20 Communication Interview Questions & Answers
1. How do you show your co-workers the importance of communication in the workplace?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you lead by example when it comes to communication in the workplace. Breakdown of communication in a business setting can have dire effects on the profitability of an organization. This effect is why it is essential, as a leader, to understand that 'telling' and 'showing' are two very different things when it comes to proper communication. Give examples of how you put dialogue into action in the workplace.
Answer Example
"I show my co-workers the importance of communication through my willingness to ask questions if I do not understand the first time. I do not pretend to know something to save face. By creating an environment where questions are encouraged, we have increased communication greatly, and have seen a healthier safety record as a result."
Admin
"I show my co-workers the importance of communication in the workplace simply from leading by example. I set the tone and expectations for how we should communicate by utilizing all forms of written, verbal and interpersonal communications to a tee."
Manager
"I show the importance of communication through a team building exercise that I like to use, whenever possible. Some of my favorite team building exercises include taking my team out for lunches, holding office trivia, and creating physical goal-setting roadmaps."
Marketing
"In marketing, we have to communicate every small detail of our projects. I encourage this with my team by asking everyone to use Trello, a project management app that tracks our progress and needs, every step of the way. It's like web-based sticky notes!"
Retail
"Many customer service issues stem from poor communication. When we have a customer dispute, I work with my team to explore other alternatives. We often role play and discuss ways that we could have reacted better. This practice has greatly improved our customer reviews."
Sales
"As a sales professional, our inter-office communication means more sales and happier clients. The analytics don't lie! I encourage my team to communicate even the details that seem minute. These details can help us to upsell or gain further insight into our clients' current pain points."
Teacher
"When we communicate the needs and struggles of our students, between teachers, it helps everyone to be more successful. I am sure to always fill my faculty in on students who may be struggling with a particular subject. We can then gather to make a game plan that benefits the student."
User-Submitted Answer
"I see what they like. Some like to communicate by email; some like to communicate in person."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
I would recommend a more personable answer rather than leaning on the logistics of communication. I have added an example, below.
"I communicate the needs and struggles of our students through in-person conversations or emails; depending on the teacher's communication preference. I am sure always to make myself available to make a plan of action that will benefit our students."
2. After receiving information from your supervisor, how do you ensure you properly communicate this information to your team?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know more about your ability to communicate third-party information to your team. A huge part of proper communication is the ability to listen to the original set of data and relay it accordingly. Miscommunication can be costly, so it is an immensely vital skill to be able to convey information carefully and accurately. Discuss with the interviewer how you go about doing so.
Answer Example
"When I receive new information from my supervisor I will run my understanding of it by the supervisor to ensure that my interpretation is correct. After that, I will relay the information formally, in writing, to my team. This method eliminates word of mouth and misinterpretation surrounding the issue."
Admin
"I ensure proper communication by delivering the direction in multiple ways, usually in-person and electronically through email. There are multiple communication preferences in my office, and for that reason, I try to tailor my communication to each persons' preferences."
Manager
"I hold daily morning meetings with my team so that I can accurately communicate any new policies or procedural changes to my team. This process allows me to address their questions immediately which avoids miscommunication in most cases."
Marketing
"I ensure I have the correct directives from my marketing director and there is clarity over the required direction. Once that happens, I cascade the communications out to my team - typically in a huddle/face-to-face communication. I follow this up with a written form of communication."
Retail
"When I receive instructions from our corporate head office, I will hold a quick team huddle to review. If the information came in written form, I will print it, have everyone initial that they read the correspondence, and then add the page into our communications binder."
Sales
"When receiving information that needs passing along, I prefer to include it in an email. This way my team of reps can look back on the information whenever they need. This method eliminates a lot of opportunity for miscommunication."
Teacher
"I prefer to communicate in person so that any questions other teachers may have, will not be misinterpreted. When relaying communication to parents, I prefer to use email or our group app called Class Dojo. This way there is a continuous record of the conversations."
User-Submitted Answer
"When I get any new information from my supervisor that needs to be disseminated to the team, I send e-mail, and if the information requires a meeting to discuss the topic, I will schedule a meeting with the team."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Good! This answer shows the interviewer that you are organized and a thoughtful communicator.
3. Tell me about a time when you improved communication between yourself and a co-worker or client.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know about a time that your communication skills improved a work-based situation. Possessing the skills to enhance communication in the workplace is a precious asset. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you used your excellent communication skills to improve a potentially harmful situation with a co-worker or client. Perhaps you saved a sale, were able to reiterate the intention of an email before feelings were hurt, or you helped a cross-departmental effort to go smoothly.
Answer Example
"In my current position I have one particular client who was an exceptionally brief communicator. If I asked two questions, he would answer just one. I learned that he would not acknowledge anything for which he did not have an answer. I began to ask him questions in a different way. For example, I would say 'Do you have an answer for me on question X?' and he would say yes or no. We would then go from there. This method was a valid form of communication for that particular client."
Admin
"I am often the main point of contact for clients which means that my communication style needs to be crystal clear. Before onboarding a new client I have a set of questions that I ask. They are discovery questions, and I then pass onto my executive. The answers come directly from the client, so no assumptions are made. It's always first-hand information that I am providing."
Manager
"I recently worked on a project with team members from multiple sites. At first, we were emailing back and forth, but that wasn't working. I implemented a regular conference call to iron out issues and communicate updates."
Marketing
"Recently, we were working with a client who continued to change the direction of our work. Our team was heading down one path and before we knew it, the client expected us to go another direction. We resolved to hold a weekly status touch base call to ensure two-way communication between our team and the client."
Retail
"Many of our customers misread our return policy and assume that they can return an item to any one of our locations. Being a franchise, this is something we cannot accommodate. I recently requested to head office that we include this caveat in our return policy more clearly. The corporate head office agreed, and implemented the changes."
Sales
"I had a client who often missed email updates. It caused us to cross our wires a few times. I suggested that we book a quick call every week to review any outstanding areas that need addressing. This process worked well for us."
Teacher
"I work continuously on improving communication between myself and the parents of my students. I recently polled the parents asking them if they prefer that letters are sent home, or emailed. A whopping 87% of the parents said they preferred email communication, so I implemented a regular e-newsletter containing news from our classroom and any files that needed to be signed and sent back."
User-Submitted Answer
"In my last job, there was a vendor who was not answering my e-mails in a timely fashion, so I decided to schedule weekly meetings to update each other and discuss any issues in the invoices."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Cindy Ramsey Reviewed the Above Answer
Good solution! This answer also demonstrates initiative. Did it work? What was the result?
4. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how you rate your communication skills. First, on a scale of 1-10, discuss how skilled are you in communication. Try to avoid giving yourself a 10, and nobody is perfect, and you do not want to come across as overly confident or someone who has no room for feedback and improvement. Alternately, avoid giving yourself too little credit. You do not want to paint the picture that you are a communication dud! Try to remain in the 7.5-9.5 range while staying honest and accurate. Use an example of your excellent communication to back your answer.
Answer Example
"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything."
Admin
"I will rate myself an eight because I value communication but, just like most people, I have things to learn. Some ways that I ensure clear communication are by utilizing multiple methods of delivering messages, and I give ample time for questions before implementing changes."
Manager
"I will rate myself an 8.5 because I consider myself a strong communicator, especially when relaying important policy changes to my team. It is the foundation of all success in business. I am always striving to be a better communicator, so I leave the rest of the scale as an aspirational measure."
Marketing
"Communication is at the heart of what we do in marketing. We have to communicate messages, brand stories, and more. I am an exceptional communicator and will rate myself as a 9/10 and always improving."
Retail
"I will rate my communication skills a 7.5/10. I am newer to my career, but I have gone through a great deal of training in customer service. I plan only to become better! If you have recommendations on books or training, I would love to hear them."
Sales
"I should not rate myself as a 10/10 because I do not believe everyone is perfect in communication. I would describe myself as an advanced communicator since the majority of my job requires the exchange of important information."
Teacher
"Teachers need to be excellent communicators! In addition to my formal training in education, I have also taken workshops focused on dispute resolution, communication styles, and body language. I would rate myself 9/10 and continually improving!"
User-Submitted Answer
"I will rate myself as 8.75 out of 10 because I value communication, but just like most people, I have things to learn. One way to do so is by asking questions and fully understand and internalize what is being conveyed."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Asking for clarification and ensuring full understanding are great ways to approach communication in the workplace. As a positive, can you also discuss what makes you a strong communicator?
5. Tell me about a time when your communication skills greatly benefited your team.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how your communication skills have benefited your team in the past. Strong communication skills are required to be an active leader. How have your communication skills helped your team in the past?
If you are struggling to come up with an answer to this question, here are a few examples that should turn the gears and help you think of a time when you communicated a message that benefited your co-workers.
- Maybe you were the first to hear of new corporate policy, and you alerted your co-workers to the new changes.
- Perhaps you created an efficient way to streamline a process, and you informed your team about this.
- Maybe you found a new product or service that had a benefit to your organization.
- Perhaps you realized an error in a project, and you alerted everyone of this before it became a significant problem.
Answer Example
"My team is made up of great communicators whom I have trained to take every piece of information and break it down to the simplest factor. This approach has greatly reduced in-house issues related to communication."
Admin
"As an administrative assistant, I am expected to pave the way for clear communication in the office. My ability to make timely and clear announcements positively helped our merger go more smoothly."
Manager
"We recently rolled out a large organizational change. I took a very transparent approach to communication throughout the process. I asked the team for feedback and buy-in, early in the process. We discussed some scenarios on what to expect. When the time came to roll out the change, there was minimal surprise with the new process. It was a success!"
Marketing
"I felt that some of the information our client was giving us was forced and repetitive. I asked my team to re-send the client intake form and to book a call with the director so that we could do a deeper dive into their needs before beginning their project. The discovery meeting was incredibly helpful and saved my team a great amount of potentially wasted hours."
Retail
"Our store recently went through a major renovation, and our sales team split into other locations during the reno project. I kept my team in the loop through group messaging, and we also met once per week for a drink and to discuss work. Keeping this level of camaraderie helped me to retain my team until we could be back to our location again."
Sales
"My communication skills make me very successful in sales. My clear communication style has greatly benefited my team and employer because it helps me to exceed performance targets consistently. When one person succeeds, the whole team benefits."
Teacher
"Last year a fellow teacher and I were asked to share a Grade 3/4 split class. To make this change seamless, we created a communication plan that included meeting once per week to review any hiccups. The entire faculty and our students benefitted from our ability to communicate well."
User-Submitted Answer
"There was a time when I had to communicate to my colleagues the process of work orders and coordination among the men at the shop. After a few informational sessions, the men worked within that structure and were more successful having boundaries to follow."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Kevin Downey Reviewed the Above Answer
Although this is a great example, beware of generalizing when it comes to gender. It's something many candidates do, not on purpose, but it can affect the interview outcome. I have reworded, below.
"“There was a time when I had to communicate with my colleagues the process of work orders in coordination with the service team in our shop. After setting up those boundaries through a few informational sessions, the service team’s workflow improved working within that structure and were more successful working with my collegues in this improved work order process.”"
6. How do you handle a situation where your supervisor does not properly communicate information to you?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how you handle poor communication between yourself and a superior. You cannot force others to communicate with you in a way that you would always prefer, so how do you deal with this situation professionally? Talk to the interviewer about a specific time that you have handled a supervisor who does not interact with you in a way that you like. Be sure to include the resolution.
Answer Example
"Whenever I have had a supervisor who does not properly communicate with me, I try to learn their style of communication and emulate it. Sometimes you have to relate to others in their style to be understood. I implemented this method with my most recent supervisor and now have a great working relationship with her."
Admin
"There are times in business when communication hiccups happen. I make sure I regroup with the supervisor to explain the strain a gap in communication causes on the team. I then go into mending mode, ensuring the information that needs communicating gets disseminated out to the team."
Manager
"I worked in a busy production environment where facts missed cause major problems. I recommended to my supervisor that we have a team huddle every morning and at the end of each shift, just for 5 minutes, so that I could ensure we were all on the same page. This solution helped us a great deal."
Marketing
"In marketing, any communication lost ends up causing the client to suffer. I had a director who was a very brief communication, and it was causing a delay in our projects. I asked them if there was a reason why they communicated in such a brief manner. This particular supervisor did not realize the team felt this way. He did a 180 immediately."
Retail
"I have worked for a previous supervisor who was incredibly brief in his communication. Many times, I would have to put the pieces together for myself. I managed through it, and it taught me independent thought."
Sales
"My current supervisor was of the opinion that I was much more familiar with the product line than I was when I first started. I met with her to let her know that I did not come from software sales and that my learning curve may not be what she was expecting. After this, she slowed down her communication for me and took me under her wing. It was mutually beneficial because I soon became the top sales rep in her district."
Teacher
"If my Principal were not communicating effectively, I would approach them discreetly and ask to talk about the issue. Hopefully, we can find common ground to improve communication. He/she may not realize that not everyone understands and interprets messages the same way. So far, I have worked with great teachers and leaders who are very conscious of the way they communicate."
User-Submitted Answer
"When a supervisor does not properly communicate information to me, I usually try to understand their communication style. If I am still not receiving all the information, I ask that it be put in writing, sometimes I will also have a meeting to discuss the details, and at times will ask more than the usual amount of questions to try and prompt my supervisor to think about the project and the information I will need to complete my work."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It sounds like you have a lot of solutions ready for this type of problem. Great response!
7. When entering a new job, describe how you build relationships with your new coworkers and supervisors.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how you plan to start relationships with your new co-workers. Due to a wide variety of personalities, coworker connections can take time to form. How do you ensure that you have a strong line of communication with your co-workers and supervisors, right from the start?
Here are some ideas for getting started on the right foot:
- Be willing to accept feedback and help
- Offer to join a committee or volunteer assistance in some way
- Do not have an air of entitlement or act as though you know the ins and outs immediately
- Avoid all company gossip, at all cost
- Be thankful for the equipment that you have. Don't complain about your used computer or your slow dial out line!
- Be early on your first day (and every day after that!)
- Come dressed appropriately
Answer Example
"I understand that some relationships come quickly and others take time to nurture. When starting a new job all that I can do is be my true self and let my personality, integrity, and reliability speak for itself."
Admin
"I show up on time and dressed appropriately. I spend as much time as I can getting to know my new coworkers and telling them about myself and my family, and asking them about theirs. It is important to understand people on a bit of a personal level to know how to approach them."
Manager
"When I have a new team, I will hold a team-wide meeting and allow my new staff to ask me any questions they want. I let them voice their biggest concerns and present ideas to me about what we can do to fix them. This introduction builds a form of trust that most managers do not bother forming."
Marketing
"I like to ask my new colleagues for their best marketing tip, and also what they are currently working on. Creative types like to bounce ideas off of others which makes these two questions a very effective way to get to know others in the industry."
Retail
"I understand that people like to talk about themselves. The best way that I can create new relationships with others is by asking them about themselves. Hopefully, we find common ground and make a quick connection!"
Sales
"Salespeople love to talk so, when I first start a new job, I ask them about themselves and what makes them successful. This method nearly always opens up the floodgates, and I can make a fast connection."
Teacher
"First impressions are everything, and I make a strong attempt to build relationships with all of my faculty and student parents, right up front at starting a new job. I schedule meetings to make an introduction and ask discovery questions to learn how I can best support them when working together. It is also important to gain insight into their preferred methods of communications."
User-Submitted Answer
"When entering a new job, I build relationships by being polite and respective of people's space and time. I ask questions that help me learn about the other person so that I understand what is important to them, then I gradually share my experiences and let them know who I am. I then build trust by doing what I say, being reliable, and by supporting my coworkers."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Awesome answer! You have a lot of excellent detail in here.
8. What experience do you have using team-based messaging applications?
How to Answer
There are many options for communication software and messaging applications. Give the interviewer a brief overview of the apps you know and assure them that you can learn their internal system, should it be new to you. This question is an excellent opportunity to ask what programs you will be using in this new role. When the hiring authority divulges this information, ask if there are resources available for you to get a head start. This initiative will impress the interviewer and show them that you are not afraid to put a bit of hard work in before you even know if the job is yours!
Answer Example
"I have used a variety of team-based messaging applications. I am best versed in Brosix, AOL Instant Messenger, and Freedcamp. No matter which system you use I am sure that I can pick it up very quickly."
Admin
"Currently, I used Google Hangout Chat for most team-based communications. I have also used Trello for helping our sales team to keep track of projects. I know that you use Google Hangout as well, from our first video interview, but I would love to learn more about the applications you use here."
Manager
"I love team-based messaging applications! I have utilized many of them with direct teams and remote teams. They are effective for updating communications and keeping on track with the progress of team-based work projects."
Marketing
"I have worked for two marketing agencies who have both used Microsoft Teams and Cisco Spark. I would consider myself an advanced user in each. Could you share with me which team based apps you use in your company?"
Retail
"I lack experience with team-based messaging applications besides MSN Messenger years ago. I do pick up on technology quickly and have no concerns when it comes to my ability to learn. What team-based messaging applications do you use?"
Sales
"Our current company uses Slack for most projects. Slack stands for 'Searchable Log of Al Conversation and Knowledge,' which helps describe why it's so useful for a sales team. All knowledge of clients, products, and projects are at our fingertips. Which team-based applications do you use here?"
Teacher
"I have limited experience with team messaging apps in the workplace. However, I have used them for extracurricular activity planning and enjoy them. It would be great to have a simple and quick messaging system at work."
User-Submitted Answer
"Other than group e-mail or group texts, I have a limited amount of experience with team-based messaging."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Try wrapping your answer up with a statement of confidence.
"My experience is with group emails and texts; however, I am confident in my ability to quickly learn new systems. Could you share with me the programs you use here at ABC Company? I would be happy to take online tutorials to get a head start."
9. How would you describe your written communication skills?
How to Answer
Being a bright communicator, in written form, is an essential skill to master. Discuss any courses you have taken in communication, journalism, or writing. If you have a sample of your written communication in the form of a report of a work-related article, you can certainly bring that example with you. Talk to the interviewer about your written communication abilities and support your answer with a case or story.
Here are some words to describe your communication skills:
- Articulate
- Crisp
- Eloquent
- Formal
- Informal
- Punchy
- Succinct
Answer Example
"I would describe my written communication skills as succinct and would rate myself as a 9/10. I have always had a penchant for writing and have taken university courses related to communication, writing, and journalism."
Admin
"As an administrative assistant, my written communication has to be perfect, as it often comes on behalf of the executive whom I support. I would describe my written skills as concise and cordial."
Manager
"I have strong written communication skills. I spend a lot of time working on teams from around the world and have to be able to communicate clearly."
Marketing
"I communicate diligently with my clients who often request every decision in writing. In addition to my marketing education, I have also taken technical writing courses."
Retail
"I describe my written communication skills as brief yet informative. I like to use bullet points so that the important reading points are obvious to the recipient."
Sales
"I have above average written communication skills. I am an experienced writer and have also written many successful quotes and RFP's in my career. I would describe my written communication skills as clear, concise, and thorough."
Teacher
"My written communication skills are powerful. I often utilize written communications as a follow up to verbal communications. They provide a great resource for my students and their parents to go back to, and reference, plus they might answer any questions that come up along the way."
User-Submitted Answer
"I have strong written communication skills. I spend a lot of time working on teams from around the world and have to be able to communicate clearly."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It sounds as though you bring a lot of experience in written communication. Does your experience include mainly emails? Be sure to include if you are writing company memos, training modules, policy changes, onboarding material, etc.
10. Tell me about your experiences giving presentations in front of large groups.
How to Answer
Public speaking can be intimidating! Did you know that the fear of public speaking is the #1 phobia? It comes ahead of the fear of death and the fear of spiders! It is okay to find public speaking a bit intimidating but do assure the interviewer that you are capable of communicating well in front of large groups. Have you taken any courses or training in public speaking? Perhaps you have so much experience that it comes second nature. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of giving presentations. If you have given presentations, you can also mention the topic, what the setting was, and to how many people you presented.
Answer Example
"In my last two roles I have been responsible for regularly presenting to my team of 43 staff as well as to our entire warehouse team of over 200. I have taken a couple of Toastmasters sessions which helped a great deal. I am a confident public speaker."
Admin
"I do not have a lot of experience in presenting to large groups. Perhaps, 4-6 people at most. I am a confident public speaker and am sure that I could present in front of many people."
Manager
"Presenting to large groups is a big part of successfully rolling out important communications to teams organization-wide. I have experience preparing the deck to be presented to ensure it is simple and thorough. I utilize different communication techniques to make a presentation fun, interesting, and engaging."
Marketing
"As a marketing professional, I present to clients large and small on a weekly basis. The groups to which I present range from 5-20 depending on the client."
Retail
"Although I do not have experience presenting to large groups, I do have a great deal of commissioned sales experience which requires me to be 'on' and a subject matter expert when I am on the floor. Every potential client is an opportunity to shine!"
Sales
"I love having a microphone and a captive audience. Perhaps its the sales person blood running through me. I am very comfortable creating and giving presentations."
Teacher
"As a teacher, I present to groups every day! My classes range from 14-26 students, depending on the class. I am more than comfortable in a presentation setting."
User-Submitted Answer
"I have given powerpoint presentations to groups of 15 or 20 on Machines at my current facility. I am confident that I could provide employees with training presentations and informational presentations on an as needed basis."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Great! I like that you added in how confident you are with presenting.
11. How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know if you can adequately handle being the bearer of bad news. One of the toughest parts of communication can be delivering bad news to people with whom you work. Whether it is providing a less than favorable work review, or terminating someone, it doesn't come easy. Assure the interviewer that you can handle this type of task in a transparent, concise, and professional manner.
Answer Example
"I certainly do not enjoy communicating bad news to a co-worker, but I do have experience in doing so. I make sure to practice empathy. Truth is always key, so I will be honest and clear when communicating the news. For instance, if I am to terminate someone's employment, I don't sugar coat the reasons why. It's best they know so that they can learn from the experience."
Admin
"I am an empathetic person, so I try to communicate bad news quickly but with care. I would never want to cause alarm or feelings of hurt in the office."
Manager
"I have found that communicating with respect and the intent to support the associate is the best approach. It is important to communicate what behaviors are off track and what resources are available to the associate to get back on track."
Marketing
"When bad news comes up, I communicate it immediately. The longer an issue festers, the worse it becomes so it's best to rip the proverbial band-aid off asap."
Retail
"I have found that directly stating facts is best. Trying to "sugar coat" or dance around the subject makes it worse. Be direct, but respectful."
Sales
"I am very to-the-point when it comes to my communication skills. Good or bad news, there is always a way to improve the situation and create something good from it. After delivering bad news, I will work with my coworker to find a viable solution."
Teacher
"If there is bad news to be communicated to the parent of a student, I run the wording past my Principal first as I always want to ensure that I am meeting our school's guidelines and communication policies."
User-Submitted Answer
"I certainly do not enjoy communicating bad news to a co-worker, and also I do not have experience in doing so. But If I have to communicate bad news to a fellow worker, then I make sure to practice empathy. Truth is always key, so I will be honest and clear when communicating the news. For instance, if I am to terminate someone's employment. I do not sugar coat the reasons why. It's best they know so that they can learn from the experience."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This answer is a bit confusing because you start with the fact that you do not have experience communicating bad news to a co-worker, and then end with a statement on how you terminate people (not sugar coating etc). Rather than lead with an 'I don't' statement, try flipping that around to discuss what experience you DO have. I have provided an example below.
"When communicating bad news to a fellow worker, I make sure to practice empathy. Truth-telling is always key, so I will be honest and clear when communicating bad news. For instance, if I am to terminate someone's employment, I will not sugar coat the reasons why. It's best they know so that they can learn from the experience."
12. Would you say you are a better verbal or written communicator?
How to Answer
In business, it's vital that you are solid both as a written, and a verbal communicator. Your talents may lean one way or another, and that is okay. Discuss with the interviewer in which manner you prefer to communicate and then be sure to discuss how you are improving in the other.
Answer Example
"I prefer verbal communication because I feel that with written communication, wires can be crossed, due to lack of tone, fluctuation, expression and body language. I will always choose a face to face conversation whenever possible."
Admin
"I do not lean one way or the other when it comes to verbal or written communication. Both are equally important to me. If I have to choose just one, I will choose written communication as one can always look back on written communication for reference."
Manager
"I like to leverage both methods of communication when dealing with business. Sometimes, situations call for verbal communications and other times, written. As a rule of thumb, I tend to practice verbal communications, with written follow up or vice versa. Utilizing multiple methods creates repetition and therefore, change."
Marketing
"I am comfortable with both so it would depend on the message, I suppose. Big news needs to be communicated verbally and followed up in written form, but quick messages or simple changes can be communicated effectively through email without the hassle of breaking away from work for a call or meeting."
Retail
"I am a better verbal communicator. I spend the bulk of my day speaking with customers and training my staff on new sales, policies, or products. I can certainly communicate well in written form, also."
Sales
"As a salesperson, I am skilled in both written and verbal forms of communication, but I prefer verbal. I am a great conversationalist and close most of my sales in person or over the phone."
Teacher
"I would say that I am a better verbal communicator simply because I spend most of my day communicating in that method. I can certainly communicate well in written form; however, I do have more experience communicating verbally."
User-Submitted Answer
"I am comfortable communicating both ways. In verbal communication you can feel the tone and analyze the body language, but there is no way to return back and check what has been spoken in that conversation, so I prefer written communication, as one can always look back on written communication for reference."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Cindy Ramsey Reviewed the Above Answer
Good start. You prefer written communication because you have a record. Is it also more effective in some ways? Can you make your point of view more clearly in writing?
13. Tell me about an error or mistake you made because of a breakdown in communication from you or one of your team members.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know about a time when communication was weak on your part, and a mistake occurred. On occasion, mistakes will happen, and discussions will break. Think back to a time when you made an error in communication, and it caused a ripple effect that reached your team members or your organization as a whole. The final part of your answer needs to include the steps you took to repair the situation. Make sure to conclude your answer on a positive note.
Answer Example
"I recall one instance where I misread an email from one of my subordinates. The punctuation was incorrect, and I read it in in a dire tone rather than in a positive one, as it was intended. After a tense conversation, the employee clarified her intention, and it seems I was mistaken. She and I agreed to exercise verbal communication on a regular basis to avoid a similar situation from happening again."
Admin
"I am the executive assistant to three different members of our company's c-suite. One day I made the error of emailing the wrong schedule to the others, resulting in a disastrous day. I was able to reschedule their appointments for later in the week, but my error did result in a few unhappy clients."
Manager
"I missed a shipment to a customer because there were two similar items in the production schedule. Usually, the scheduler highlights oddities like that, but not this time. I missed the difference and thought it was the same order when it came through on my end."
Marketing
"I missed a deadline the other week because I did not fully read the email from my marketing director, stating that the deadline had been moved up. I committed myself to be much more detail-oriented when it came to reading my messages from him. He also agreed to red flag any matters of importance, moving forward."
Retail
"We missed one of our inventory shipments last month because I too quickly skimmed a memo from head office regarding the change in schedule due to a long weekend. The shipment was returned which resulted in extra costs to the business and a delay in receiving our seasonal stock. I offered to pay for the extra charges. They refused to charge me for the error but did ask that I take additional care in the future. I was embarrassed, and I do all I can now to ensure an oversight like this never happens again."
Sales
"We recently had a missing link in communications to one of our vendors, who we signed on to provide a large service. They were not aware of a change in the agreement which cost the company wasted time, resources and money. We were able to identify the breakdown in communication and change the process to ensure it does not happen again."
Teacher
"Last year I made an error in communicating with a parent newsletter. I had the wrong date for a school field trip which resulted in all of my students showing up to school, ready and excited for a day at the museum. Oops! The parents were pretty good about it, and we went the following day; however, I had some pretty ticked off little students that day. Nobody is perfect but I certainly triple check my dates now!"
User-Submitted Answer
"I recall one instance where I emailed my supervisor to order a filter paper that we need to perform the test. A few days after, the product came, and it was the wrong size. I checked the product code number, and I saw that I did make a mistake and immediately told my supervisor. I said to my supervisor that I am sorry and that next time, I will double-check the product code number to make sure it is right."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It's great that you owned up to the error rather than trying to hide it. Everyone makes mistakes at work; however, it's more important to the interviewer that you handle these instances with integrity. Well done!
14. At your current or former place of employment, how important was communication and dealing with others?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know if you are accustomed to working in a highly communicative environment or if you are more used to a work environment where everyone keeps their thoughts to themselves until mistakes are made. If your most recent role was not a highly communicative environment, discuss positions further in the past. Avoid speaking poorly of the communication in your most recent role. If the situation was not ideal, you could say just that. Show that you fully understand the repercussions of poor communication.
Answer Example
"In my previous role, healthy communication was required to protect the safety of our employees. We transported dangerous goods, and our management required that we all take specific workshops on communication and documentation. Because of this, my communication skills are powerful."
Admin
"I am an executive assistant to the CEO and CFO of my company. If I do not communicate properly, clients leave, and deals can fall through. Strong communication is vital in my role."
Manager
"Excellent communication is key to everything when it comes to dealing with others. Communication style can make or break deals with anyone. I leverage communication skills to enhance relationships with my team wherever possible."
Marketing
"We used a lot of communication apps to encourage a strong level of communication between teams. We worked on a lot of big projects where communication was the one factor that could make or break a successful campaign."
Retail
"There is not a strong level of communication in my current workplace. This reality is part of the reason why I am seeking new employment. I highly value clear communication. Do you encourage strong communication between retail locations here?"
Sales
"Communication is always important if you want your business to be successful. Lack of communication can decrease morale, upset customers, and cause conflict with vendors. The organization which I currently work offers excellent communication strategies, and I have learned a lot from those."
Teacher
"As a teacher, communication is incredibly important. I would never compromise communication between the faculty, student body, or their parents."
User-Submitted Answer
"Excellent communication is key to everything when it comes to dealing with others.
In my previous job, communication is essential to be able to produce accurate analysis and results for our clients as well as to protect the safety of my co-workers, especially when we perform tests."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Good answer! You show enthusiasm for clear communication while also giving specific examples of how you delivered clear communication in your previous role.
"In my previous role, communication was essential for the production of accurate client results, and to protect the safety of my co-workers. I believe excellent communication is paramount to success."
15. Tell me about a time when you had to use your verbal communication skills in order to get a point across that was important to you.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like a specific example that identifies your communication style when you are expressing a matter close to your heart.
When you become passionate about one particular point, in the workplace, do you get excited but challenging to understand? Do you bully others into seeing things your way? Once you have your mind set on an idea, are you capable of accepting feedback on the cause or belief? These examples are all red flags to the interviewer.
Display that you are a level-headed communicator and that you remain respectful in your communication style, no matter how important the point of discussion is to you.
Answer Example
"When I was initially training for my current role there were a few things that I did not understand. The person training me kept breezing by the topics when I would ask for further clarification. I decided that perhaps she did not understand why it was important to me. So, I approached her with the problem at hand, in a clearer way. I said 'I am afraid that if I do not fully understand this particular process, that I will unintentionally skip corners elsewhere. Can we please take the next 30 minutes to review this area of my training further?' This approach was more specific than my previous ask, and it worked. I am glad that I expressed my concern more directly."
Admin
"Much of my work is completed over the phone as our primary customer is elderly. For this reason, it is important to me that I explain directions to our office very clearly on the phone, rather than email directions to them. I ask them to get a pen and paper, I use specific street numbers and landmarks and even include where to park. This thorough approach has saved me many conversations with lost patients who are late for their appointment. The patients appreciate my help up front as well."
Manager
"Employee tenure is important to me. I want to train people who are excited about their jobs, understand the company's goals, and buy into them. I want to groom future leaders that wish to stay with our company and climb the corporate ladder. Recently one of my team members came across a problem on the production line. Rather than tell him what to do, I asked him what he would do if he were the boss. By flipping the question back to him, it challenged him further while giving him the confidence that he knew the right answer. I often communicate in a more mentorship based manner."
Marketing
"Working for a marketing agency, I come into contact with many clients who use marketing buzzwords they hear, thinking that is what they want, even though they do not fully understand the terms. These points may not even be something that their business needs in their marketing strategy. I had a client recently, a medical device company, who wanted to put the bulk of their advertising on Instagram and Facebook ads because it's the latest thing to do. Rather than telling them, it was a bad idea, I dug deeper with some discovery questions, to discuss where the bulk of their clients came from, what the daily habits were of their clients, and the age demographic of their clients. After we had a conversation, they concluded on their own that social media was, indeed, not where their idea customer was. I could have taken a more direct approach, but that may not have been as openly received."
Retail
"It is important to me that our customers know and understand our return policy before they leave the store. Because we sell undergarments and bathing suits, we do not accept returns of any kind. When I am ringing a customer through, rather than assume they understand, I will print their receipt, flip to the printed policy on the back of the receipt, circle the no returns policy and initial it. I explain verbally to the customer and ensure that they are okay with this fact before leaving the store. This method of communication has eliminated plenty of customer disputes and attempted returns."
Sales
"In my previous position, I had the idea of shaking up our sales territory a little bit. The changes were minor but would eliminate a lot of excess travel, saving the company money in sales rep travel expenses. The change would also take down our travel from 30% to about 20%. Rather than telling my boss this, in an opinionated way, I took the time to research the benefits to the company. I then created a PowerPoint presentation and asked to present my findings at the upcoming monthly meeting. I wanted to be heard and knew that I needed to approach the situation in the most organized and professional way possible."
Teacher
"It is important to me that all of my students exceed, try their best, and have parent support at home. I recently noticed a student struggling who was previously one of the classroom stars. I met with the Principal to inquire if I was missing some information on changes this student was going through recently. We made a communication plan and brought the parents to meet with us. I started the conversation by praising the student, expressing how smart and engaged she had always been. Then, I moved into my concern, asking to make a plan of action as a collaborative effort. The parents appreciated my approach and agreed to further support her education, in the home setting."
User-Submitted Answer
"When I was initially training for my previous role in the same organization, there were a few things that I did not understand. The person training me kept breezing by the topics when I would ask for further clarification. I decided that perhaps she did not understand why it was important to me. So, I approached her with the problem at hand in a more precise way. I said, "I am afraid that if I do not fully understand this particular process, that I will unintentionally skip corners elsewhere. Can we take the next 30 minutes to review this area of my training further? This approach was more specific than my previous ask, and it worked. I am glad that I expressed my concern more directly."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Excellent! The way you approached this person was direct but also respectful. Nicely done.
16. How do you build rapport with your clients?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know your methods when it comes to getting to know your customers and building trust with them. When you have a great relationship with the stakeholders, you will be more successful in your work and more likely to stay longer-term.
Some ways that you can build rapport with your clients include:
- Do what you say that you will
- Ask them questions about themselves
- Use the same jargon and industry terms they use
- Set clear expectations, on both sides, from the start
- Remember their names
- Show your extensive knowledge base
- Always be presentable in looks and actions
Answer Example
"To build client rapport, I ensure always to do what I say that I will. My clients need to be able to rely on me, and feel 100% confident that I will deliver over and above their expectations at all times."
Admin
"In my current organization, I am usually the first person that a potential new client sees. To build rapport, I make sure always to look and act presentable. First impressions truly are everything! I am always friendly, available to help, and with a smile. If I do not know the answer to their question, I will go the extra mile to find out, rather than saying 'I don't know.'"
Manager
"The fastest way to build rapport with my clients is to always deliver on time and a better product or service than they initially expected. When a client can trust that you have their back, they will give you more business and tell others about you in return."
Marketing
"I am a naturally curious person which means that I often build a rapport with my clients by asking them questions about themselves. I like to know about their business, their career path, family, hobbies, and how they got to where they are today. Most people enjoy talking about themselves, so this approach is usually a very successful one."
Retail
"I find in fashion, and retail in general, employees will use subjective terms that clients do not understand. When I am explaining the features of a product or garment, I like to use terms that the clients would use, and understand. I feel that speaking on the customers' level of understanding is a fast way to build a rapport with them."
Sales
"The number one rule of sales, and building a solid rapport with your client base, is to remember! Remember their names, their kids' names, important dates, where they went on vacation, and their favorite lunch spot. When you remember details, it shows that you care. This approach has never failed me."
Teacher
"Building rapport with my students and their parents is crucial to me. By displaying that I care, and showing the expertise that I have in the areas of Science and Spanish, the students are more willing to listen to what I have to say. In turn, the parents are more collaborative when it comes to homework assignments, and times when I may ask the students to study a little bit harder."
User-Submitted Answer
"I build rapport with my clients by delivering the product on time, making sure that they can trust me by forming a type of dialogue, and making sure I make notes regarding their specifications. I am also extremely polite, gentle, and calm. They can be assured that their product will be delivered."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It sounds as though you give an incredible client experience"”excellent steps for building rapport and trust.
17. Do you consider yourself a persuasive person?
How to Answer
Part of being an excellent communicator is also having the power of persuasion when necessary. There is a difference between persuasion and debating - or even convincing. Persuasion is used when you want to influence someone rather than tell them that they are wrong, and you are right.
The power of persuasion is essential if you are selling or pitching anything. It is also a helpful skill when you want to gain momentum with your coworkers or have your boss better understand your approach on a project.
It is not a negative thing to be persuasive. Talk to the interviewer about whether or not you consider yourself to be a persuasive individual.
Answer Example
"I can be persuasive when it comes to helping my clients to understand the logic, or reason, behind a decision that my company has made. It's important to lay out the intentions of any change and then express the importance of those changes."
Admin
"I have used the power of persuasion at work when it comes to gathering information from a client. For instance, if they do not want to leave a message for the person they are trying to reach, I will influence them to leave a message by stating that it will be more efficient for them, and faster response time will occur if they leave a message."
Manager
"Persuasion is a key skill of an effective leader, in my opinion. Have you ever read the book, 'Pre-Suasion,' by Robert Cialdini? He speaks of the science in persuasion and that there are significant moves to be made before ever asking someone to do something on your behalf. This book has greatly influenced how I use persuasion."
Marketing
"Persuasion and digital marketing methods go hand in hand so, yes, I believe that I am a persuasive person. My approach is not sly or combative in any way, however. I go about persuading others by displaying how my approach, or belief, could benefit the other party. In my case at work, the client."
Retail
"Persuasion is important in sales, and through the training that I received in my current role, I believe that my persuasion skills are much stronger than they once were. I am still working on them; however!"
Sales
"Persuasion is everywhere - from the conversations we have to the things that we buy. I am persuasive with my clients but not immediately. I first ensure that the groundwork is present, there is rapport, and enough supporting evidence that my path is the way that benefits everyone involved, as much as possible. I need to be able to prove the upside to whomever I speak to."
Teacher
"As an educator, persuasion is in everything that I do. I need to gain buy-in from my students when it comes to having them believe that what I am teaching is important. I spend much of my day making statements of persuasion."
User-Submitted Answer
"I can be persuasive if a client does not understand the logic of a design and needs to be shown the reasons the engineering firm chose to design the process in a certain way."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Good! It would be very important to be able to gain agreement and understanding from your client. Great example!
18. What are the components of a successful, and effective, presentation?
How to Answer
Whether or not you have experience giving presentations, you likely understand the difference between a terrible performance and one that captures your attention all the way through.
Here are some factors that make a successful presentation:
- Understanding your audience
- Using relatable term and jargon
- Introducing multi-media or other visuals
- Being presentable in appearance
- Utilizing the art of storytelling
Answer Example
"I believe that the most important part of a presentation is to have a compelling opening and closing. These are the times when the audience is the most engaged and when you should make the boldest statements of your pitch. I have given hundreds of presentations over the course of my career and this approach has never failed me."
Admin
"Although I have not presented in my career, I have created presentations for the VP whom I currently support. When making the slides, I like to include bullet points with compelling information and attractive pictures. I think that the multi-media used is a key component to building a presentation that captures attention."
Manager
"I have given many presentations in my management career and have found that when I start with a story, give some facts, and end with how those facts pertain to story; I can capture and keep the attention of my audience. Everyone loves a great story, especially one that is relatable to their personal or professional situation."
Marketing
"Marketing is all about telling the right story, with the correct timing and message. For that reason, I believe that the key to a great presentation is first to know your audience before you begin to build your message. What are the pain points, the demographics of those you are presenting to, and what it is you want them to understand your pitch or offering."
Retail
"I have never given a presentation, but I have sat through some great ones, and some pretty boring ones too. I like presentations that infuse some humor and visuals."
Sales
"I present pitches to my clients on a regular basis. For myself, I have learned that the key to a compelling presentation is facts like percentages, numbers, and achievements. I avoid long drawn out sentences and long bunches of text on my slides."
Teacher
"As an educator, I spend most of my day presenting! That is what teaching is all about. A successful class is one where my students are highly vocal and engaged - offering the opinion and asking insightful questions. I gather this result by asking questions of them and using a variety of resources and media."
User-Submitted Answer
"The components of a successful, and effective, presentation are that you first understand your audience, use terminology that is general enough for everyone to understand, provide a PowerPoint to show pictures, drawings, and diagrams, be presentable in appearance, and be able to relate a story to what's being presented if it will add value to the presentation."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Wonderful!
19. Rate your listening skills from 1-10. What would your coworkers say about your listening skills?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how you rate your listening skills, and how your rating would compare to how others would rate you in return. Avoid giving yourself a 10, as nobody is perfect, and you do not want to come across as someone who is unable to accept feedback. Alternately, avoid giving yourself too little credit. You do not want to paint the picture that you are a terrible listener! Stay in the 7.5-9.5 range and back your rating with a comment you have received from a coworker recently.
Answer Example
"I would say that my listening skills are a 9/10. My supervisor recently mentioned how much he appreciates that I do not check my phone in the middle of a conversation as many people do."
Admin
"I am certainly not perfect so that I will rate myself an 8/10 for listening skills. I could be more present at times, especially when a conversation seems to be dragging on an on, or a meeting is running past time. I think my current boss would rate me around the same, if not a bit higher. I do have a penchant for recalling small details which seems to impress him quite often."
Manager
"I will rate myself as an 8.75/10. I have solid listening skills, primarily when it comes to learning about my team and their needs. Being involved and available is a fundamental part of making my team feel important and listened to. In a recent performance review, my team has let me know that they appreciate my listening skills."
Marketing
"Listening, and discovering everything there is to learn about our clients and their audience is the most important part of creating a marketing strategy that works. We must understand and absorb everything that we can to best form and communicate an effective brand story, for example. I am proud of my listening skills and will rate myself as a 9/10."
Retail
"I spend my day listening to my customers, and their needs. I have been well trained and would rate my listening skills as an 8/10. My customers often thank me for listening to what they need and making accurate suggestions."
Sales
"To make a sale, and a repeat customer, I need to utilize second-to-none listening skills. I have had many clients comment on my ability to listen, and remember what they have to say. My sales manager has also complimented me on my abilities in this area. For that reason, I will rate myself as a 9.5/10!"
Teacher
"My students often comment on how well I listen to them. When we are in class, and one-on-one, I make sure to eliminate distractions and give them my full attention. I will rate my listening skills as a 9/10. There is always room to grow, and I am sure to embrace any feedback that I receive from my leadership team or a student."
User-Submitted Answer
"My coworkers would say that I am approximately 8 out of 10. I sometimes may miss a detail if a meeting drags on, someone doesn't get around to making their point quickly, or if someone is jumping around the topic."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Kevin Downey Reviewed the Above Answer
Remember, you want to advertise your merits and give them reasons to hire you, without inadvertently presenting any red flags. Even if there are areas where you struggle, and that you are capable of identifying your growth opportunities, always be filtered. Regardless of how well you might be getting along with the person interviewing you, their ultimate goal is hire the most qualified candidate, and this getting-to-know-you chat is how they'll make that determination, as best as they can. So offering that you miss details when a meeting drags on, or someone doesn;t get to their point quickly or struggles with the flow of their narrative communicates that you expect others to adapt to your communication style, rather than the other way around. In this instance, you've provided them with the red flags they are on the lookout for, without much effort. Instead, consider communicating your messgae this way.
"I'd say I'm at about an 8 out of 10, and I feel my coworkers would give me that score as well. Early on I struggled with my focus in situations where meetings weren't as concise as they could've been, or others struggled with their communication skills. But I realized I needed to adapt to their communication style, not the other way around. Identifying this growth opportunity in myself changed my game. Now I am always actively listening, and helping others with their communication skills as well. It takes an open mind, patience, empathy and understanding to be a good listener."
20. How would you handle working for a boss who was a poor communicator?
How to Answer
Nobody wants to work for a boss that is a bad communicator, but it can happen at times. Also, you may have a boss who is a great communicator and then has a blip from time to time. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of handling all types of communicators in the workplace. Show that you remain professional, calm, collected, and focused despite someone's else's communication style.
Answer Example
"If I had a boss who was not a great communicator, I would ask them how they wanted me to communicate with them. Just because their communication style does not match mine, it does not make it wrong. I can certainly learn to work with their style so long as it remains professional and respectful."
Admin
"I have had bosses in the past who were very brief in their communication and not able to easily provide me with instruction. In those instances, I can be very independent and take tasks into my own hands with minimal direction."
Manager
"As a manager, I know how important is to be a highly effective communicator with your team and your clients. Could you describe to me the communication style of the person whom I would be reporting to in this role? If the individual is an inexperienced communicator, I can work with that, but I do not wish to collaborate with a supervisor who is unprofessional."
Marketing
"The times I have had supervisors, and coworkers whos communication skills are lacking, I will address the struggle with them. Kindly and professionally, of course. It's best to nip the situation in the bud and figure out a workaround rather than letting it sit and worsen."
Retail
"In my current position, my district supervisor is rarely available. When he is, it's often quick text messages with errors. These messages are very challenging to decipher! I have learned to read his language, as well as read between the lines. It's all a learning experience!"
Sales
"Communication is incredibly important to me since we all know that a poor communicator can damage a sale or important client relationship. If my boss were a bad communicator, I would try to keep them as far a distance from my client base as possible to avoid any damage."
Teacher
"I have worked with leaders and Principals who could be clearer communicators than they are. I try to stay in my lane and continue doing my job exactly as I would with a boss who was the most excellent communicator in the world. Simply put, I do not let the communication style of others affect my quality of work."
User-Submitted Answer
"As with any relationship, personal or professional, I think it's important to understand expectations clearly. I would ask clarifying questions to make sure we both clearly understood the task and expectations. Repeating back what they say in my words to make sure we both are on the same page."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Alexandra E. Reviewed the Above Answer
Good answer!