How do you explain complicated PM concepts to someone who may not understand?
The hiring authority wants to know that you can explain complex project ideas without being condescending to your team, clients, or key stakeholders. Give the interviewer an example of how you dissect complicated information to make it more easily digestible for the layperson.
Think of a complex topic in your industry and a time when you needed to give a presentation on that topic, train someone new, or base a proposal on this complex information. When you can define key terms and concepts to make them more relevant to your audience, you have skill! Not everyone can do this. Prepare an example that demonstrates your communication skills and ability to convey complex information in easy-to-understand terms.
"I find that budgeting and cost control, although easy concepts for me to understand, are often misunderstood by others. When there is a complicated concept to teach, I find that visual aids are often helpful. Studies show that 65% of people are visual learners and that presentations with visual components are 43% more persuasive. For that reason, I taught myself to create effective presentations with visuals. I use these visuals when meeting with project stakeholders."
"While attending university, I also worked part-time as a tutor for other healthcare management students. I found the best way to explain a complex topic was by using a multi-step approach. First, I would send a quick email summarizing what we'd be reviewing in our upcoming tutoring session. This approach helped the student come to our session with the right mindset and prepared to learn. Then, I provided a basic overview of the topic in person, checking for understanding all along the way. By the end of our session, I would recap and summarize. Lastly, I would give out collateral for the student to review a few hours later. This process allowed for various types of learners to be engaged while taking in bits of information at a time, rather than feeling forced to absorb too much information at once."
You want to avoid saying that you have difficulty explaining complicated concepts to others who do not understand. If you do not have excellent communication skills and cannot convey these concepts in a way that is easier to understand, the hiring authority may pass you over for another candidate.
Unlock all 40 Healthcare Project Manager questions
Prepare for complex questions about EHR rollouts, budget constraints, and cross-functional teams.
Get Started