If you’ve been invited to interview for an open position, you’ve already got the first foot in the door. Congratulations are in order, but it isn’t time to break out the champagne yet. The interview is a very important step in the hiring process – in fact, for administrative professionals, the interview might be the single most important factor in a hiring decision. Firms want to find administrators who will make a good match for their office culture and who will be easy to work with. The interview is your chance to convince the organization that you are the best person for the job.

Prepare. Identify common interview questions and jot down your answers. Practice answering the questions out loud, either with a friend or in the mirror. As you prepare, think about your word choice, tone, and body language.
Research. Take the time to learn a bit about the company where you will interview and anticipate what some of the unique challenges might be. At the end of the interview, many employers ask if you have any questions, so take the time to identify a few things you’d really like to know about the job.
Bring a Copy of your Resume. It’s always good form to carry an extra copy of your resume to the interview. If the company hasn’t asked you for references yet, bring the contact information for your references along as well.
Arrive on Time. Or better yet, plan to arrive a few minutes early. As an administrative professional, you will be responsible for managing the schedule of very busy executives – your organizational and time management skills are of premiere importance.
Be Yourself. Administrative assistants often work with numerous people across the company, whereas executive and personal assistants often work closely with a single person. Either way, finding a good personality match is key. When interviewing, be honest and be yourself. It will be best for everyone -- yourself included! -- if you land a job at a company that "fits."
Follow Up. Send an email thanking the people who interviewed you within 24 hours of your interview. If you were interviewed by several different people, send a separate thank you note to each.