Administrator job interview

[Goldandguns]

(Posting here for traffic)

I have a job interview for an administrator role in a couple of days and have read up online on the kinds of questions I could be asked. Does anyone have any unusual or not so commonly asked questions pop up in your interviews in similar roles? I'm really hoping to get this one - the pay is much better than my current job and the organisation is related to my degree so I'm very nervous to say the least!
Thanks in advance :)

Be prepared to answer questions where you have to give a specific example of an experience. Something like: Can you give an example where you’ve had to multitask several projects on short notice and what the outcomes were?

I always ask: what do you know about the organisation? The number of candidates who haven’t even looked at the website astounds me!
Can you tell me about a time when you have used your initiative to benefit a project / organisation.
Tell me about your career so far (or studies etc depending on their cv)

Absolutely to reading up on the organisation, knowing what was in the job description (can you tell me what interested you about the role) and a good answer prepared for the tell me about yourself / how do your skills fit the job.

I’ve been the interviewer for administrative roles a few times and I always ask about accuracy (how do you ensure your work is completed to a high level of accuracy). There may be questions about GDPR (what does GDPR mean to you and how do you think it might apply to this role) or equality and diversity.

Good luck!!!

I had an interview recently and had prepared an answer to "what's your weakest point/not so great at" type questions. What I was actually asked was "what would your colleagues describe your weakest point to be". Which my prepared answers didn't translate to so I was totally stumped! I now prepare an answer for that too!

I've had interviews and interviewed for this type of role (NHS).

Definitely research the company or service thoroughly. One of our questions is what do you know about us, what are we trying to achieve and how can you play a part in that. Three part question on one! You have no idea of the amount of people who fumble their way through this question! Last time one person actually admitted they hadn't looked us up .

Also questions asking for examples are commonplace. Tell us about a time questions.

They will possibly ask you about your level of knowledge using various packages and computer systems eg word, excel.

A question about managing multiple priorities. Think about your approach to ensuring diversity and inclusion is central to your work. Managing stakeholders. Effective communication.
Look up the STAR technique..
Have you researched the company's values?

Good luck!

Effectively stalk the company via its website and online information. You need to have an idea of who they are and what they do. It'll just make you shine more than someone who doesn't.

When we've interviewed recently we asked what they knew about us and asked if they'd looked at the website. It was clear one hadn't.

was there a person specification along with the job description?
you are likely to be asked questions that let you demonstrate that you meet the criteria of the person specification.
as PP had suggested, have a google of the STAR technique
It's great that you are thinking about your answers to potential questions in advance, that will help you be more confident - but think about it in general terms, so that you can use your preparation in a variety of ways, not just a mental script for a specific question.

A common question for any role is what interests you about it - and they really don't want to hear that "the pay is better" - so think of something complimentary about the organisation
Had that at a recent interveiw, and TBH the only reason was that an agency had called me and the hours were convenient - not what I actually responded

Good luck, I hope that it goes well.

I interviewed successfully for a job recently and these were some of my questions:

Why do you want to work for this company?
When have you been unable to keep a promise to a client and what did you do?
When have you stepped out of your comfort zone?
When have you made a quick decision and regretted it? How did you rectify it?
When have you shown an outstanding example of customer service?

Be prepared to have examples for everything and try to relate it to the job role if you can. Try to keep everything positive, even if they're asking about errors you have made on the past. Research the company and show that you have that knowledge in the interview.
Be personable and friendly. Smile. Ask for more time or ask to come back to a question if you're not sure and make a note of it.

If it's on zoom, put post its around your computer as prompts. Good luck! Remember you're interviewing them too!

Questions I ask for admin based roles are around
Dealing with people at all levels from senior staff/MPs, colleagues and members of the public, what makes someone an effective communicator. I'm looking for answers about preparation, negotiation as well as the usual bumf about listening skills.
How to deal with conflicting/multiple deadlines.
Definitely stuff about our organisation's strategic plan and aims.
How you would deal with complaints
What makes a good team.

Thanks for the responses, I'll add these all to my list :) I've already checked through the company site and made notes of what I can use to speak about during the interview in regards to values, policies etc.
I actually feel sick because this job would be perfect for me (in my opinion) and I'm worried I won't be able to convey that on the day!

Whats your favourite colour?

Just had the interview and over half of these questions weren't included one of them was "if we walked into your home office space right now, what would we find?" I was torn between replying "you're better off not knowing" and being honest about the toys on the floor and laptop balancing on books!
Only a 10 day wait to hear back as well

Equality and Diversity is HUGE now and a good answer to this could make or break whether you get the job. I would make sure you know what all the protected characteristics are. Then choose one (I normally choose disability) and then give an example of how I’ve helped a patient/colleague to overcome their disability to make them feel included. An example I gave was helping a visually impaired colleague apply to access to work so he could get the appropriate talking software for his computer.

@Goldandguns oh blimey that’s one of those what do you want from me questions!

You did it, that was the hard part.