Though sometimes dependent on the field, most secretaries are not required to have any college or university education. Instead, they should have some formal secondary education and any prior job experience is beneficial. Additionally, some candidates may have other relevant certificates. What to look for in an answer:

• A high school diploma
• Completion of school certificates
• Previous on the job training

This question measures the candidate's work experience and also reveals how they speak about their former working experiences. Ideal candidates will describe previous work experiences with balance. Even if the candidate had a negative work experience, they should still be able to be professional first and foremost. What to look for in an answer:

• A professional demeanour
• Honesty
• Ability to portray experiences in a fair and balanced way

Secretaries must be able to effectively utilise scheduling software as it helps them to organise their daily responsibilities and they are often responsible for creating the schedules of others. An ideal candidate will share their direct experience with modern scheduling software and highlight their knowledge of technology. What to look for in an answer:

• Computer skills relevant to the position
• Prior experience using scheduling software
• Openness to learning how to use new applications and systems

Clerical tasks are a large part of the work that secretaries complete. This question asks the applicant to reveal their experience and knowledge of clerical work including sorting and filing documents, handling mail, and making copies. It is also important to measure whether the candidate enjoys repetitive work which clerical work can be. What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of daily secretarial clerical tasks
• A positive outlook
• Strong organisational abilities

In addition to using scheduling software, secretaries are responsible for writing letters, sending invoices, receiving and issuing payments, and consistently communicating via email. Ideal candidates will have a wide range of experience and knowledge of computer applications. What to look for in an answer:

• Computer literacy relevant to the position
• Prior data input experience
• Knowledge of current computer applications

Secretaries are often the first face of a company or organisation. As such, they must always conduct themselves in a professional manner. Strong candidates will also highlight an ability to mediate or diffuse potentially difficult situations. What to look for in an answer:

• Active listening
• A professional demeanour
• Ability to deescalate

Secretaries often have access to company and client information. In addition to the possibility of legal procedures surrounding confidentiality, your company may also have a policy in place. Ideal candidates will understand that a cautious approach to handling private information is necessary. What to look for in an answer:

• Trustworthiness
• Understanding of the serious nature of private information
• Sincerity

Even though office settings require teamwork, secretaries must be able to perform several different activities on their own. A successful candidate will highlight their abilities to complete tasks without assistance. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to complete tasks without assistance
• Effective at managing several tasks at once
• Flexibility

Secretaries are tasked with many responsibilities. You want candidates who showcase an ability to complete several tasks at once without much guidance. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to remain calm
• Effective at managing several tasks at once
• Flexibility

The primary responsibility of a secretary is to answer the phone. Your ideal candidate will exhibit knowledge about how to answer the phone professionally, how to juggle several calls at once, how to transfer calls, and how to record messages efficiently. What to look for in an answer:

• Previous experience with managing telephone calls and systems
• Ability to manage several calls at once
• A satisfactory strategy for handling multiple calls at once and recording messages

As secretaries manage several responsibilities, meeting deadlines can become increasingly difficult in fast-paced work environments. Successful applicants should show a desire to meet goals, the ability to prioritise tasks, and must be flexible. What to look for in an answer:

• Skilled at goal setting
• Desire to respect the deadlines that have been set
• Interest in productivity

An effective secretary will contribute to a business or organisation by being active about creating change while completing tasks as requested. Strong candidates will exhibit an interest in contributing to the overall business in addition to their daily responsibilities. What to look for in an answer:

• Dedication to the company
• An innovative outlook
• Interest and attention to detail

Secretaries communicate via email, telephone, and in-person with a wide range of people including various members of staff, clients, customers, and business associates. It's important that candidates have strong interpersonal skills and an outgoing personality. What to look for in an answer:

• A professional, confident, and calm demeanour
• Ability to communicate with a diverse set of people
• Openness to improving

This question can measure how the candidate prioritises clerical work, interpersonal skills, and other daily duties and characteristics of an effective secretary. It also reveals the candidate's knowledge about the role. What to look for in an answer:

• Strong communication skills
• Awareness of the responsibilities of a secretary
• Knowledge of required skills

Ideal candidates will value the position in addition to being capable of completing a secretary's tasks. Candidates who value the position and the field are also going to be trustworthy and loyal additions to your company. What to look for in an answer:

• Sincere interest in the position
• Honesty
• Enthusiasm