Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Steno Secretary Roles – 2025

Are you applying for a steno secretary position? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your stenography skills, time management abilities, and experience working in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment. Whether you’re applying for a role in a law firm, government agency, or private company, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your previous experience as a steno secretary?
  

  A: I have been working as a steno secretary for the past 5 years in a law firm. I have a strong grasp on stenography and have played a vital role in managing the daily operations of the firm.

• 2. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure in your work?
  

  A: I am used to working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines in my current role. I prioritize my tasks effectively and stay organized to ensure all tasks are completed on time.

• 3. How do you stay updated on current stenography software and techniques?
  

  A: I regularly attend workshops and online courses to learn about the latest updates in stenography software and techniques, and I also network with other steno secretaries to share knowledge and best practices.

• 4. What do you think is the most important quality for a steno secretary to possess?
  

  A: I believe attention to detail is crucial for a steno secretary. Accuracy is essential in this role, and paying close attention to every detail helps avoid errors and ensures the highest quality work.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 5. What experience do you have with transcription and transcribing audio files?
  

  A: I have experience transcribing audio files for depositions, court hearings, and other legal proceedings. I am skilled in ensuring accurate transcriptions and formatting them according to legal standards.

• 6. Can you describe a time when you encountered a difficult legal term or phrase you were unfamiliar with? How did you handle it?
  

  A: In my current role, I encounter difficult legal terms and phrases regularly. I have developed the habit of making a note of them and conducting thorough research to ensure I properly understand their meaning and usage.

• 7. How do you handle sensitive and confidential information in your work?
  

  A: I take confidentiality very seriously and have experience handling sensitive information in my current role. I follow strict protocols to ensure that all information is kept secure and only shared with authorized individuals.

• 8. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively in a fast-paced environment?
  

  A: I use a combination of to-do lists and calendar scheduling to prioritize my tasks and manage my time effectively. I also communicate with my supervisor to ensure I am meeting deadlines and have a clear understanding of priorities.

Behavioral Questions

• 9. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult or demanding client?
  

  A: In my previous role, I had a client who was not satisfied with my work and was very demanding. I took the time to understand their concerns and did everything in my control to address them. After multiple revisions, the client was finally satisfied with the end result.

• 10. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a mistake you made in your work.
  

  A: In my current role, I made a mistake in transcribing an audio file, which led to a delay in the final submission. I immediately communicated the mistake to my supervisor and took steps to rectify it as quickly as possible.

• 11. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with your colleagues or superiors?
  

  A: I believe communication is key in handling conflicts or disagreements. I always approach the situation calmly and communicate my viewpoint in a professional and respectful manner, while also listening to the other person's perspective.

• 12. Describe a time when you had to multitask and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  

  A: In my previous role, I had to handle multiple tasks and deadlines at once, including transcribing audio files, scheduling meetings, and managing correspondence. I prioritized my tasks effectively and used time management techniques to ensure everything was completed on time.

• 13. Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt to a new technology or software quickly?
  

  A: In my current role, the firm switched to a new stenography software, and I had to adapt to it quickly. I took the initiative to learn the new software and sought guidance from colleagues to ensure a smooth transition.

Situational Questions

• 14. How would you handle a situation where you were given an urgent document to transcribe with a tight deadline?
  

  A: First, I would communicate with my supervisor to understand the importance and urgency of the document. Then, I would prioritize the task and utilize time-saving techniques to ensure I transcribe it accurately and meet the deadline.

• 15. If you were given a complex legal document to proofread and found several errors, how would you handle it?
  

  A: I would carefully review the document and make a note of all the errors. Then, I would communicate with the person who initially prepared the document and work together to rectify the errors. I would also make a plan to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

• 16. How would you handle a situation where a colleague asked you to complete a task for them that you were not comfortable with?
  

  A: I would politely decline and explain to my colleague why I am not the best person to complete the task. If possible, I would suggest a better-suited colleague or offer to assist them in finding a solution.

• 17. Can you give an example of a time when you had to make a judgment call on a work-related issue?
  

  A: In my previous role, there was a discrepancy in a legal document that needed to be corrected before it was submitted to the court. I discussed the issue with my supervisor and made a judgment call on how to handle the correction while ensuring accuracy and meeting the deadline.

• 18. How do you handle a situation where a client requests a document to be transcribed in a specific format that is different from the standard format used by your company?
  

  A: I would communicate with the client to understand their requirements and assess if it is feasible to transcribe the document in their preferred format. If not, I would suggest a compromise or offer alternatives that could meet their needs.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 19. Why do you want to work for our company as a steno secretary?
  

  A: I have been following your company for a while and am impressed by your reputation and commitment to excellence in your field. I also align with your values and believe I would thrive in the fast-paced and high-pressure environment.

• 20. How do you stay organized and maintain attention to detail in your work?
  

  A: I have developed a system of organizing my tasks and maintaining a checklist to ensure no detail is overlooked. I also regularly review my work to catch any errors and take note of areas for improvement.