What is the hiring manager looking for?

Hiring managers ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills, your ability to navigate complex relationships, and your understanding of the importance of building strong networks. They want to know that you can establish and maintain positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and with different roles and responsibilities.

How to structure your answer

Answer this question using the CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) framework:

1. Challenge: Describe a situation where you needed to build relationships with key stakeholders. This could be a time when you were starting a new job, leading a project, or working on a cross-functional team.

2. Action: Explain the specific steps you took to build those relationships. This might include reaching out to people, scheduling meetings, or participating in team-building activities.

3. Result: Describe the positive outcomes that resulted from your efforts. This could include improved communication, increased collaboration, or successful completion of a project.

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips:

– Be genuine: When building relationships, it’s important to be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not because people will see through it.
– Be respectful: Always treat others with respect, regardless of their position or title.
– Be a good listener: Take the time to listen to what others have to say. This shows that you value their opinion and that you’re interested in what they have to say.
– Be helpful: Be willing to lend a helping hand whenever you can. This shows that you’re a team player and that you’re willing to go the extra mile.

Things to avoid:

– Don’t be pushy: When you’re trying to build relationships, it’s important to be patient. Don’t try to force things to happen; let them develop naturally.
– Don’t gossip: Never gossip about others. This is a quick way to damage your reputation.
– Don’t be negative: Always try to be positive and upbeat. People are drawn to those who are positive and motivating.

Example interview answers to this question

Sample answers:

Answer 1:

“In my previous role, I was tasked with leading a cross-functional team to launch a new product. To ensure the success of the project, I made it a priority to build relationships with key stakeholders from different departments. I scheduled regular meetings with them to keep them updated on our progress and to get their feedback. I also made an effort to get to know them on a personal level, which helped to create a sense of trust and rapport. As a result, we were able to collaborate effectively and successfully launch the product on time and within budget.”

Why this answer is strong:

This answer uses the CAR framework to provide a clear and concise explanation of how the candidate built relationships with key stakeholders. The candidate describes the challenge they faced, the specific actions they took to overcome the challenge, and the positive outcomes that resulted from their efforts.

Answer 2:

“In my current role, I am responsible for managing a team of software engineers. To build relationships with my team members, I make it a point to meet with them regularly one-on-one. During these meetings, I check in on their progress, provide feedback, and offer support. I also encourage them to share their ideas and concerns. This open communication has helped me to create a strong rapport with my team members and has resulted in a more productive and collaborative work environment.”

Why this answer is strong:

This answer demonstrates the candidate’s understanding of the importance of building strong relationships with their team members. The candidate describes the specific steps they take to build these relationships, such as meeting with team members regularly, checking in on their progress, and providing feedback. The candidate also explains the positive outcomes that have resulted from their efforts, such as a more productive and collaborative work environment.