What does effective communication mean to you?
"Effective communication means everyone is on the same page. We aren't just told what to do but why we are doing it, and everyone on the team understands the stakes involved, individually and for the team as a whole. Every effort is taken to ensure everyone is on the same page."
"Enhanced communication skills require ensuring the message sent is the message received. This counts for both the listener and the communicator. If someone is communicating something to me, I will actively listen, make sure nothing is left out, then mirror what they are trying to communicate. Then I will clarify if there is anything else they would like to add. When communicating something to someone else, I will take the time to adapt my communication style to theirs, make sure they understand what I am communicating, and offer plenty of opportunities to ask questions. I will follow up later to make sure we are still on the same page and do so with empathy, openness, and positivity when appropriate."
Here is how PNC details effective communication; "Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors." This question aims to evaluate how skilled at communication you are, from active listening to mirroring, from mediation to empathy. Effective communication is integral to the smooth operations of any business. According to many of PNC's job postings, it is a job requirement.
The assessment vendor will screen you for how well you communicate, not only for this question but for all of them. So try to avoid the overuse of any speech tics or speech crutches. Record your performance beforehand and play it back, keeping an ear out for "like," "uh," "um," and "you know," among others. Pay close attention to your choice of words and what they might suggest beyond your intended meaning.
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
I think effective communication is important to me. I am an optimistic, positive, and outgoing person. I am very enthusiastic about communicating with people in my daily life, especially in the financial banking industry, and effective communication can be very positive for me and my company, whether I am interacting with clients or peers. In addition, effective communication has been a major help in my previous experience. During a group assignment for my master's degree, there was a huge disagreement within the group, and the most serious words were exchanged. In order to complete the task and to ease the relationship between the team members, I communicated with them adequately, resolved the conflict, and got a very good grade. I benefited from effective communication, so I think this kind of communication is very important.
Krista's Feedback
Good response. My only suggestion is to remove "I think" at the beginning of your answer, as it makes you sound unsure of yourself. Other than that, a great example of using effective communication.
Anonymous Answer
Speaking clearly in a relaxed manner while maintaining consistent eye contact with the other person. Having these qualities is key to ensuring the proper information gets passed to the client or team member.
Jaymie's Feedback
These are all important aspects of effective communication and will be valuable skills to possess no matter what role you're in.
Anonymous Answer
Being slow to talk but quick to listen. It also means understanding that everyone doesn’t process information the same so it means having to find ways to make sure everyone is on the same page. Communication is a tool and it means success as long as it’s used properly.
Jaymie's Feedback
Good! How can effective communication improve the team dynamic or even the business? Try to tie in ways your communication skills will advance the team or organization if hired.
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