Discuss how you approach explaining complex ideas in simple terms.
At State Street, clients are at the center of all decisions that are made. A crucial part of customer service is ensuring that you can make complex information digestible for your clients. After all, that's why clients hire professionals as the expert! Your interviewer wants to hear that you have developed solid strategies to translate financial or business jargon into common language for clients whose knowledge is likely less specialized in these areas. In your answer, describe your communication style and, if you can, provide an example of a time you explained a complex idea in simple terms with good results.
Remember, this skill also translates to interpersonal work on a team. Your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and impacts how well you work with others.
"I strive for straightforward and concise communication with both clients and colleagues. As a financial advisor, I focused on listening to my clients and their most pressing financial needs and goals in my previous work. I made an effort to echo their language and avoid esoteric ideas that I knew wouldn't be relevant to what they needed to hear. Above all, I ensure that my tone is never patronizing towards clients or colleagues. I often learn something new from those who I work with and place great value on hearing their input."
