Interview Like an Admin! (The Asset you are!) Here is the key to what Hiring Managers Really Look for in Administrative Interviews:
Most people think administrative roles involve only managing calendars, emails, and answering phones. If you're an Executive Assistant or administrative professional, you know it's so much more—and so do our clients.
As an agency specializing in administrative hiring, we talk to hiring managers daily about what they are trying to gauge in their interviews. Here’s what skills they are actually looking for in their EA/Admin hires.
1. Proactivity & Sound Judgment
Managers don’t want someone who waits to be told what to do. They are looking for someone who anticipates needs & problems before they arise.
They want someone who:
Spots urgency without handholding
Professionally pushes back when there's an issue
Protects their executive's time
In interviews, they’re listening for moments when you took initiative on something, not just when you were assigned a task.
2. Clear Communication
Admins are often the communication hub of the office. If your answers are concise & thoughtful in an interview, that signals how you’ll communicate while on the job.
Clarity = competence.
3. Emotional Intelligence
You may be managing executive personalities, team tensions, and confidential information — sometimes all in the same afternoon!
Hiring managers want to know:
Can you read the room?
Do you know when to de-escalate versus escalate issues?
Can you stay professional & calm under pressure?
They’re evaluating your emotional acumen just as much as your experience.
4. Tech Confidence
No one expects you to be a software engineer as an admin, but they do expect you to figure things out.
Whether it’s a new scheduling system, project management tool, or AI platform, show that you can adapt quickly and improve processes using these types of tools.
5. Sense of Ownership
There’s a big difference between: “I was told to…” and “I noticed a problem and took action…”
The strongest admin candidates think like owners. They improve systems. They prevent issues. They take initiative. That’s what makes them a valuable asset to the team!
6. Problem-Solving Skills
Last-minute travel changes. Double-booked calendars. Vendor mishaps. Things happen!
Managers aren’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for how you think on your feet when things go awry. Make sure to come with examples!
7. Discretion & Decorum
Administrative professionals are trusted with sensitive & sometimes confidential information.
Be aware of how you speak about past employers or difficult situations at work — they’re assessing your professionalism and how you would represent them in the future.
8. Attention to Detail
Did you research the company? Did you look into the executives?
Is your resume polished? Does your LinkedIn match your resume?
Do you ask thoughtful questions? (Nothing you can easily Google like the office address)
Hiring managers can tell who did their homework and who didn't!
How to Prepare for Administrative Interviews Differently
Think of top-of-mind examples and be prepared to share stories that show:
Initiative
Process improvement
Crisis management
Executive partnership
Clear communication
Administrative interviews aren’t about proving you can follow instructions. They’re about showing how you perform under pressure, prioritize competing priorities, and improve administrative operations. You're more than just an admin - you're an asset!
Ready to put these new interview skills to good use?!
Check out our open roles at http://www.burketalent.com/jobs. BURKE UP. We got you!