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Communication Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your next job interview, here are 20 interview questions and answer examples focused on your communication skills.

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Question 11 of 20

How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?

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.

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How to Answer: How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?

  • 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."

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "If I found anything off track in behaviors, I will call out for a personal meeting and try to help the best possible way in the situation with due respect."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      It sounds as though it's very important to you to approach this type of situation with care and respect. Good answer!
      "If I had to communicate bad news, I would do this privately, in a one-on-one meeting. I would handle the situation in a way that showed respect for the other person."
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