Department of State Mock Interview
Practice 30 Department of State interview questions covering diplomacy, security clearances, and foreign policy expertise.
Question 12 of 30
What's your preferred method of communication?
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Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
In 2010, the Plain Writing Act was signed into law. The Act calls for writing that is clear, concise, and well-organized, "To enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing that Government documents issued to the public must be written clearly, and for other purposes." By asking for your preferred method of communication, they're gauging your aptitude towards every method of communication, verbal or written. How you answer will help them ascertain your fit for the role.
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
Best to strike a balance of above-average writing skills and above-average oral communication skills. Describe what you contributed to enhancing clearer communication in the workplace. Communication is more than getting everyone on the same page. It's about how a message is conveyed. Take care with your choice of words and what they might communicate.
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"Ha. Clear communication, please. I pride myself on my communication skills, both written and verbal, and prefer the same traits in those I work with. But this isn't always possible. My biggest pet peeve is unnecessary rework, and rework spawns from ineffective or unclear communication more than anything. So, my preferred method of communication is clear communication. There are so many tools for communicating clearly, from mirroring, to validation, to adapting your communication style to others. Just put in the effort, is all."
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