Pretend I'm not in this industry. How would you explain a difficult concept in simple terms?

How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

The ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms makes you more effective in your role and more enjoyable to work with. This skill is relevant for client interactions and your interpersonal work on a Palo Alto Networks team.

A crucial part of customer success is making complex information digestible for your clients. After all, that's why clients hire Palo Alto Networks in the first place. Your interviewer wants to hear that you have developed solid strategies to translate tech or cybersecurity jargon into easy-to-understand terms for clients whose knowledge is likely less specialized in these areas.

Your interviewer may even give you a specific technical concept to explain. Make sure you're prepared to provide a simple explanation of whatever they might ask, be it an esoteric programming term or an important industry concept.

"I strive to be straightforward and concise in my communication with clients and colleagues. In my previous role, I focused on listening to my clients and their most pressing needs and goals. I made an effort to echo their language and avoid esoteric ideas that I knew wouldn't be relevant. Above all, I ensure that my tone is never patronizing towards clients or colleagues. I often learn something new from those I work with and place great value on hearing their input."

"To communicate effectively, I strive to convey the essence of an idea in simple terms rather than deep-diving into the details of more technical matters. I've found this to be an important component of humility within the industry. Furthermore, If I'm having trouble explaining a new concept in simple terminology, I've found that it usually means that I have more research to do myself. I place incredible value on continuous learning within the industry via publications, newsletters, podcasts, and conferences. Keeping myself educated allows me to explain complicated ideas in a way that makes sense to people outside of the industry."

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How to Answer: Pretend I'm not in this industry. How would you explain a difficult concept in simple terms?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Palo Alto Networks job interview.

2. Pretend I'm not in this industry. How would you explain a difficult concept in simple terms?

How to Answer

The ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms makes you more effective in your role and more enjoyable to work with. This skill is relevant for client interactions and your interpersonal work on a Palo Alto Networks team.

A crucial part of customer success is making complex information digestible for your clients. After all, that's why clients hire Palo Alto Networks in the first place. Your interviewer wants to hear that you have developed solid strategies to translate tech or cybersecurity jargon into easy-to-understand terms for clients whose knowledge is likely less specialized in these areas.

Your interviewer may even give you a specific technical concept to explain. Make sure you're prepared to provide a simple explanation of whatever they might ask, be it an esoteric programming term or an important industry concept.

Written by Rachelle Enns

1st Answer Example

"I strive to be straightforward and concise in my communication with clients and colleagues. In my previous role, I focused on listening to my clients and their most pressing needs and goals. I made an effort to echo their language and avoid esoteric ideas that I knew wouldn't be relevant. Above all, I ensure that my tone is never patronizing towards clients or colleagues. I often learn something new from those I work with and place great value on hearing their input."

Written by Rachelle Enns

2nd Answer Example

"To communicate effectively, I strive to convey the essence of an idea in simple terms rather than deep-diving into the details of more technical matters. I've found this to be an important component of humility within the industry. Furthermore, If I'm having trouble explaining a new concept in simple terminology, I've found that it usually means that I have more research to do myself. I place incredible value on continuous learning within the industry via publications, newsletters, podcasts, and conferences. Keeping myself educated allows me to explain complicated ideas in a way that makes sense to people outside of the industry."

Written by Rachel Hills on December 26th, 2021

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