Advice
Strong communication makes all the difference when it comes to workplace success. Never underestimate the importance of being able to express yourself adequately. Efficiently communicating through body language, and written or oral communication can make a huge difference in the relationships with your coworkers, your boss, and your clients!
Assure the interviewer that you are confident in your communication abilities. You can refer to any communications course or workshop that you have taken. Or, you can discuss a time when a manager told you that you had excellent communication skills! Reaffirm your answer by describing your communication style in a few words.
Some great options are:
- Professional
- Diplomatic
- Respectful
- Attentive
- Logical
- Energetic
- Objective
- Sincere
- Adaptable
- Mature
- Tactful
- Personable
- Perceptive
- Sophisticated
- Consistent
- Conscientious
- Ethical
- Trustworthy
Basic answer example
"I have always been a strong communicator; however, after I took a weekend long communications workshop last year, I can confidently say that my communication skills are above average. I would describe my communication style as respectful, energetic, and sincere."
Critical Care Nurse answer example
"My communication style in both my professional life and personal life is to be factual and honest. I've found that this achieves the most effective results."
Health Educator answer example
"I'm the type of communicator that encourages open communication. I like to show my clients and coworkers that I'm approachable, knowledgeable and want to help others."
High School Teacher answer example
"My communication style with the parents of my students could best be described as informal, and conversational. I want parents to be comfortable coming to me with their concerns and questions."
Manager answer example
"I do have confidence in my communication skills. I have always had to speak in front of teams, some small, some large. I am comfortable speaking to groups, and I tend to get positive responses from my audience."
Marketing answer example
"I had better have confidence in my communication skills, seeing as I am in marketing! But yes, I do. I would say I'm rather direct, but try to gather as much information as possible before approaching an issue. Once I have it, I am direct and to the point. I find it gets things done effectively and without any convulsion."
Nursery and Greenhouse answer example
"I enjoy teaching others about what I've learned about plants. I want to help them understand the reasons why it's important to provide the specific needs of each plant. I listen to their questions and try to break down answers in a way that they can easily understand, no matter their level of experience."
Nursing answer example
"The interviewer knows your abilities, now they want to know how you interact with your colleagues as well as patients. Tell the interviewer what makes you an excellent communicator. Show off your communication skills by offering an example that paints a picture of your abilities.
Here's an example, "I am articulate and I pay attention to social cues and body language. I am sensitive to the needs of others and cautious about sharing information that may not be appropriate for families or patients to hear at certain times."
Pharmaceutical Sales answer example
"I've found that a clear and direct approach with my clients and coworkers has been my most effective communication style."
Pharmacist answer example
"I've found that clear and direct communication​ works best for my coworkers as well as patients."
Psychiatric Technicians answer example
"My communication style with my patients is assertive. I'm an effective, active listener. I state limits, expectations, states observations and I don't label or judge others."
Retail answer example
"Communication is everything! When my last company acquired another business, there was a great deal of change going on at once. People felt uneasy and out of the loop. I recommended implementing various communication methods to help everyone learn what was going on in a timely fashion and introduce transparency into the mix. People were happy to be apart of what was happening at the moment."
Sales answer example
"I'd say that communication is one of my most significant assets. As an English major, I have trained academically in productive written discussion and verbal arguments. I also have given over a dozen large and small group presentations, including a keynote speaking engagement in front of several hundred attendees, so I would say I'm comfortable presenting. In the workplace, I have been a part of teams both in a subordinate and leading role, and I would describe communication as one of my skills in the office as well. I am professional and respectful, yet I am also able to meet the audience where they may be. For instance, I have experience dealing with anyone from a truck driver or warehouse employee to the CEO of an organization and can adapt my tone and presentation style, written or oral, to the audience."
Shift Leader answer example
"She would say that I'm very concise and clear. I give directions to my team by stating the outcome I need and by when. I also check in to see if they understand how to do it. That way, if something isn't done, I can hold them accountable."
Study Abroad Advisor answer example
"Speak honestly and to your advantage. If you are direct, talk about how this facilitates efficient communication. If you are a bit more passive, talk about how this facilitates a more harmonious work environment.
"I prefer to communicate as directly a possible but also empathetically. I think it's important to be straightforward to avoid misunderstandings, but at the same time being too direct can hurt people, so over the years I've learned to listen thoroughly first and speak directly to my supervisor's, colleagues', or students' needs."
Teacher answer example
"I'm a powerful communicator. I am a great active listener, which helps me be effective in communicating with both adults and students alike."
Technical Support Specialist answer example
"This question is best by showing your flexibility based on the customer's communications. Your communications style needs to be complimentary to the customer yet adaptable (quickly) to different situations. As an example, an Irate customer will need some soothing, assuring that you are listening, care for their satisfaction, etc.. Another customer, indicating more positive communications may not need the same type of communications. "
Ultrasound Technician answer example
"When talking with patients, I'm always sensitive and understanding. Most of my patients are dealing with some sort of illness, and they are already uncomfortable. I try my best to make them feel at ease."