This article is part of the “Interview tips” series.
Being a virtual assistant is hard work but it’s completely worth it because you’re in complete control. If you have study, ambition, and motivation, you can succeed in the corporate world. The interview will get you closer to your dream job. It’s an opportunity for you and the potential employer to decide if your skills are aligned with the company’s needs. The questions asked during the interview are meant to allow the employer to evaluate your experience and abilities. You’ll want to perform your best during this meeting. In this article, we’ll discuss some preparation tips.
Be technologically dialed in
Skills can only take you so far, meaning that you need the help of technology. Solutions such as Office 365 and OneNote allow you to boost productivity without having to spend extra time. Demonstrate that you’re able to work virtually. Focus all your energy on promoting these skills. If your powers of persuasion aren’t enough, find out what technology platform the company is using for the interview and make sure your audio and video are working. The trick here is to show your familiarity with the communication platform. This should be your first point of research.
Must-know interview questions
Practice is the most important part of preparing for an interview. Knowing what questions you might be asked during the virtual assistant interview is crucial because you can prepare your answers ahead of time. Here are some common interview questions you should prepare for.
How do you handle a situation when you don’t know how to complete a task?
You have to overcome your negative outlook and tackle the seemingly impossible task. You can consult with your boss, an expert, or even a friend. You need to gather additional information to face the reality of the situation. This will save you the time and effort of trial and error.
What do you do when a client has difficulty articulating their needs?
As a virtual PA, you should be able to pick up on the client’s needs, even if they’re not able to tell you exactly what they want. Thus, you should be perceptive and identify the source of the problem, which comes from understanding the client and their business.
How do you manage relationships with difficult team members?
At times, virtual assistants are required to collaborate with other team members. It’s not always sunshines and rainbows. If someone’s behavior is unacceptable, you must figure out how to work together fruitfully and make sure their behavior doesn’t get in the way.
Follow up after the interview
While it’s not advisable to overwhelm the prospective employer with messages and phone calls, you should follow up right after the meeting. Send a thank you message to the manager and reiterate your interest in the job. If you don’t receive any response in the following week, think about sending another follow-up email. Keep in mind that you might not always get a response. It’s important to send some form of correspondence and thank the interviewer for their time. But don’t exaggerate.
