure did you work within in previous jobs?
19. What do you like most, or what is most rewarding, about being an Office Clerk?
20. How would you keep track of office supplies?
21. What do you know about our company?
22. How do you handle situations where workflow is slow?
23. Would you be available to work extra hours if needed?
24. What have you done at your present/last company to increase revenues, reduce costs, or save time?
25. What type of documents, and in what formats, have you generated in the past?
26. Can you tell me about your work experience as an Office Clerk?
27. Why did you choose to pursue a career as an Office Clerk?
28. Tell me about a complex project you were tasked with completing under deadline.
29. Have you had experience in maintaining office equipment? If so, what type of products?
30. What type of duties did you handle in previous positions?

Office Clerk Interview Questions

1. How do you handle stressful situations?

2. Are you comfortable processing financial information?

3. How would you handle visitors to the office?

4. How would you respond to questions regarding company policies?

5. How do you handle confidential information?

6. How do you handle/distribute work as part of a team, if you are not in a supervisory role?

7. How would you approach your supervisor if you are in need of sick/leave time?

8. What makes you a great fit for this position?

9. What have you done to improve your skills as an office clerk?

10. Do you work well under pressure?

11. Why are you qualified for this position?

12. What are your career goals as an Office Clerk?

13. Where do you see yourself in five years?

14. Why are you the best candidate for this position?

15. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?

16. What is your greatest strength?

17. What do you like the least, or find the most difficult, about working as an Office Clerk?

18. What type of reporting structure did you work within in previous jobs?

19. What do you like most, or what is most rewarding, about being an Office Clerk?

20. How would you keep track of office supplies?

21. What do you know about our company?

22. How do you handle situations where workflow is slow?

23. Would you be available to work extra hours if needed?

24. What have you done at your present/last company to increase revenues, reduce costs, or save time?

25. What type of documents, and in what formats, have you generated in the past?

26. Can you tell me about your work experience as an Office Clerk?

27. Why did you choose to pursue a career as an Office Clerk?

28. Tell me about a complex project you were tasked with completing under deadline.

29. Have you had experience in maintaining office equipment? If so, what type of products?

30. What type of duties did you handle in previous positions?