Knowing how to best prepare for an Executive Assistant interview can be the difference between landing a job after your first application, or still applying for jobs after 15 failed interviews.
But worry; we’ve got your back! We’ve trained hundreds of students to become Executive Assistants since we launched in 2023, and plan to train thousands more to land their dream jobs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps that we believe will best prepare you for an executive assistant interview.
From crafting an impeccable resume to acing those tough interview questions, we’ll cover it all…
Craft a Standout Resume
Before you even step into the interview room, your resume is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression. That’s why we’ve written a guide specifically to resume preparation for Executive Assistants.
Make sure it stands out from the stack by highlighting your qualifications, skills, and experiences that are relevant to the role of an executive assistant.
If you have no qualifications, sign up for an Executive Assistant Certification course, and then in as little as 2 weeks, you can have a certification to add to your resume.
Skills worth mentioning are outlined in our guide here. You’ll likely already excel in 1 or 2 of these skills, so note them on your resume, and start working towards fine-tuning the remaining skills you have less experience with.
Start your resume with a strong opening statement or summary that provides a snapshot of your professional background and your enthusiasm for the position.
Use active verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities in previous roles.
Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact. For example, instead of saying, “Managed schedules for executives,” you can say, “Efficiently coordinated and maintained the schedules of three top-level executives, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity.”
See the difference? The second example is so much better!
Research the Company and the Role
Knowledge is power, and in the world of interviews, it’s the key to success.
Begin your interview preparations by researching the company and the specific role you’re applying for.
Understanding the company’s culture, values, and recent achievements will not only impress your interviewers but also help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Moreover, dive deep into the executive assistant role itself.
What are the expectations?
What challenges might you face?
Knowing this information will enable you to tailor your responses during the interview, demonstrating that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
This can all be done by simply visiting the companies website in just 30 minutes.
Dress for Success
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”
Well, it holds true for Executive Assistant interviews as well.
Your attire should reflect professionalism and align with the company’s culture. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Opt for classic, neutral colors and avoid flashy accessories or clothing that might distract from your qualifications.
Remember that your appearance is part of the first impression you make, and you want it to be a positive one.
By dressing the part, you convey your seriousness and respect for the interview process.
Develop Your Elevator Pitch
During an interview, you’re likely to be asked, “Tell me about yourself.”
This is your chance to shine and make a strong first impression.
Craft a concise yet compelling elevator pitch that summarizes your professional journey, highlighting your key accomplishments and how they relate to the executive assistant role.
We teach our students to start by talking about the present (your current role, and the scope of it), then the past (how did you get to your current role? what previous experience do you have that is relevant), and then end with a few brief comments on the future (explain what you’re looking to do next, and why you’re interested in this particular role).
This is also the method career coach Lily Zhang recommends in her recent article about answering the “Tell me about yourself” question on the muse.
Keep your pitch under two minutes, and practice delivering it confidently.
Your elevator pitch should leave no doubt in the interviewer’s mind that you are not only qualified for the job but also passionate about it. It sets the tone for the entire interview.
Master the Art of Communication
As an executive assistant, effective communication is at the core of your role. We even list it as one of the key skills for Executive Assistants and teach it in all our Executive Assistant courses.
Therefore, your interviewers will be closely evaluating your communication skills.
Practice speaking clearly and confidently.
Avoid filler words like “um” and “uh.” Instead, take brief pauses if you need a moment to collect your thoughts. The Institute of Public Speaking preaches this method of using pauses instead of filler words, and has a great article on Ways to Eliminate Filler Words.
Listen actively to the interviewers’ questions, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if something is unclear.
Additionally, maintain good eye contact and engage in the conversation by nodding and providing thoughtful responses.
Show that you’re not only capable of conveying information but also of understanding and processing it effectively.
Prepare for Common Interview Questions
Now, let’s tackle the heart of the interview: the questions.
While you can’t predict every question you’ll be asked, you can prepare for some common ones.
Practice your responses to questions like:
- “Tell me about a challenging situation you’ve faced at work and how you handled it.”
- “What do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”
- “How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?”
- “Give an example of when you had to deal with a difficult colleague or client.”
Remember the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when answering behavioral questions. It helps you provide a structured response that showcases your problem-solving abilities.
Refer to our interview question & answer guide for more practice.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
An interview isn’t just about answering questions; it’s also an opportunity for you to evaluate if the company and role align with your career goals.
Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers, such as:
- “Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?”
- “What are the short-term and long-term goals for the executive assistant position?”
- “How does the company support professional development for its employees?”
- “What qualities are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this role?”
Asking questions not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you make an informed decision if you receive an offer.
Conclusion
Preparing for an executive assistant interview can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can boost your confidence and increase your chances of success.
Craft an impressive resume, research the company and role, dress professionally, develop your elevator pitch, master communication, prepare for common interview questions, and ask thoughtful questions.
With these steps in your arsenal, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the interview process and land that coveted executive assistant role.
Now, go out there and shine in your interview. Your dream job is closer than you think!
