How to Answer: Describe your communication style.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Coinbase job interview.
3. Describe your communication style.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Communication skills are integral to successful product management. Thie question is asked to determine how well a candidate's approach aligns with the needs of the Coinbase teams they will be working with.
Written by Karrie Day on April 25th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to use the terms "direct" and "active" somewhere in your response. Coinbase is open and clear about seeking candidates that use direct communication and active listening skills.
Written by Karrie Day on April 25th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would describe myself as a hybrid communicator. I prefer to align my approach with the situation involved and the people I am communicating with. I am naturally a very direct communicator. I like to get to the point, and I often use an approach I learned in a facilitation class called 'give the headline first' to help people know immediately where I am going in a conversation. However, I dial that back and use other styles of communication when I notice that a direct approach is not the best fit. This is true often in situations that are emotionally charged. I am familiar with the DISC communication style assessment and I see value in all of the four approaches.
I also lean on active listening. I realize we often work in a fast-paced setting with a lot of distractions, but I find that giving my full attention as much as possible offers big rewards. I like to observe others and empathize with what they are feeling in addition to hearing the words they choose. The information I gather using those skills is often the most important information I gather in a conversation. It helps me to determine how to respond in an authentic way that aligns with the style of the person or group I am communicating with."
Written by Karrie Day on April 25th, 2022