You’re sitting in a job interview. You’ve already discussed your educational background and work experience. You’ve confidently answered questions about your technical abilities. But then, the interviewer starts asking questions like, “Can you tell us about a time when you had to resolve a conflict?” or “How do you handle feedback?” These questions aren’t about your technical skills; they’re searching for interpersonal skills examples for interviews.
Interpersonal skills, often referred to as soft skills or people skills, are the tools we use to interact and communicate with others effectively. In the context of a job interview, they become your secret weapon to stand out and leave a lasting impression.
Job interviews are not just about proving that you have the qualifications and technical skills to do the job. They’re also about demonstrating that you can work well in a team, communicate effectively, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. That’s where interpersonal skills come in.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 9 key interpersonal skills examples for an interview to stand out and make a lasting impression on your interviewer.
What are Interpersonal Skills?
When we talk about interpersonal skills, we’re referring to the way we interact and communicate with others. These skills are all about how we work in a team, solve problems, handle conflicts, and adapt to change.
These skills are super important during job interviews. When you provide interpersonal skills examples for an interview, you show that you’re not only good at your job but also at working with others. This is a big deal for employers because they want a team that works well together.
Let’s understand interpersonal skills for interviews with examples.
9 Interpersonal Skills Examples for Interviews
#1 Communication Skills
Communication is one of the most important interpersonal skills. It involves the ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen attentively, give and receive feedback effectively, and understand both verbal and non-verbal cues. Good communicators can adapt their communication style to different situations and people, ensuring that their message is understood as intended.
Communication skills are highly valued in the workplace because they facilitate teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and relationship-building. They also contribute to a positive work environment and can significantly impact a company’s productivity and success.
Let’s take a situation showing interpersonal skills examples for interviews
Describe a situation where you used your communication skills to handle a difficult situation.
Sample Response:
“During a project at my previous job, there was a misunderstanding between team members due to some unclear email communication. Tensions were high, and the project was falling behind schedule. Recognizing the issue, I arranged a face-to-face meeting for the whole team.
In the meeting, I encouraged everyone to share their concerns and confusion. We then clarified all the misunderstandings, and I took the responsibility to ensure all future email communication was clear and detailed. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication in a team setting and how quickly miscommunications can be resolved when addressed directly and openly.”
#2 Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is crucial in any job role. It’s about identifying a problem, understanding the root cause, exploring possible solutions, and then implementing the most effective one. Sometimes, it also involves thinking on your feet and making quick decisions under pressure. Employers value problem-solving skills because challenges and obstacles are part of any workplace. Employees who are good problem-solvers can navigate these challenges effectively and help the organization move forward.
Let’s consider problem-solving in interpersonal skills examples for interviews: An interviewer might ask you to describe a situation where you used your problem-solving skills.
Sample Response
“At my previous job, we were working on a project for a client. A week before the deadline, the client added some new requirements. We had a meeting to discuss the issue. Some team members were worried and thought we should ask for an extension. But I suggested a different approach. I proposed that we divide the new tasks among us and put in some extra hours. I also suggested that we keep the client updated about our progress. Everyone agreed to this plan. We managed to meet the deadline, and the client appreciated our effort and transparency. This experience taught me that even when challenges arise, there’s always a solution if the team works together.”
#3 Teamwork
Teamwork is more than just working with others. It’s about truly collaborating, where each team member’s strengths are recognized, ideas are shared and respected, and everyone contributes to the team’s goals. Teamwork often involves adapting to others’ working styles, positively resolving conflicts, and being willing to learn from others.
In a workplace, effective teamwork can lead to better ideas, more efficient processes, and higher job satisfaction. It can foster a sense of belonging and trust among team members, leading to a positive work environment. That’s why employers value candidates who are good team players.
Interview situation for interpersonal skills examples for interviews: An interviewer asks you to talk about a time when you worked as part of a team.
Sample Response:
“At my last job, we had a big project that required a lot of teamwork. We divided the tasks based on everyone’s strengths. During the project, we faced some challenges. There were differences of opinion and a few conflicts. But we always discussed these openly in our team meetings. We listened to each other and found compromises. In the end, we managed to finish the project successfully and learned a lot from each other in the process. This experience taught me the value of effective teamwork.”
In this response, you’re showing that you understand the importance of teamwork, and you can work collaboratively, respect others’ ideas, resolve conflicts, and adapt to achieve a common goal.
#4 Adaptability
Adaptability involves being open to new ideas, willing to take on new challenges, and able to adjust your strategies or plans based on new information or changes in the situation. In the workplace, adaptable employees can handle changes in responsibilities or procedures, learn new skills as needed, and contribute to solving problems in creative or innovative ways.
Let’s check out a situation featuring interpersonal skills for interviews: An interviewer might ask you to give an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work.
Sample Response:
“In my previous role, our company decided to switch to a new project management tool. I had been using the old tool for several years and was very comfortable with it. However, I understood the reasons for the change and was open to learning the new tool.
I took the initiative to complete an online tutorial to understand its features and functionalities. Soon, I was able to use the new tool effectively and even helped some of my colleagues who were struggling with it. This experience reinforced for me the importance of being adaptable and staying open to learning new things.”
This example demonstrates your willingness to adapt to changes, learn new tools, and help others, showing your adaptability to potential employers.
#5 Empathy
Empathy involves being aware of other people’s feelings and showing understanding and compassion for their experiences. In the workplace, empathy can help in building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and improving team collaboration. Empathetic employees are often good listeners and effective communicators who can understand their colleagues’ perspectives, making them valuable team members.
Let’s see how empathy is examined among interpersonal skills for interviews: An interviewer might ask you to describe a situation that demonstrates your empathy.
Sample Response:
“In my previous role, a colleague was struggling with a personal issue that was affecting their performance at work. I noticed their distress and reached out to them. I listened to their concerns without judgment and offered my support.
We also discussed how they could talk to our manager about the situation. They did so, and our manager was very understanding and provided them with the necessary support. This experience showed me how empathy can help in building trust and supporting each other in the workplace.”
This example highlights your ability to recognize others’ feelings, offer support, and provide guidance, demonstrating your empathy to potential employers in a great storytelling format.
#6 Leadership
Leadership is about guiding, inspiring, and supporting others to achieve a common goal. It’s not just for managers or supervisors; anyone can demonstrate leadership skills in different situations.
Leadership involves several sub-skills such as decision-making, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Good leaders can motivate others, foster teamwork, and lead by example. They can also navigate conflicts, make tough decisions, and take responsibility for their team’s results.
Situation focusing on interpersonal skills examples for interviews: An interviewer might ask you to describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership.
Sample Response:
“In my previous role, I was part of a team working on a major project. Midway through the project, our team leader had to take an emergency leave. I stepped up to keep the team on track. I organized daily meetings to discuss progress, delegated tasks and ensured everyone felt supported.
I also liaised with other departments to keep them updated on our progress. We managed to complete the project on time and received positive feedback for our teamwork and communication. This experience taught me the value of stepping up and leading when necessary, even if it’s not part of your job description.”
This example demonstrates your ability to take initiative, organize and motivate a team, and communicate effectively, showing potential employers that you possess strong leadership skills.
#7 Patience
Patience is the ability to tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting upset or frustrated. It’s a valuable skill in the workplace, where things may not always go as planned.
Patience involves keeping calm under pressure, staying focused in challenging situations, and maintaining a positive attitude even when things are tough. It also includes being patient with others, and understanding that everyone has different learning curves and speeds of working. In the workplace, patient employees can handle stress better, solve problems effectively, and contribute to a positive work environment.
Situation for interpersonal skills for interviews: An interviewer might ask you to describe a situation where you had to exercise patience.
Sample Response:
“In my previous job, I was working on a project with a tight deadline. Despite our best efforts, we faced several unexpected delays. Instead of getting frustrated, I chose to focus on finding solutions and maintaining the quality of our work. I also encouraged my team to stay positive and motivated.
In the end, we completed the project successfully, and it turned out to be one of our best works. This experience taught me the importance of patience and maintaining a positive attitude, even in challenging situations.”
This example shows your ability to remain calm under pressure, focus on solutions rather than problems, and motivate others, demonstrating your patience to potential employers.
#8 Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is about managing and resolving conflicts positively. It’s an important skill in the workplace where differing opinions and personalities can often lead to conflicts.
Conflict resolution involves understanding the perspectives of all parties involved, facilitating open communication, and finding a resolution that satisfies everyone. It requires good listening, empathy, problem-solving, and negotiation skills. In the workplace, effective conflict resolution can lead to better teamwork, improved relationships, and a more positive work environment.
Interpersonal skill examples for interview on conflict resolution: An interviewer asks you to share a situation where you had to resolve a conflict.
Sample Response:
“At my previous job, two team members disagreed on a project task. Tensions were high, and it was affecting the entire team’s morale. I decided to step in to help mediate the situation. I met with each person individually to understand their viewpoints and then brought them together to discuss a solution.
We managed to find a compromise that satisfied both parties, and the project was able to move forward successfully. This experience taught me the importance of active listening, open communication, and timely intervention in conflict resolution.”
This example demonstrates your ability to handle conflicts, facilitate open communication, and find effective solutions, showcasing your conflict resolution skills to potential employers.
#9 Time Management
Time management is about planning and controlling how much time to spend on specific activities. It’s an important skill that can increase efficiency, and productivity, and reduce stress.
Good time management involves setting goals, prioritizing tasks, making a schedule, and sticking to it. It also requires an understanding of your work habits and the ability to adapt when necessary. In the workplace, good time management can lead to better productivity, higher quality of work, and lower stress levels.
Situation focusing on interpersonal skills for interviews: An interviewer might ask you to describe how you manage your time.
Sample Response:
“In my previous role, I had multiple responsibilities and had to manage my time efficiently. I started each day by listing the tasks I needed to complete and prioritizing them based on their urgency and importance. I also made a rough schedule for the day. For larger tasks, I broke them down into smaller, manageable parts.
I also made sure to take short breaks to avoid burnout. This approach helped me to stay organized, meet deadlines, and deliver quality work. It also taught me the importance of adaptability, as sometimes unexpected tasks would come up, and I would have to adjust my schedule accordingly.”
This example shows your ability to set goals, prioritize, schedule tasks, and adapt to changes, showcasing your time management skills to potential employers.
How to Showcase Interpersonal Skills for Interviews Through Non-Verbal Cues?
Your non-verbal cues, or body language, can also play a big role in showing your interpersonal skills during a job interview. Here’s how:
- Maintaining Good Eye Contact: This shows that you’re engaged and interested in the conversation. It’s a sign of respect and attentiveness.
- Using Positive Body Language: A firm handshake, a confident posture, and a friendly smile can make a positive impression. They show that you’re confident, approachable, and enthusiastic.
- Practicing Active Listening: Nodding your head, leaning slightly forward, and giving verbal affirmations like “I see” or “go on” show that you’re listening and understanding what’s being said.
Remember, your non-verbal cues can speak volumes about your interpersonal skills. So, be mindful of them during your interview.
Bonus: Common Interview Questions Asked to Check Your Interpersonal Skills
To help you prepare even better, here are some common interview questions that employers may ask to assess your interpersonal skills:
“Can you describe a time when you had to work as part of a team to complete a difficult task?”
“How do you handle feedback?”
“Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict in the workplace.”
“Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work?”
“Describe a situation where you had to use your communication skills to persuade someone to see things your way.”
“Tell me about a time when you showed leadership in a work setting.”
“How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple tasks and deadlines?”
“Can you describe a situation where you had to show empathy towards a colleague or a client?”
“How do you manage your time and stay organized?”
Many educational institutions provide valuable content listing interview questions for interpersonal skills that you can also check out.
Unlocking Success: Transforming Your Journey with Interpersonal Skills for Interviews
Interpersonal skills play a crucial role in job interviews. They give potential employers a glimpse into how you communicate, work with others, handle challenges, and adapt to change. By showcasing these skills, you can set yourself apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job.
Remember, every interview is an opportunity to display your interpersonal skills. From your communication and empathy to your leadership and conflict-resolution skills, each one tells a story about you. So, make sure to prepare interpersonal skills examples for interviews and practice how you can demonstrate these skills, both verbally and non-verbally.