If the CEO gave you confidential information, what would you do if another top-level executive asked you about it?

With ACCESS to your company’s most SENSITIVE information, executive assistants must maintain confidentiality and discretion. Ask this question to find out how a candidate will navigate complex office politics without betraying confidence, engaging in gossip or making thoughtless comments.

What to look for in an answer:Ability to maintain proper confidentialityComfort level DEALING with sensitive informationUnderstanding of the significance of confidentiality in the workplaceExample: “Since I don’t have the proper authorization to disclose the CEO’s information, even to other senior-level executives, I would politely and firmly explain that I don’t have any information to share with them.”

What software programs have you used in the past and how would you describe your computer skills?

Executive assistants leverage their expertise in software programs to create business-critical presentations, prepare expense reports and TRIAGE emails, among many other crucial tasks. This question gauges a candidate’s ability to manage these tasks, which often have the power to shape company policy.

What to look for in an answer:Proficiency with top software programsAbility to learn quicklyComputer literacyExample: “In my previous role, I used Google Sheets and Docs extensively to create reports and presentations, but I’ve also been using the full Microsoft Office suite for over 10 years. I’m known by my friends as their personal tech support specialist, so I love fixing things when they go wrong and can master new tools and programs quickly.”

Describe a time you had to adjust a schedule due to unforeseen circumstances.

At the heart of an executive assistant’s job is expertly maintaining calendars, booking appointments and arranging meetings that meet the needs of busy senior managers. This question reveals how skilled a candidate is at keeping a company running smoothly while dealing with complex scheduling constraints.

What to look for in an answer:Ability to create and adjust schedulesFlexibility and adaptabilityProblem-solving skillsExample: “An executive flying in from Boston was scheduled to present at a mission critical meeting, but his flight was delayed and he wouldn't be able to present until two hours after his scheduled time slot. Instead of rescheduling for another day, pushing back the meeting or cancelling his presentation, I decided to switch his time slot with two other executives so that he could present when he arrived at the office, ensuring that nobody else’s schedule was impacted.”

How would you deal with an angry person demanding to speak with an unavailable executive?

An exceptional executive assistant is pleasant and professional when dealing with irate people. This question reveals how a candidate will reflect their boss’s values and serve as an EFFECTIVE gatekeeper – all while diffusing volatile situations.

What to look for in an answer:Customer service skillsDiplomacyResourcefulnessExample: “I would speak calmly and evenly, putting a positive spin on the situation. To avoid escalating the conflict, I would politely offer to take a message, reassure them that the executive will contact them as soon as possible and give the customer the option to speak with someone else who was available.”

What are your strategies for managing your time when dealing with multiple urgent tasks simultaneously?

Whether you’re looking for a candidate to support just one or multiple executives, it’s important that they know how to juggle multiple tasks at once without cracking under pressure. Ask this question to discover how a candidate will react when situations become demanding.

What to look for in an answer:Multitasking skillsAbility to accomplish tasks under pressureOrganization and time management skillsExample: "When I’m being pulled in multiple directions, I focus on staying calm and collected. I write out to-do lists and focus on prioritizing tasks based on importance and deadlines. This clears my head and helps me finish all of my tasks on time.”