How would you rate your written and verbal communication skills?

Sample answer to the question

I would rate my written and verbal communication skills as good. I have experience communicating effectively with colleagues and clients through written reports, emails, and presentations. I am confident in my ability to clearly and concisely convey complex information in a way that is easily understandable. My written communication skills have been praised for being organized, thorough, and detail-oriented. In terms of verbal communication, I have experience participating in team meetings, presenting my work to colleagues, and delivering presentations to clients. I am comfortable speaking in front of others and can adapt my communication style to suit different audiences.

A more solid answer

I would rate my written and verbal communication skills as excellent. In my previous role as a junior flavor chemist at XYZ Company, I was responsible for writing comprehensive reports on my experimental findings, including methodology, results, and analysis. These reports were shared with my team and used to inform decision-making. I also regularly communicated with clients via email, providing updates on project progress and addressing any questions or concerns. Additionally, I presented my research findings at industry conferences, where I received positive feedback on my ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in a clear and engaging manner. Overall, I am confident in my ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific examples and details about the candidate's written and verbal communication skills. The candidate mentions their experience writing reports and communicating with clients, as well as presenting at conferences. However, the answer could be improved by directly referencing the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description (i.e. analytical techniques, attention to detail, and teamwork).

An exceptional answer

I would rate my written and verbal communication skills as exceptional. Throughout my academic and professional career, I have consistently demonstrated strong communication abilities in both written and verbal formats. In my previous role as a junior flavor chemist at XYZ Company, I was responsible for writing detailed reports on my experiments, including the synthesis and analysis of flavor compounds. These reports not only showcased my technical expertise but also highlighted my ability to effectively communicate complex scientific information to both technical and non-technical audiences. Additionally, I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, including sensory evaluators and marketing professionals, to gather feedback and incorporate it into the development of new flavor compounds. This required strong verbal communication skills to articulate my ideas and actively listen to the perspectives of others. Overall, my communication skills have been praised for being clear, concise, and persuasive.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides specific examples and details that clearly demonstrate the candidate's exceptional communication skills. The candidate mentions their experience writing detailed reports and collaborating with cross-functional teams, highlighting their ability to communicate complex scientific information to different audiences. The answer also emphasizes the candidate's ability to actively listen and collaborate effectively with others. The answer directly addresses the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description, such as attention to detail, teamwork, and data analysis.

How to prepare for this question

Prepare specific examples of your written and verbal communication skills, highlighting how they have contributed to your previous work or academic achievements.
Practice delivering clear and concise explanations of complex concepts to different audiences, including both technical and non-technical individuals.
Familiarize yourself with industry-specific terminology and jargon to effectively communicate with colleagues and clients.
Demonstrate your ability to actively listen and engage in collaborative discussions by providing examples of how you have incorporated feedback and ideas from others into your work.
Highlight any experience working in cross-functional teams or presenting at conferences, as these experiences showcase your ability to communicate effectively in a professional setting.

What interviewers are evaluating

Written Communication Skills
Verbal Communication Skills