Office Junior interview: tips and questions.
There are opportunities for inexperienced young people who want to work in an office. This will give a good grounding in many activities within a company before they make a decision as to whether they want to stay in an office or consider a different career.
Although educational qualifications aren’t essential, a good knowledge of spoken and written English is necessary. Spelling accuracy is also important. Most school leavers will be able to operate a computer and will be able to type to a certain level, although they may not know their way around the “formal” office programmes.
As employment has been more difficult to find because of the economic situation there are now graduates applying for office junior positions. The office junior, until recently was usually aged up to about eighteen or nineteen years, and because they didn’t know very much and had few qualifications, the starting salary was quite low.
An office junior’s position is still an extremely good way of beginning at a company; learning about the differing functions within the office, such as answering the phone, taking messages, typing of letters and memos, and dealing with the post. The office junior still makes the tea and coffee – some things never change!
The Interview
It is essential for the office junior to arrive at the appointment in good time. Arriving late simply isn’t an option and is highly likely to disqualify your application. Of course, a genuine reason for lateness will be considered. Dress simply, but smartly in clothes which are age appropriate.
Switch off the mobile phone as soon as you arrive at the company, and don’t smoke either inside or just near the door.
The interviewer will realise that you will be nervous and will make allowances. When you are introduced to the interviewer, smile. Remember to use their name occasionally. Don’t look down at the floor, concentrate on the interviewer and when you are asked a question speak clearly without shouting. If you don’t hear the question, ask the interviewer to repeat it.
If you have taken any courses, perhaps typing or computer skills make a point of showing any certificates you have. There will be competition for an office junior’s position, so make sure that your application stands out.
Don’t be afraid to ask any relevant questions as the interviewer will be pleased that you are showing interest and at the end of the interview thank the interviewer and confirm that you really want the job if they offer it to you.
This is something I dont see advertised much round here now. Office juniors here either are not wanted or they can fill them just by visiting the local colleges etc. I started as Office junior in my very first job leaving school, it didnt pay well, but then as i had no money before then i considered that a bonus
This job often appeals to a younger generation of workers. The office junior position is an excellent starting point to showcase the skills and qualifications gained through school and college.
As this job is aimed at younger men and women, there may be some leeway in requirements for experience but it will be expected that characteristics such as enthusiasm and a keenness to work hard will compensate for this. Your interview questions are going to help the interviewer ascertain what skills you have acquired. As experience may be none existent it would be wise to take any relevant coursework along to the interview to back up your qualifications.
Possible questions are listed below:
Question: Why do you want to be an office junior?
This question is designed to determine what your future aspirations are. It is unlikely that you would want to remain an office junior throughout your career, but progression could still mean a role in this company. Therefore, you should structure your answer to put this point across to the interviewer. For example "I have now completed my college course in ….. and I am enthusiastic in taking the first steps into a new career. My hope is to be given a chance to show my determined and hard working nature at this company, so that I can learn the trade and prove myself as I progress." This is a generalised and fairly vague response but it avoids being drawn into admitting you don’t really have any idea what the working world is about, and simply want to "give it a go".
Question: What challenges are you looking for in this position?
Now the interviewer can gauge how seriously and thoroughly you have prepared for this interview. You should have some idea of what to expect from the job and what you hope to achieve. An example answer could be, "As this is hopefully going to be my first employment, I am looking forward to rising to the challenge of a successful transition into a full-time working position. I expect to learn quickly and hope to prove my maturity and ability to my employer."
Remember some general tips when going for an interview. Make sure you are dressed in smart, clean and pressed clothing with polished shoes. Although you will be nervous, remember to smile during the interview and answer all questions fully. Think about the question you have been asked in order to give a full and measured response. Practice delivering your answers in order to increase your confidence.