9 Job Interview Questions to Ask a Distant Assistant Applicant

9 Job Interview Questions to Ask a Distant Assistant Applicant

Interviews are great opportunities to explore an applicant’s eligibility. They provide firsthand information about the applicant’s experiences, interests and goals. Here are 9 job interview questions to ask when you are looking to hire a distant assistant.


1. Tell us something about yourself.

This question goes beyond the applicant’s basic information, likes and dislikes. The primary focus is to determine whether the applicant has the technical requirements of the job role.

Check whether the applicant has the necessary tools and expertise to become your distant assistant.

These include their experience in using a particular software, the type of businesses they have had experience working with, the strength of their Internet connection and the availability of a backup computer in case of an emergency.


2. What do other people say is your greatest strength?

Each applicant comes with a unique set of capabilities and strengths. This question gives a good glimpse of the applicant’s ability to adaptto the work environment of your business.

Ask yourself first, “What does my business look like on a regular basis and what position do I need to fill?” That will give you an idea about the kind of distant assistant you need to hire. The right person for the job will have the qualifications to help address the challenges your business is facing.


3. Why should we hire you for this position?

Self-assurance is a special characteristic which not all applicants possess. There are applicants whose CVs reflect great potential, but they fail to provide additional information about their credentials when interviewed.

This question gives them the opportunity to showcase what they can contribute to the success of your business.


4. Can you tell of one story when you had to overcome a challenge in your workplace?

This seeks to assess the applicant’s problem-solving or decision-making skills. You are free to provide the applicant with a scenario and ask how he or she would respond.

With sufficient information, it can also give you a good glimpse of the applicant’s attitude toward work.


5. How did you arrive at this area of specialization?

33 out of 100 job seekers apply to 2-5 jobs before getting hired and there is a chance that your business was not on top of that search. There is always a story behind every application.

Whatever the story, this question helps you to look for cues about the applicant’s resourcefulness and initiative to learn. The coherence of the story also helps to determine the credibility of the applicant’s previous experiences.

You are free to ask additional questions to verify something that the applicant might have said or stated in the CV.


6. Where do you see yourself in three to five years?

Distant assistant job applicants, as human as they are, have priorities to fulfill outside of work. Asking about their vision helps to determine their availability and intent for applying to your business.

Some see the open position as a full-time career, while others enjoy the possibility of doing freelance work. There are also others who see it as a stepping stone toward something greater.


7. What are your weaknesses?

This question goes in tandem with question number 3 above. It seeks to determine the applicant’s level of self-awareness and ability to convert weaknesses into strengths.


8. How would you describe your ideal day at work?

Distant assistance gives people the freedom to work from home with minimal to zero supervision. Applicants with a clear-cut description of their ideal workday show a good understanding of their job role.

This question also helps to know their time management and organizational skills, which are highly useful qualifications for any open position.  


9. What questions do you have for me?

The perfect answer according to one of our hiring officers is, “When can I start?” Applicants who answer with this question are usually eager to start working with your business. They did their research and are confident enough with what they can contribute.

Stay open for other answers and be ready to listen to their concerns. Remember, you are both trying to get to know each other better. You are looking to hire the right person, while they are looking to land a job with the right client.


Bottleneck Distant Assistants has a 6-step hiring formula that helps businesses to identify qualified talent. We invite you to schedule a free consultation with us today!

Got anything that you would like for us to cover in our blog? Let us know in the comments below!

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Jaime Jay

About Jaime Jay

Meet Jaime Jay – a man who wears many hats, and wears them all admirably. He's a master connector, an entrepreneur extraordinaire, and a published author who knows how to get things done.

Before he found his way to the business world, Jaime served his country as a brave paratrooper in the U.S. Army. But that's just the beginning of his many accomplishments.

He's the founder of the renowned Bottleneck Distant Assistant Services firm, and his book "Quit Repeating Yourself" has become a must-read for entrepreneurs everywhere.

When he's not busy building his empire, you can find him on his beloved Harley Davidson, cruising through the countryside and taking in the invigorating effects of Uitwaaien – a Dutch practice that involves facing the wind to boost health and relieve stress.

He enjoys spending his free time outside building stuff with his wife, Nikita the dog and their two kittens (for now at least) Tommy and Tater.

He is ‘over-the-moon’ happily married to his wonderful wife Sara, his amazing daughter, Jessica, who is serving our country as a United States Army soldier. Jaime and Sara are the proud grand parents of two beautiful little girls.

Victoria Dorsano
Victoria Dorsano
2023-09-17
Bottleneck has been such an amazing support for my business! They have a seamless process to ensure you find the right fit for your DDA. I am so thankful I started working with them! I'm now able to accomplish so much more in my business with a personal DDA and editing team on my side. Thank you!!
Rockwell Felder
Rockwell Felder
2023-03-15
I cannot thank the team at Bottleneck enough for their incredible support of our business. Their team has played a vital role in helping us staff our customer support and ensuring our customers were satisfied with our services. Their Distant Assistants were extremely helpful in answering inquiries promptly, handling complaints, and providing solutions to our customers' needs. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and communication skills are exceptional. Working with Bottleneck has been a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend their services to anyone needing a reliable and efficient virtual assistant, especially for customer support.
Karen Ravano
Karen Ravano
2022-09-24
I am grateful and blessed to be part of this team. It’s such a wonderful experience because i gain more experience and help me enhance my basic skills. This will be my stepping stone to my career as a newbie in this kind of industry. It would help to reach my goals.
Jeany Mercadal
Jeany Mercadal
2022-09-16
Bottleneck Distant Assistants can lessen the burden of company owners. We provide excellent services depending on our client needs. We are not scam, clients surely get more than what they pay for. Being part of this team helped me hone my skills and become excellent in all my works.
Jeff Peñaflor
Jeff Peñaflor
2022-09-14
I started last March 24, 2021 as a Dedicated Distant Assistant and it was an awesome experience. In this new journey, as Security Administrator of Bottleneck Distant Assistants, I have been supported by the team, A LOT !!!! All help that I need, the whole team is there to support me. I know that there are a lot of room for improvements with my skills and what I know, but because of BNDA, I became equipped with all the weapons I need to conquer the daily challenges especially with my tasks. With BNDA, they will not just help you to aim high, but soar the skies!
Tinoe D
Tinoe D
2022-09-09
I don't remember the last time I loved what I was doing until Bottleneck came into the picture. I love working for bottleneck, they are professional. The management makes the workplace fun and they're very flexible. I definetly recommend that you make that important switch and be part of something big today by joining BNDA.
Michael Goodcliffe
Michael Goodcliffe
2022-09-09
Jaime and his team are incredible at what they do! Joining them has been one of the best decisions in my life! I whole heartedly recommend them to anyone who are looking to scale and improve their business. Their highly 'Dedicated Distant Assistants' are well trained. They are top notch!
GM Simon
GM Simon
2022-09-08
Working with Bottleneck is not just having one or two assistants working alongside you. You have the support of the whole team behind them as well.
Ma. Edeliza Silot
Ma. Edeliza Silot
2022-09-07
Aside from the knowledge gained, the trainers are highly commendable.
Sara Knox
Sara Knox
2022-09-07
What an awesome business! Finally, a way to hire the RIGHT person for my administrative tasks and they are remote! No office space to consider, W2's, 1099's or payroll. Jaime and his team of remote workers are top-notch! I hired my first assistant in May. I recently suffered a motorcycle accident and it left me unable to work for 2 weeks. But my assistant stepped right in to guide our CEO on all matters financial. It’s so nice to have that stress eliminated from my life!
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