Disaster Recovery

Term from Office Administration industry explained for recruiters

Disaster Recovery is a systematic approach to keeping business operations running during unexpected events like natural disasters, power outages, or system failures. It's similar to having a backup plan for how a business will continue working when things go wrong. Office administrators often help create and maintain these plans, which include steps for protecting important documents, backing up data, and making sure employees can continue working. Think of it like having an emergency kit and instruction manual for the entire office. Some people also call this "business continuity planning" or "emergency preparedness."

Examples in Resumes

Created and maintained Disaster Recovery plans for a 200-employee office

Led quarterly Disaster Recovery drills and updated emergency procedures

Implemented new Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery protocols across three office locations

Typical job title: "Office Administrators"

Also try searching for:

Administrative Coordinator Office Manager Business Continuity Coordinator Administrative Assistant Facilities Coordinator Operations Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop and implement a disaster recovery plan for a large office?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should include creating emergency contact lists, documenting critical business processes, establishing backup systems for important data, training staff, and regularly testing the plan through drills.

Q: How do you ensure all employees understand and can follow emergency procedures?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating clear written procedures, conducting regular training sessions, posting visible instructions, maintaining updated contact lists, and organizing periodic practice drills.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What essential items would you include in an office emergency kit?

Expected Answer: Should mention first aid supplies, flashlights, backup batteries, important contact information, basic tools, copies of critical documents, and emergency procedures manual.

Q: How would you handle a sudden power outage in the office?

Expected Answer: Should describe immediate steps like ensuring employee safety, checking backup power systems, communicating with staff, and implementing temporary work-from-home procedures if needed.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of a disaster recovery plan?

Expected Answer: Should identify key elements like emergency contacts, evacuation procedures, backup locations, important document storage, and basic emergency response steps.

Q: How would you maintain an up-to-date emergency contact list?

Expected Answer: Should discuss regular review and updates of employee contact information, maintaining both digital and printed copies, and ensuring accessibility in emergencies.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic emergency procedure knowledge
  • Maintaining contact lists
  • Filing and document organization
  • Basic office safety procedures

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Emergency drill coordination
  • Document backup systems management
  • Staff training organization
  • Crisis communication

Senior (5+ years)

  • Disaster recovery plan development
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Emergency response team leadership
  • Business continuity planning

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience with emergency procedures or safety protocols
  • Poor organizational skills
  • Lack of attention to detail in maintaining important records
  • Unable to handle stressful situations
  • Poor communication skills

Related Terms