Secretary

Review the job description for an Secretary. A number of the underlined keywords have links to interview questions for that keyword or job function.

Description:  Under general supervision, performs confidential clerical and administrative work of moderate difficulty in the office of the Bureau of Internal Investigations. Oversees all administrative functions related to the efficient operation of the office; performs all secretarial duties including typing, filing, preparing agendas for meetings, directives, confidential reports and unit activities; arranges appointments and meetings, maintains files, and performs related duties as required.

You have the secretarial experience and skills.  Now put it all together and get the edge in the job interview with the Complete Interview Guide.  Answer questions naturally without sounding rehearsed and build confidence for the interview.

• Learn how to practice right for the interview.

• Good or bad?  I wish, I think, I feel.

• How can hand gestures improve your interview performance?

• Why are mock interviews important?  Why isn't one mock interview enough?

• Why you shouldn't use limiting words such as "only" or "just"?

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• How to answer and how not to answer

• Questions to ask the interviewers

• What should you do the day of the interview?

• Identify possible interview questions

Search for current trends and subject areas for your Secretary interview:

• Microsoft Outlook

• supervision

• meeting management

• records management

• scheduling and planning

• International Association of Administrative Professionals Certification

More Secretary interview resources:

• Interview Questions

• Interview Tips and Strategy

• Interview Books

Review these critical interview tips before your interview:

• Interview Etiquette

• How to Dress for Your Interview

• Questions to Ask the Interviewers

Search for current trends and subject areas for your Sales Representative/Sales Manager interview:

Practice Secretary Interview

1. How does your experience and training qualify you for this job?
   Focus on the aspects of your experience and any formal or on-the-job training that apply to this position.  Tips on your interview opening.

2. You've been asked to set up and coordinate a meeting.   What actions will you take?
   Among other things, the time, place, agenda, and attendees.

3. Give us an example of your ability to work with confidential information.
   Information that may be considered as confidential include personnel documents and investigations or financial reports?

4. What are the different means by which documents may be filed?
   A couple are chronological and subject.

5. During lunch, you are alone in the office.  A distraught person comes in and wants to talk to someone in charge.  How will you handle this person?
   A good place to start is to find out what the problem is.  This is another variation of the "irate customer question".  Let the person talk; listen; identify the problem, determine who might be able to help the person; refer them to the proper person or take the initiative to resolve the problem yourself; if this requires getting back to the person get their telephone number or address as required; get the problem resolved; and follow-up with the person. 

6. Your boss is on vacation.  An employee from another section comes in and requests a file from your boss' desk.  What will your do?
   Who is the person (supervisor or clerk?) and what information are they requesting (confidential material)?

7. Do you have anything to add?
   Emphasize your qualifications as they apply to this job.   Also cover anything you missed from your opening.  Tips on your interview closing.