15. Can you give an example of a time when you demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills?

JUNIOR LEVEL
15. Can you give an example of a time when you demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills?
Sample answer to the question:
Sure! In my previous role as a customer service representative at a healthcare clinic, there was a patient who was very anxious about a procedure they needed to undergo. I took the time to sit down with the patient and explain the entire process in a calm and compassionate manner. I listened to their concerns and addressed them, reassuring them that they were in safe hands. Throughout the procedure, I communicated with the patient, providing updates and ensuring their comfort. After the procedure, I followed up with the patient to check on their well-being and answer any follow-up questions they had. The patient expressed their gratitude for my clear and effective communication, which helped ease their anxiety and make the experience more positive for them.
Here is a more solid answer:
Absolutely! One instance that comes to mind is when I was leading a team of customer service representatives at a large hospital. We encountered a situation where there was a miscommunication between the nursing staff and a patient's family regarding the patient's discharge plan. The family was frustrated and concerned about the patient's ability to manage their medication at home. I immediately stepped in and arranged a meeting with the family to hear their concerns and explain the discharge plan in detail. I empathized with their worries and assured them that we would provide the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition. I also promptly communicated with the nursing staff to clarify any misunderstandings and ensure that the patient's needs were met. By actively listening, addressing concerns, and maintaining open lines of communication, we were able to alleviate the family's anxiety and establish trust. The family expressed their gratitude for our excellent communication and support during a stressful time.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides a more detailed and comprehensive example of the candidate's excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a healthcare setting. It includes specific actions taken to address the situation, demonstrates leadership and problem-solving abilities, and emphasizes the impact of the candidate's communication skills on patient care. However, it could benefit from further elaboration and additional examples.
An example of a exceptional answer:
Certainly! I have numerous examples of demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a healthcare setting. One notable instance was when I was serving as a Patient Services Manager at a busy healthcare facility. I noticed that there was a breakdown in communication between the nursing staff and the dietary department, leading to delayed meal deliveries and patient dissatisfaction. To address this issue, I facilitated a collaboration between the two teams by organizing regular meetings to discuss patient dietary requirements and preferences. I also implemented a new system for efficient communication and tracking of patient dietary needs, ensuring timely and accurate meal delivery. Additionally, I conducted training sessions for both nursing and dietary staff, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and teamwork in providing exceptional patient care. As a result of these efforts, we significantly reduced patient complaints regarding meal services and improved overall patient satisfaction. The success of this initiative showcased my ability to not only identify communication gaps but also implement practical and sustainable solutions that positively impact patient experience and outcomes.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond the basic and solid answers by providing a comprehensive example that showcases the candidate's leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in addition to their communication and interpersonal abilities. It demonstrates their ability to identify and address communication gaps, implement strategic solutions, and achieve measurable improvements in patient satisfaction. The answer also highlights the candidate's experience as a Patient Services Manager, further reinforcing their qualifications for the role.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Review examples of past experiences where you effectively communicated and collaborated with others in a professional setting, particularly in healthcare or customer service roles.
  • Highlight instances where you actively listened to others' concerns and addressed them empathetically.
  • Think about situations where you successfully resolved conflicts or misunderstandings through clear and effective communication.
  • Consider how you have demonstrated your interpersonal skills by building rapport and trust with patients, colleagues, or other stakeholders.
  • Practice articulating your experiences and achievements in a concise and engaging manner, emphasizing the positive impact of your communication and interpersonal skills.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • communication
  • interpersonal skills

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