Questions to Expect: Communication

Interviewers, inevitably, seek the ideal candidate. To become this perfect hire, put yourself in the mind of the interviewer. Take a good look at yourself. What does this person look like? How does this person dress, and carry him or herself? Which qualities does this interviewee demonstrate in his or her answers? Increasingly, interviewers will ask behavioral questions -- questions that seek to understand you through the prism of your past behavior and accomplishments. Here's a look at some questions you might receive. These questions are designed to help assess your communication skills.

Writing and rapping

These two arts form the bedrock of civilization and important skills for any job. Any experienced interviewer will be searching for soundness, if not outright eloquence, in written and oral communication. Your oral communication abilities will be on display, from the moment you meet the interviewer to the time you bid them adieu.

Your writing skills will be evaluated in the resume and cover letter, and sometimes, in a formal writing sample. Those mistakes on your resume -- the misspelling of your own name, the missing dot in your e-mail address -- will imply a dangerous lack of attention to detail and may be viewed by a potential employer as the tip of the iceberg. If this person can't manage these small details, he or she may think, then how will they be able to handle the larger requirements of this job?

It's a good idea to remember that communication extends beyond just words. Facial expressions, gestures, style and cleanliness of dress, tone of voice, posture, scent, and hairstyle send a message of one kind or another to your interviewer from the moment you stride confidently through the office door. So think about these questions.

1. Compare and contrast your oral and written communication skills.

2. What experience have you had with public speaking? In your view, what are the key attributes of a successful public speaker?

3. Let's say someone refuses or is hesitant to embrace your ideas. How do you persuade that person you're right?

4. What problems have you had with past employers and co-workers and how did you deal with these situations?

5. Describe the optimal work relationship between a manager and his or her employees.

6. What do you find most troubling about writing a research paper or giving a speech?