How to Answer: The planning process involves input from numerous groups, which requires great communication skills. When have you exemplified such skills in past work?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Urban and Regional Planners job interview.
3. The planning process involves input from numerous groups, which requires great communication skills. When have you exemplified such skills in past work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Communication skills are essential to nearly every type of job. The hiring manager is looking to see if you can communicate properly in several different situations and styles of management. They want to see that you can be effective in the role, as well as positively impact the workplace and culture.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Demonstrate your understanding of key communications skills during the interview, such as active listening, clear articulation, confidence, and empathy. Good communication is sometimes saying less rather than more, so keep your answers concise and focused. Also, multiple groups mean multiple personalities, so it's best to give an example of a time when you were working with a team that didn't always see eye-to-eye and how you handled the situation.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am continually working with multiple groups that do not necessarily see eye-to-eye. We almost always have the same end-goal in mind, but not necessarily the same ideas on how to get there. Strong communication is key since it is so easy to misunderstand. What I do is take my time to talk to the other party and repeat back what my understanding of it is. This way, we know for sure if we are on the same page."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 27th, 2022
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