How would you describe your interpersonal skills?
Interpersonal skills are behaviors a person uses to interact and work effectively with others. Some examples of interpersonal skills include:
- Teamwork
- Patience
- Active listening
- Flexibility
- Motivation
- Leadership
These are just a few skills included in interpersonal skills and are all qualities the FBI is looking for in an FBI Intelligence Analyst. The interviewer wants to hear that you have strong interpersonal skills and would benefit the FBI if hired. Describe your interpersonal skills using a work-related example in your response.
Avoid saying your interpersonal skills could use improvement. If you do not have strong interpersonal skills, the interview panel may assume you are not a strong enough candidate for the FBI and pass you over for someone with better skills. If you do not feel you have strong interpersonal skills, you may want to improve them before your interview.
"I would describe my interpersonal skills as exceptional. In my last performance review, my supervisor remarked on these skills. She wrote that I am an excellent listener and communicator, that I work well on diverse teams, I am patient and empathetic, and that she recommends me for any leadership position I am interested in."
"I would describe my interpersonal skills as very strong. I have worked in leadership positions for the past ten years and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. I am also patient, flexible, dependable, honest, and can easily motivate and inspire others."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
My interpersonal skills are very strong. Because of my experience in sports and customer service, I have a lot of patience, flexibility, dependability, and experience with teamwork. At my last job, having high schoolers as co-workers were common. Since I was older, they would ask me questions about college and I would give them advice on picking a major, time management, conducting research and writing essays, and how to stay social in a new environment. One co-worker wanted to join the military instead, so I helped him study for the ASVAB. After months of waiting, he finally shipped off to basic training at the end of last year.
Marcie's Feedback
It's great that you consider yourself to have strong interpersonal skills. The interviewer will appreciate that you provide an example of a time when you successfully used your interpersonal skills. Be sure, however, to highlight how you interacted, communicated, and collaborated with others (versus talking about making deposit drops, etc.) Discuss how you're empathetic, an active listener, and someone with high emotional intelligence. Good job!
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