How would you describe your communication skills, both oral and written?

Computational Biologist Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

I would describe my communication skills as strong, both orally and in writing. I have experience presenting my research findings to scientific audiences, as well as effectively communicating with colleagues and team members. I am able to articulate complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner, making them accessible to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. Additionally, I have written scientific articles, reports, and documentation, demonstrating my ability to convey information in a written format.

A more solid answer

I have developed strong communication skills throughout my academic and professional journey. In my previous roles, I have regularly presented my research findings at conferences and scientific meetings, honing my oral communication abilities. I have received positive feedback for my clear and engaging presentations, which showcase my ability to convey complex scientific information in a concise and accessible manner. Additionally, I have written scientific articles for peer-reviewed journals, as well as reports and documentation for internal purposes. I take pride in my attention to detail and my ability to effectively convey information in a written format.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific examples of the candidate's oral and written communication skills, demonstrating their ability to present research findings and write scientific articles. However, it could be improved by discussing their experience in communicating with non-scientific audiences and providing more details on the impact of their communication skills.

An exceptional answer

I consider my communication skills to be one of my greatest strengths. Throughout my academic and professional career, I have consistently demonstrated exceptional oral and written communication abilities. I have presented my research findings at international conferences, where I effectively conveyed complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including experts in the field and non-experts. I received praise for my ability to engage the audience and make the presentations accessible and informative. In addition, I have authored multiple research papers published in high-impact scientific journals, which required me to clearly communicate intricate scientific findings to a specialized audience. Beyond the scientific community, I have also successfully communicated with stakeholders from various backgrounds, including non-scientific team members and senior management, by adapting my communication style to their level of expertise and providing clear and concise explanations.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by mentioning the candidate's experience in presenting to diverse audiences, including experts and non-experts. They also highlight their success in publishing research papers and adapting their communication style for different stakeholders. The answer showcases a high level of communication skills and the ability to effectively engage and inform various audiences.

How to prepare for this question

1. Reflect on your past experiences where you have demonstrated strong communication skills, both orally and in writing. Think of specific examples that highlight your ability to articulate complex scientific concepts and present information to diverse audiences.
2. Familiarize yourself with the key components of effective communication, such as clarity, conciseness, and adaptability. Practice summarizing scientific concepts in a way that is easily understandable to non-experts.
3. Strengthen your written communication skills by writing scientific articles or reports, paying attention to clarity, organization, and attention to detail. Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors to further refine your writing abilities.
4. Practice delivering presentations to enhance your oral communication skills. Consider seeking opportunities to present your research findings at conferences or within your organization.
5. Stay up to date with the latest advancements in bioinformatics and computational biology, as this will enable you to effectively communicate and discuss emerging topics in the field.
6. Prioritize active listening and empathetic communication when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Actively seek to understand different perspectives and adapt your communication style accordingly.

What interviewers are evaluating

Oral Communication
Written Communication