Interview tasks for Admin

Employers can set many different interview tasks, so get the competitive edge by preparing for what you might encounter

Presentations

These assess your ability to communicate clearly and formally, testing your skills in timing, persuasion, analysis, public speaking and creativity. Interview presentations usually last 10-20 minutes, and are prepared in advance using Microsoft PowerPoint.

Employers using assessment centres may set impromptu presentation tasks based on an exercise you've already completed. You'll be given around 30 minutes to prepare, which tests your response to pressure. Regardless of the scenario, ensure that you:

• discover how you'll be assessed;
• focus on your primary aims and desired outcomes, tailoring your presentation accordingly;
• include an introduction, main section and conclusion;
• minimise visual prompts, highlighting key messages using figures, bullet points and short sentences;
• prepare for questions by familiarising yourself with background information.

When giving your interview presentation, ensure that you:

• maintain eye contact with your audience;
• remain calm;
• speak loudly enough to grab everyone's attention;
• stay within the allotted time, leaving room for questions;
• use pauses to allow the audience to absorb your words.

Group exercises

These usually involve 8-10 candidates, and are often used in assessment centres or when organisations have multiple vacancies. The recruiter will usually provide an industry or workplace-related problem that requires a solution.

Candidates are assessed to performance criteria that accounts for key competencies including teamwork, leadership, enthusiasm, decisiveness, persuasiveness, problem solving, critical thinking, communication and commercial awareness. Three typical group exercises are:

• Ice-breakers - Aimed at relaxing and bonding the team, these are one of the most common interview exercises. They often involve completing a task such as building a tower from straws, paper and pins.
• Discussion - You're usually given a business scenario and asked to reach a logical conclusion. Usually, no member is designated leader so candidates may be asked to lead the discussion in turn.
• Role play - Candidates are provided with a particular role, background information and a brief. One common example is a mock meeting, where each candidate assumes a specific function and is expected to fulfil individual and group objectives.
• Interviews - Here, you're interviewed alongside fellow candidates. Employers are interested in your engagement with others in a competitive situation. Stand out in a group interview by displaying your knowledge of what's being discussed, and highlighting the skills and experiences that make you unique.