How to Answer: Describe a situation in which you were able to strengthen a relationship by communicating effectively. What made your communication effective?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Social Service Manager job interview.
3. Describe a situation in which you were able to strengthen a relationship by communicating effectively. What made your communication effective?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question allows you an opportunity to describe how you communicate effectively, but it's also a chance to demonstrate how you relate to people. As a supervisor, you should be able to develop strong relationships with your employees, and good communication is one component of building those relationships.
Written by Shelley Story on January 19th, 2022
What NOT to Say
If possible, avoid talking about a personal relationship. While the question might bring personal relationships to mind first, the interviewer wants to hear about your professional abilities. If you cannot think of an example involving an employee or colleague, reframe the question to explain how your effective communication strengthened your relationship with a whole team or another agency.
Written by Shelley Story on January 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"A social worker on my team was very enthusiastic and hard-working but sometimes seemed disconnected in team meetings. After a meeting in which she seemed particularly distant, I asked to speak with her. I was careful not to make assumptions about her demeanor and asked open-ended questions. I learned that she had been under the impression that her contributions were not valued because she was too new to the job. I explained that she was an equal member of the team and that her more seasoned colleagues could learn from her. I set a clear expectation that she participate from that point forward, which she did with great success."
Written by Shelley Story on January 19th, 2022