What is the hiring manager looking for?

The hiring manager wants to know if you can effectively convey your message to people from diverse backgrounds, roles, and perspectives. They are looking for evidence of your ability to tailor your communication style to the specific audience, ensuring clarity, engagement, and persuasion.

How to structure your answer

To answer this question effectively, follow this structure:
1. Choose a specific situation: Select an instance where you had to adjust your communication style for a particular audience.
2. Describe the audience: Provide a brief overview of the audience, considering their background, demographics, and interests.
3. Explain your communication strategy: Detail the changes you made to your communication style to suit the audience. Highlight the specific techniques and approaches you employed to connect with them effectively.
4. Share the results: Discuss the outcome of your efforts. How did the audience receive your message? Did you achieve your desired results?

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips:
– Be authentic: Stay true to yourself while adapting your communication style. People can sense inauthenticity, so be genuine and let your personality shine through.
– Be respectful: Be mindful of cultural differences and individual preferences. Tailor your communication to suit the specific audience without being disrespectful or condescending.
– Be flexible: Be prepared to adjust your communication style on the fly if you sense that it is not resonating with the audience.
– Things to avoid:
– Using jargon or technical terms: Avoid using industry-specific jargon or technical terms that the audience may not understand. Use clear and concise language that everyone can comprehend.
– Being too formal or informal: Find the right balance between being formal and informal. Adapt your communication style to the context and the audience’s expectations.
– Being disrespectful or offensive: Avoid making comments or using language that could be perceived as disrespectful or offensive to the audience.

Example interview answers to this question

Sample Answers:
1. Question: Describe a situation where you had to adapt your communication style for a different audience.

Answer: In my previous role as a product manager, I had to present a new software feature to two distinct audiences: a technical team and a group of non-technical stakeholders. For the technical team, I used technical jargon and detailed explanations to ensure they understood the intricacies of the feature. However, when presenting to the non-technical stakeholders, I simplified the language, used analogies, and provided real-world examples to make the concept relatable and easy to grasp.

* Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences by using appropriate language, examples, and explanations. It highlights the candidate’s versatility as a communicator and their ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

2. Question: Describe a situation where you had to adapt your communication style for a different audience.

Answer: As a customer service representative, I had to handle customers from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. To effectively assist them, I researched common phrases and cultural norms associated with their backgrounds. I also employed active listening skills to understand their concerns accurately and tailored my responses to suit their communication preferences. This approach resulted in positive customer interactions and successful resolutions.

* Why this answer is strong: This answer shows the candidate’s ability to adapt their communication style to different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. It emphasizes the importance of active listening and cultural awareness in effective communication. The candidate demonstrates a customer-centric approach and a commitment to providing excellent service.