MANKATO AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Clerical Assistant Secretary Interview Questions

Candidate: ______________________________________

How did the candidates response strike you?

Low to average answer should
have put more thought into it.
Gave no examples

1. Tell us about your education & experiences which you feel will
make you successful as a clerical assistant. (Look For: Relevant
experiences, applicable education)

2. As the clerical assistant at Franklin Elementary, you are often the

first contact the public and parents will have with our school. How
will you develop a positive relationship with our students & their
families? (Look For: Customer service, relationships, set the tone
with a warm & welcoming environment, understanding of the
important role PR plays)
3. How do you use technology? (Look For: Familiarity with
computer technology)

4. An important part of this job is flexibility. No two days are the

same, and your schedule is often interrupted by students, parents and
staff. Talk about ways in which you are expected to be flexible.

5. Our community is becoming more diverse, how will you support

all families? (Look For: Wide definition of diversity, tolerance,
listening, flexibility, patience, making families feel valued/welcome)

Average to moderate answer.

Put thought into answer but
didnt distinguish his/her self.
Gave some examples.

Excellent answer. Candidate

demonstrated good skills and
knowledge. Gave multiple
relevant examples.

MANKATO AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Secretary Interview Questions
How did the candidates response strike you?
Low to average answer should
have put more thought into it.
Gave no examples

Average to moderate answer.

Put thought into answer but
didnt distinguish his/her self.
Gave some examples.

Excellent answer. Candidate

demonstrated good skills and
knowledge. Gave multiple
relevant examples.

6. What are three of your strengths which you feel will make you a
successful clerical assistant?
7. You will be working with confidential student information such as
student addresses, medical history, academic achievement data, etc.
What precautions do you believe will be important for you to follow
to keep this data confidential? (Look For: Importance of
confidentiality, need to protect students personal information,
sensitivity of information and need to keep it private)
8. What is the most stressful job youve had, what made it stressful,
and how did you manage the stress?
9. Describe your organizational skills and give two examples of
situations in which you have demonstrated these skills. (Look For: 2
examples, relevant organizational skills)
10. Tell us about a time you have had to deal with a very difficult
person and how you successfully resolved the issue. (Look For:
Conflict resolution, composure, focus on end result, listen to what
people have to say)
11. Is there anything else you would like to share, or do you have
questions for us? (Look For: Do questions give us any insight into
the candidate or evidence they understand what required for success
in this position?

Should the candidate receive further consideration? Yes

No

Signature: __________________________________