How to Assess a Job Candidate’s Communication Skills, With Sample Questions

As a hiring manager, one of the most important traits you are looking for in a job candidate is good communication skills.

Communication is key in the workplace and it’s imperative to have employees who can communicate effectively with their coworkers, customers, and clients.

Determining whether or not someone has strong written or verbal communication skills can be difficult though, especially through the hiring process.

The good news is that with the right strategy and interview questions, there are ways to determine whether or not a job candidate is a good communicator.

Why is communication in the workplace important?

Communication in the workplace is so important because it helps to:

• Build relationships
• Resolve conflict
• Make sure everyone is on the same page
• Increase productivity

Communication in the workplace may well be the most important skill a candidate can have. After all, we communicate with our coworkers constantly.

How to identify a job candidate’s communication skills

Pay attention to your first impression of their communication skills

When you first meet a potential employee, take note of your first impression.

Do they make eye contact? What’s their body language like? Are they engaging in the conversation? Do they seem like someone who would be easy to communicate with?

First impressions can be telling, so if you have a good feeling about the candidate right off the bat, that’s a good sign.

Ask scenario-based interview questions to see how they communicate

Another way to determine whether or not a candidate is a good communicator is to ask scenario-based questions.

Asking these types of questions will help you to determine how the job applicant would communicate in a real-life situation.

For example, you could ask the candidate what they would do if they had to give a presentation to a group of people who were opposed to their ideas.

Is active listening one of their communication skills?

A big part of effective communication is active listening and understanding what the other person is saying.

During the job interview, do your best to take note of the following:

• Do they let you take your time while you’re speaking?
• Do they ask clarifying questions related to something you said or asked?
• Do they seem focused? Or are they distracted?
• Do they show engagement through their body language?
• Do they paraphrase things you’ve said or asked?
• Do they stay on topic or do they derail the conversation?

Continue reading the full article? on Mondo’s blog Mondo Insights.

Original Article:?How to Assess a Job Candidate’s Communication Skills, With Sample Questions.

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