ByLewis Keegan updated
If you will soon be completing your interview for your next employee position, it will help if you are prepared to answer the most frequently asked employee interview questions.
Rather than trying to figure it all out yourself, I've compiled some of the most common interview questions and answers for you.clerk jobs.
By the end of this article, you'll feel more confident about interviewing, impressing the hiring manager, and securing the position while standing out from the competition with your clear, strong communication.Let's begin!
table of contents
17 questions and answers for employee interviews
1. Why do you want to work here?
The hiring manager usually likes to have an idea of what attracted him to this position and why he chose this company.
Tips for answering this question:
- Try to make it personal for the company instead of just saying "I needed a job".
- Research the company's history and mention a few facts in your answer about what you like about the company's work and experience.
2. What is your previous experience?
If you have previous roles to reference, create a list of your relevant experience to refer to and remember when asked this question.
Examples of answers:
- In my previous roles, I kept a variety of records, handled financial data and transactions, and managed a database.
- I used software programs to reference and summarize data, compare bank statements with ledgers, communicate with clients, and much more.
3. What are the most important skills an office worker should have?
An office worker needs many different skills as he is given many different tasks.
Examples of answers:
- I have computer and computer skills, social awareness, active listening and I speak clearly, I have a strongwriting and dictation/transcription skills.
- I have strong time management and problem solving skills, as well as experience managing a variety of documents, data and information.
4. What computer skills do you have that will benefit this position?
You will undoubtedly use some computer systems in your role, so sharing all relevant skills will be beneficial.
Examples of answers:
- I have proficient use in allMicrosoft Officeprograms, from spreadsheets tostanding outfor different word files. I am also familiar with Microsoft and Mac operating systems and have worked on both.
- I can use all common Office programs as well as Photoshop, Architect Office andquick books.
5. How do you handle stressful situations in general?
When it comes to managing tasks and deadlines, employees do a lot. This can create stress and pressure, so the hiring manager would like to know how you might handle this.
Example answer:
I like to approach everything one step at a time and refer to a to-do list I create each week, and then another for each day, so that everything seems organized in my mind when I'm dealing with deadline pressures or too many tasks. It keeps me calm and in control.
6. Do you have any experience handling money?
In general, there will be some basic accounting and financial management in employee roles.So sharing any past experience is something a hiring manager will want to know about.
Tips for answering this question:
- Mention whether you collected, counted and disbursed money.
- What basic accounting experience did you have?
- If you were in charge of doing the banking transactions, share this.
7. What filling system do you use at the office?
There are many ways to answer this, depending on your document management experience and preferences.This is just a few.
Possible answers to this question:
- I use expandable files for documents, like accordion-style folders.
- Where I don't need to use physical paper, I have password protected cloud folders for valuable and confidential company information.
8. What are some of your strengths as an employee?
Don't be coy here, this is your chance to shine!
Example answer:
I feel the biggest strengths I bring to my role as an employee are time management as I can multitask with ease and problem solve.
9. What are some weaknesses?
If you can share that you know their weaknesses and are working on them, you'll come across as a mature, down-to-earth potential employee.
Example answer:
I know I have meticulous attention to detail, which is a strength, but sometimes I get lost in a task for too long, wanting it to be perfect. I'm learning to deal with this by honing my prioritization skills.
10. How do you see the difference between an administrative assistant and a clerk?
An employer might ask a technical question like this one to help you understand your overall role.
Examples of answers:
- An administrative assistant role is more about communicating with high-level managers or owners, with more responsibilities than an office worker, as they can organize meetings and supervise staff, etc.
- An office worker communicates with all levels of the company and their duties are more about managing data, answering the phone and communicating.
11. What is your typing speed?
This can be a very important factor for some employers.
Tips for answering this question:
- Try to share that you're 50-60 words per minute with a high level of accuracy, if applicable for your skills, because that's the ideal level for employers to know.
- If you are less proficient in typing, please share that you arelearning to type fasterAnd they have improved.
12. What forms of correspondence were you responsible for?
Different roles and companies will require different levels of handling correspondence with clients and co-workers. Share your experience in your answer.
Examples of answers:
- He was responsible for typing drafts, revising and dictating correspondence, as well as sending internal and external documents and information to clients.
- My level of grammar and spelling as well as professional writing in standard English is high which made this correspondence easy for me.
13. What is one of your most rewarding experiences as an office worker?
Get creative with this answer if this question comes up.
Example answer:
I remember one day when there was too much to do and a customer called asking for urgent information. I felt pressured to find this information while also managing my deadlines, but I ended up rearranging things, researching what they needed, and getting back to them before the end of the day, while finishing all my tasks.
This client's gratitude was very touching and made me happy to know that I could help her without sacrificing my tasks.
14. What is the biggest challenge of working as a clerk?
You can give a variety of answers here, unique to your personal experience. The following answer can be used in any scenario.
Examples of answers:
I would say that since the role handles many different tasks such as basic accounting, communicating with people, responding to correspondence, managing data, and operating software and machines, an employee's main challenge would be time management.
15. What is your availability?
At the end of the interview, this practical question may come up.
Tips for answering this question:
- In case you have flexible availability, it is important to inform that you do not have hours or days outside the limit.
- If there are some circumstances where you know you definitely can't work, share those details clearly, explain to them why you can't work those days/times.
16. What is your ideal work schedule?
Some hiring managers ask this question if there's room for them to create a unique schedule.
Tips for answering this question:
- If you have any preferences for working days and hours, please share them. However, be sure to express the importance of constant work, as work is more important to you than free time.
- If you have no preferences and can work when you need to, this is an ideal employer case.
17. Do you have any questions for me?
To show your enthusiasm for the role, ask questions at the end of this interview.
Examples of answers:
- What defines a successful employee, in your eyes?
- What is a typical day at the office like?
- How would you describe the company's culture?
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