I need interview tips for school Secretary position. Interivew on 3/22!

[TimeforMe]

Hey there Just wanted to say good luck in the interview tomorrow. Here's a little for safe measure--knock 'em dead!

 

[may06orbust]

OK! THIS IS MY FORTE' (did I spell that right?)! I was an elementary school 10 month secretary for 14 years and the next 12 years have moved into a 12 month position in the College and Professional Pathways Program (administration center - for high school students). I took the elementary school job because I would be home for the summers, holidays, spring break, christmas break, snow days.......(bummer job wasn't it??? ) with my girls at the same time. A school secretary DOES IT ALL in some shape or form! You are the secretary, a nurse, a counselor, a switchboard operator, custodian, cleaning person and I can go on and on. Since you are a mother, you can draw on your instincts to answer most of the questions regarding security of the building (bomb threats, fire drills, tornado drills, etc.). As for the software part of it, every district pretty much uses a different one. You could tell them that you are very competent and would have no problem being trained in the their software and that you pick it up very quickly. Also, dress professionally. Remember, you are the first person a parent sees when they come in the office, so if the interview panels see you at the interview dressed appropriately, they will pretty much figure you would dress appropriately for the school office. Last of all, JUST BE YOURSELF and relax! A good handshake when you come in should start you off in the right direction. You will do just fine! Good luck!! Pixie dust coming your way! and I'll be cheering for you!

The PP is correct. As a school secretary in a previous job, I was a jack-of-all trades. Don't forget to mention multi-tasking--the phone is always ringing, visitors are always arriving and announcements needed to be made. I did enjoy the fast pace and was never bored. I now work at a university library and work with alot of college students. I think that is why they hired me--because I have experience with teenagers. Just relax for the interview, you'll do great! Good Luck!

 

[jayally]

Thanks again, I just reread this to get my head on straight. I know I will do fine if I just be myself but I can't help wondering what I did wrong at my other interviews. I spoke to 2 principals I worked with and they are both happy to give me good references. I am glad I asked them beforehand. I wrote a new resume and will hand it to each person and just hope for the best. I have been out shopping and bought a black/dark navy suit jacket and matching skirt and some high heels, which I hate to wear but I know makes a nice impression. I am a casual person and would never wear a suit in other situations but I read you should always dress a level higher than the job you are interviewing for. I will let everyone know if their pixie dusts helped! This job would give me $400 to play with per month after bills and savings so all the more to plan for the next school vacation! It's nice it is a 10 month job and not 12 months. I sure hope they are looking to hire right away. The testing and notice for interview happened very quickly although I forgot I applied for this. The deadline to turn the application in was Feb 21st and a couple of people who already work in the district I talked to were jealous they did not apply and they think I should have it based on my test scores alone. I sure hope so.

 

[StephMK]

Good luck today!!! I agree, a 10 mo. job would be awesome when you have kids. Stay calm (if possible ) and best wishes for great job offer coming your way soon!

 

[stephgles]

I saw your post and wanted to wish you the best of luck. I do have one question because I would love to be able to get into a school office job. Did you find an ad in the paper or did you know someone who mentioned it to you. I heard that a school job is hard to come by, is that true?

Thank you.

Steph

 

[jayally]

I saw your post and wanted to wish you the best of luck. I do have one question because I would love to be able to get into a school office job. Did you find an ad in the paper or did you know someone who mentioned it to you. I heard that a school job is hard to come by, is that true?

Thank you.

Steph

Our school has jobs listed on the website and I also occasionally go into the HR office to pick up flyers. There are always a lot of applicants and I usually get a mailed noticed about too many applicants and I was not chosen so this is a good sign I am getting the interview. I always apply for the entry level clerk jobs and so does everyone else. This job required a higher typing score than normally and another test.

I could not sleep last night I am so nervous as I may have a chance with this job and I want it so much. At the back of my mind is the knowledge I need a GOOD paying job by the time my 10 yr old turns 18 and my ex cuts off CS. I know those 8 years will fly by and I want a career I can count on but can't afford to go back to college.

 

[hambim336]

Hi

You can find this info by using search box in the top of website with some keywords related before posting questions.

 

[luvthatdisney]

I too have been a school secretary for 5 years. Some days I love it and some days I hate it. The school I work at is about 3 minutes from my house, which is great when I need to run home during the day. I am a 12 month employee and I can run home and check on the kids or dogs if I need to during the summer.

As far as interviewing...I know in my school district the Administrators do not like to hire office staff that live in the area of the school they will be working in. As you can see, they will in certain circumstances, as I work there and live right around the corner from the school. There have been issues with confidentiality and other drama that filters from the ball fields, and other community places that finds its way into the school via the office staff. If possible stress the confidentiality issue and that you understand how important that is.

I have been part of numerous interviews to hire office staff at our school, it often seems to be a revolving door especially with part-time positions. I always look for someone I feel I can get along with. Someone who shows confidence, but has a friendly demeanor seems to work best at our school. Parents will try to run over us at times and often talk to us like dogs, you have to be able to take that and still smile and handle their issue. They cannot understand why the Principal is not sitting by the phone waiting to take their call....UGH!!! Okay vent over!

I would not mention your trip at the interview. There are many months from the time school starts to the time of your trip. My Principal is very flexible and will always work with her employees on time off. I know not all of them are, but I would think there would be a better time to address that if you are hired.

Good luck and even though it does not seem like it, I really do like my job. I started my college career wanting to be a teacher. Now that I work in a school, I have changed my career path

 

[mickeymaker2003]

This is from 2007. I have no idea why it was brought back up, but it doesn't seem needed at this point.

 

[luvthatdisney]

You are right...I posted and did not even look at the date. Plus I posted late at night and without my glasses on would not have seen the date anyways Wonder if she got the job???

 

[topconlacj]

Hi,

I agreed with you. Any way, your points of view make me thinking about some thing for my project.

Pls try to keep posting. Tks and best regards

This link below can show more info, you can find them at: interviewquestionsandanswers.biz/school-secretary-interview-questions/

Goodluck.

 

[lovesmurfs]

 

[powellrj]

Since the post is from 2007, I figure she isn't going to be posting anymore about the job!

 

[Jennasis]

Ah crackers. It's just a bump by another spammer looking to earn his requisite 10 posts so he can post a link to whatever garbage site he's promoting.