Communication Mock Interview
Practice 20 Communication interview questions covering verbal skills, active listening, and conflict resolution.
Question 11 of 20
How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I have found that directly stating facts is best. Trying to "
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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."
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
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.
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
"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."
Anonymous Answer
I don't look it good or bad news. It's news. I look at it as an opportunity for growth. On my part and theirs; " let's figure this out together."
Alexandra's Feedback
Great answer!
Anonymous 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.
Rachelle's Feedback
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."
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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