Interview questions

[GoinSouth]

Managed to get a first interview which was conducted by a video recording only and was asked the following questions - 1 min for each:

Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn't know from looking at your CV

How would you go about building relationships with your peers colleagues in a virtual setting

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern day EA

I didn't get selected for 2nd interview but thought I did ok in the first. So curious as to what/how someone else may have answered. First interview email said there would be no right/wrong answers; feedback was non-specific - 'others more clearly evidenced their suitability in line with the criteria.... '

Would be interested to see other responses to these questions to know where I could have gone 'wrong'... feeling despondent and it's tough out there. Thanks.

I’d be more interested in how they “scored” the responses. There must have been some answers deemed better than others! Sounds a bit like a beauty contest. Who fits in!

Our EA would say her most important attribute is being slightly bossy and politely assertive - she needs to be quite firm about encouraging internal and external people to make space in their diary for meetings - even when they don't want to. She builds strong relationship with our client's EAs. The employees are terrified of her - as is her boss.😂

Not sure about the first question - might be looking for someone interesting - it's such an unusual question - maybe it's about thinking on your feet and not being too flustered...

I’ve heard of the first question before. DD said she was asked if once. I think it’s asking for a hobby or something fun because everything work oriented would be in the cv. So something you have left out! But if can’t be anything important. My DD said organising a ball at university I believe.

@PresentingPercy

I’ve heard of the first question before. DD said she was asked if once. I think it’s asking for a hobby or something fun because everything work oriented would be in the cv. So something you have left out! But if can’t be anything important. My DD said organising a ball at university I believe.

That was a really good answer Percy - did your dd get the job?

@Mydogruns

Our EA would say her most important attribute is being slightly bossy and politely assertive - she needs to be quite firm about encouraging internal and external people to make space in their diary for meetings - even when they don't want to. She builds strong relationship with our client's EAs. The employees are terrified of her - as is her boss.😂 Not sure about the first question - might be looking for someone interesting - it's such an unusual question - maybe it's about thinking on your feet and not being too flustered...

I'm an EA and this describes me exactly! I like to describe it as 'polite but firm!'

Yes she did. I think it suited her organisation though. (Barrister). Doing extra when she could have just done the degree shows multi tasking and working effectively under pressure. Organisational skills. Team working and management of others. Handling finances and budgeting. Contacting suppliers etc. Advertising and marketing. Attention to detail. Nominated for university event of the year etc. Plenty to talk about. That’s the key I think. Link it to work and make sure it’s not a dry subject. Fun but not entirely frivolous.

@PresentingPercy

Yes she did. I think it suited her organisation though. (Barrister). Doing extra when she could have just done the degree shows multi tasking and working effectively under pressure. Organisational skills. Team working and management of others. Handling finances and budgeting. Contacting suppliers etc. Advertising and marketing. Attention to detail. Nominated for university event of the year etc. Plenty to talk about. That’s the key I think. Link it to work and make sure it’s not a dry subject. Fun but not entirely frivolous.

For me the thing that would impress me about about organising the University Ball - is adding something extra (not the what that you mentioned - I expect those things - they are no doubt reassuring - but we'd hope a bright person can do that stuff, it's doing more than you were expected to and then not making a big deal about it by adding it to the CV. The adding extra was just what they did everyday. It suggests someone who can take being busy in their stride, with no drama attached - now that is someone we are looking for!

Thanks for the responses.. not dissimilar to mine at the interview..

For question 1 I talked about a personal research project which made use of my commitment to problem solving using analytic skills, logical thinking, tenacity and initiative, all useful competencies for my role etc.

Q2 - I talked about building trust with relationships, regular communication with colleagues via online meetings, and other media when required etc

Q3 - I mentioned being flexible and two-steps ahead at all times and to be prepared for last minute changes, proactive, communicative, attention to detail etc.

Think they were decent responses within the 1 minute given... of course there may have been other factors for their decision. Ah well.. just have to keep applying.

@Mydogruns
I’m sure you are right. It’s always a big decision on what to put in and leave out. Anyway didn’t do DD any harm! I think when everyone has a stellar cv something a bit different helps stand out.

@GoinSouth
Maybe your Q2 answer was a bit to similar to the question. More about what’s desirable instead of how you would do it. I’m nit picking though.

@GoinSouth

Thanks for the responses.. not dissimilar to mine at the interview..

For question 1 I talked about a personal research project which made use of my commitment to problem solving using analytic skills, logical thinking, tenacity and initiative, all useful competencies for my role etc.

Q2 - I talked about building trust with relationships, regular communication with colleagues via online meetings, and other media when required etc

Q3 - I mentioned being flexible and two-steps ahead at all times and to be prepared for last minute changes, proactive, communicative, attention to detail etc.

Think they were decent responses within the 1 minute given... of course there may have been other factors for their decision. Ah well.. just have to keep applying.

On reflection I think your first answer was too sober - too straight, too serious - all work - they wanted to hear something about you outside of work, something that would indicate what kind of person you are away form work. It's a guess on my part though.

That should have read: you said what was desirable but a better answer might have been how you would do it. I’m sure it’s all very difficult though!