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At work

Administrator

Practice for the situational judgement questions used in admin and office job applications. Real tests rarely explain what they are looking for. This one does.

Practice only. Every employer scores these tests in its own way, so use the reasons here as a guide, not a mark scheme.

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Trust and confidentiality

Private information, security and honesty. 4 scenarios

  1. The urgent callerConfidentiality
  2. The wrong JohnOwning a mistake
  3. Can I borrow your login?Security and saying no
  4. The petty cash is shortHonesty with money

Priorities and instructions

Deadlines, clashes and unclear requests. 3 scenarios

  1. Two things by three o'clockPrioritising
  2. Tidy up the client listAsking for clarity
  3. Double-bookedDiary management

Working with people

Upset visitors, gossip and feedback. 3 scenarios

  1. The cancelled appointmentStaying calm
  2. Did you hear about Priya?Gossip and confidentiality
  3. The feedback you did not expectTaking criticism

Asking for what you need

Help, workload and adjustments. 3 scenarios

  1. The system you were not shownAsking for help
  2. One more thingWorkload
  3. The open-plan officeReasonable adjustments

The unwritten rules

What these questions are usually looking for, said out loud:

  • Tell people early. A problem shared at 10am is easier to fix than one found at 5pm.
  • Keep private information private, even when the person asking sounds genuine or senior.
  • Own a mistake quickly and say what you have done about it.
  • When an instruction is unclear, ask a specific question before you start.
  • Stay calm with upset people. Listen first, then say what you can do.
  • Ask for help, training or adjustments when you need them. Struggling in silence helps nobody.

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