AECOM Mock Interview

Practice 35 AECOM interview questions covering technical expertise, project delivery, and client collaboration.

WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOWNEY
QUESTION 18 OF 35

How do you explain complicated concepts to those who may not understand?

The interviewer wants to know to what level you've developed your communication skills. A great communicator can adapt their communication style to the less adaptable communicators in the workplace. They are capable of explaining complex ideas without being condescending. Give the interviewer an example of how you break down information to make it more easily digestible for the average person. When you can define key terms and phrases to make them more relevant to your audience, you have skills! Not everyone can do this. Prepare an example that demonstrates your communication skills and ability to convey complex information in easy-to-understand terms.

"I find that when there is a complicated concept to teach, visual aids are always the way to go. Did you know that 65% of people are visual learners and that presentations with visual components are 43% more persuasive? I took a course on creating effective infographics and will often implement those in my presentations."

"Keep it simple, silly! If you cannot explain a concept straightforwardly, then you do not understand it well enough. I recently rolled out a complex compensation plan with many anomalies. I shared a broad overview and provided detail for reference. I often try to make analogies or share complex information in the form of a story."

Kevin Downey
35 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS · AECOM
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