Try to be honest. Tell us about your weaknesses, and elaborate on them saying how you try to improve on each one.
Everyone has some weaknesses, but it is your attitude to weaknesses that makes from you a good (or a bad) job candidate. Show us that you are aware of your imperfections, as well as of your strengths.
Job related strengths, weaknesses that are not essential for the job
Administrative assistants do not have to excel in management, or leadership. They do not have to be the smartest people in the office….
These things are important for other employees, but not for the assistants. You should talk about a weakness that won’t have a negative impact on your job–and there are many options.
Likewise, you should choose a strength that is at least somehow relevant for office assistants, for example patience, responsibility, typewriting skills, excellent computer skills, and so on. Let’s have a look at sample answers.
Sample answers
I am efficient with computers, and I typewrite quickly and correctly. What is more, I enjoy doing it. I have a great attention to detail, and I rarely make mistakes. But my communication skills could be better–especially in face to face confrontations. I know this matters, and I do my best to improve on my communication skills.
I am always on time, and my motivation never wavers in work. I always give hundred percent, and can not imagine living my life in any other way. On the other hand, I know I should work on my management skills, and leadership skills. It’s difficult for me to lead a team of people, doesn’t matter if whether we speak about work, or about my personal life. But I accept this weakness as it i, for now. Hopefully I will manage to improve on it in the future…
More difficult questions await you in your interview
Question about your strengths and weaknesses isn’t the only difficult question you will face in your interview.
- Describe a situation when you were under pressure in work.
- Describe a situation when you had to motivate someone in work (your colleague, your subordinate, or even yourself).
- Describe the biggest failure of your professional career.
- Why should we hire you, and not one of the many other job applicants?
These are just some of the questions you may get. If you experience anxiety, or aren’t sure how you’d answer the questions, have a look at the Administrative Assistant Interview Package. Brilliant answers to all questions (see some directly on the eBook page) will help you relax and deliver your best on the big day.
Thank you for checking it out!
Matthew
Next questions:
