Interview Question: What else is important other than good communication?

[mumznet]

I got asked this question or similar worded question. Has anyone got any thoughts how to answer this?

i thought maybe teamwork I could say that but can' t think of other things?!
Thanks

[Brontebiscuits]

Yes to teamwork. Professionalism maybe? Adaptability (depends on the job a bit).

[charlestrenet]

Good listening? In that it's important to hear what others are saying rather than thinking about how you're going to reply?

[mumznet]

Hi, the question they asked me was like....we all know good communication is important in the workplace....

So i thought 'listening' also comes in communication....or am i wrong?

[beanfilledfish]

being reliable and on time!

[mumznet]

we all know good communication is important in the workplace....what other things are also important?

I honestly thought this is the worst question or horribly phrased question I ever heard

[EngTech]

Good admin skills.

Not afraid to ask questions if not sure about anything

[beanfilledfish]

taking responsibility
having common sense and taking initiative
not afraid to make decisions

it's an easy question isn't it?

[CashelGirl]

Flexibility, open mindedness, objectivity, time management. Depends on the type of job really.

[FriendofBill]

Biscuits

[charlestrenet]

Oh ok yes that makes sense - that listening comes under the same heading.

I suppose a question like that is your chance to show how well you are suited to the job because different skills/attributes are important in different roles.

For eg if you were going for an admin post you could talk about how important it is to be well organised and how you demonstrated that in blah blah blah job, whereas if you were going for a sales role you could talk about strategies for meeting targets?

[WhisperingLoudly]

Very much depends on the job but some examples might be:

Strategic thinking
Leadership
Honesty
Collaboration
Teamwork
Agility
Accountability

All these questions are designed to have a two part response.

First identify the skill.
Second articulate how you have previously successfully demonstrated the skill.

[FinallyHere]

Integrity.

[Astro55]

I suppose it has to fit in with their vision

So a sales role would be customer service - being helpful friendly exceed expectations

A caring role would be understanding patients care



What was the job?

[mumznet]

thanks
the job was band 4 Medical secretary

[Maranello4]

Also Commercial Awareness/ Business Acumen as being a medical secretary is very different to being a PA in Financial Services e.g. types of people you're working with, organisational culture, budgets etc

[Iamblossom]

I just finished a book where the headmistress of a school was asked about her strongest skills - she instantly answered "quick at making decisions" which made the panel laugh. I thought that was a good one. Assuming it's the right one of course!

[titchy]

It depends entirely on the job. The interviewer is asking what you think is important in the job, to make sure you understand the role fully and can fulfil the criteria.

So if the job means you're working on your own, and expected to be a self starter, answering 'teamwork' shows you don't really understand the role. Answering 'tenacity, self motivation, adaptability' etc and saying how those are your best qualities tells them you understand what's required of the job holder and that you're ideally suited.

[titchy]

Medical secretary - so I'd say discretion and brilliant prioritising and organisational skills, all of which you gained when you worked for ABC company, particularly when XYZ happened and you had to....