Remote Staffing & VA
Your practice track for Virtual Assistant
at Athena
What this interview covers
Interviewers for Virtual Assistant roles at Athena typically test across 3 areas:
Philippine-specific tips for this role
- ▸ A typical Filipino mistake is saying 'Hindi ako marunong mag-ano, pero madali lang ako matuto' without showing how. Athena interviewers probe for actual learning strategies, mention specific resources like YouTube channels, official documentation, or Udemy (avoid naming competitor platforms). Also avoid 'Matuto lang ako sa kasama', EAs are expected to self-direct. Show you're resourceful and don't rely on spoon-feeding.
- ▸ A common Filipino tendency is to over-apologize ('Sorry po, sorry po talaga') without clearly explaining the corrective action. Athena interviewers will listen for a structured response: what happened, what you did to fix it immediately, and what system you put in place so it never repeats. Avoid fatalistic phrases like 'Wala na, nagkamali ako,' and instead show you're solution-oriented.
- ▸ Many Filipino applicants give fluffy answers like 'I expect to work from home' or 'Magiging masipag po ako.' Athena wants to hear that you understand the role is strategic and dynamic, mention specific EA tasks like inbox management, calendar coordination, travel planning, and research. Avoid generic mga ganyan para pasok phrases; show you've researched Athena's EA model.
- ▸ Filipino candidates sometimes automatically defer to the more senior person or say 'I will ask my boss what to do.' Athena wants proactive problem-solving. Don't say 'Bahala na si sir/ma'am kung anong gusto nila,' because executive partners are expected to 'see around corners.' Instead, demonstrate you would research priorities, propose alternatives, and only then involve the executive with a clear recommendation, not an open-ended question.
- ▸ Some Filipino candidates might casually mention 'Wala akong pakialam sa ganyan, di ko papansinin' which sounds dismissive. Athena considers handling confidentiality 'non-negotiable.' Your answer must show a serious, protocol-driven mindset, mention tools like password managers, encrypted folders, access controls, and never hint that you've ever shared confidential info, even with family at home (a common risk in remote setups).
All 5 questions in this set
How do you learn a new tool or software quickly when assigned a task that requires it?
Athena's blog lists 'learning new tools/systems' as a key competency because executives change tools often and EAs must onboard fast. Internally, Athena wants people who dive into their LMS (Fountain) and playbooks without hand-holding.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work and how you handled it.
Athena's blog lists 'tell me about a mistake' as a key behavioral question because EAs handle critical client workflows. They want to see accountability, quick thinking, and a growth mindset, the hallmark of a top 1% assistant.
What do you expect being a virtual assistant?
Athena uses this question to test whether candidates see the Executive Partner role as more than a transactional task-doer. They need people who are ready for the unpredictability and high trust of a 1:1 partnership.
How would you handle a scheduling conflict between two of your executive's high-priority meetings?
Calendar management is a core EA function, and Athena's blog emphasizes the need for assistants who can prioritize systematically and 'push back professionally' when needed. This tests your logical thinking under pressure.
Your executive asks you to handle confidential information, like payroll data or personal documents. How do you ensure discretion?
EAs are often the gatekeepers of an executive's most sensitive information. Athena wants to see if you understand the gravity of discretion and have concrete strategies beyond 'Hindi ko sasabihin.'