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University Administrator Mock Interview

Question 2 of 35 for our University Administrator Mock Interview

University Administrator was updated by on October 22nd, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 2 of 35

How do you ensure you have clearly and accurately understood an inquiry or request that has been allocated to you?

"I begin by repeating or paraphrasing what I believe I heard or read in the request. This helps to ensure that the requestor and I are on the same page initially. Next, I ask clarifying questions about the specifics of the deliverable or the timing involved. For example, I might clarify the format of a document requested or ask what time a request is needed on a particular day. Additionally, I will ask questions if there is any ambiguity around the people I should collaborate with or communicate with while handling the request. Lastly, I communicate my plan to complete the request including any checkpoints that allow for feedback before the final due date."

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How to Answer: How do you ensure you have clearly and accurately understood an inquiry or request that has been allocated to you?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an University Administrator job interview.

  • 2. How do you ensure you have clearly and accurately understood an inquiry or request that has been allocated to you?

      How to Prep

      Think about the steps you take to ensure you have a proper understanding each time you receive a new request. What actions do you take regularly to ensure you thoroughly understand the work involved? It can also help to think of a time when you were confused or unclear about a task that was given to you as this scenario will include more steps and help you to provide a more complete response.

      Written by Karrie Day on September 27th, 2023

      How to Answer

      Walk your interviewer through the steps you take to clarify your understanding of a request. Next, describe your process for discussing any details that were initially unclear. Finally, demonstrate that you understand the importance of setting clear expectations for completion based on the results of your efforts to clarify the request.

      Written by Karrie Day on September 27th, 2023

      Answer Example

      "I begin by repeating or paraphrasing what I believe I heard or read in the request. This helps to ensure that the requestor and I are on the same page initially. Next, I ask clarifying questions about the specifics of the deliverable or the timing involved. For example, I might clarify the format of a document requested or ask what time a request is needed on a particular day. Additionally, I will ask questions if there is any ambiguity around the people I should collaborate with or communicate with while handling the request. Lastly, I communicate my plan to complete the request including any checkpoints that allow for feedback before the final due date."

      Written by Karrie Day on September 27th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "You repeat it to back to the person and ask if you have captured it correctly."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      Good start! Since this question is explicitly targeted at your actions, I recommend using 'I' language vs. 'You' language. I have offered a revision, below.
      "To ensure that I have clearly and accurately understood an inquiry or request, I will repeat the information back to the person. I will often ask if I have captured the details correctly. One example of this is a time when...(offer a brief STAR-based example of your communication skills in action)."
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