This is a great question for examining communication skills and assessing a candidate's attitude toward supervisors. A great communicator will be honest but knows how to put a positive spin on their answer, so they sound realistic and authentic. Look out for constructive, business-focused language and watch for anything judgmental or unreasonable. What to look for in an answer:

• Reasonable, non-personal judgments

• Positive framing, even if the sentiment isn't 100% positive

• Confidence

The wording of this communication interview question could trick a poor communicator into answering negatively. Keep in mind that if an applicant can't remain positive in a job interview, they might struggle with clients and colleagues. You're looking for an answer that demonstrates resilience and a positive attitude, without denying that anything ever annoys them. What to look for in an answer:

• A positive spin

• Resilience

• Honesty

The answer to this question provides direct insight into how a candidate is likely to come across to clients and colleagues. If they visibly light up and have a list of reasons why they love their job, you've found a winner. Passion for the industry is one of the biggest indicators that an applicant will communicate your brand values meaningfully and effectively and be a great ambassador for your business. What to look for in an answer:

• Passion for the job

• An engaged response

• Authenticity

Someone with excellent communication skills will demonstrate empathy and kindness, as opposed to judgment or dismissal. They'll be happy to describe a time when they helped a colleague for the greater good of the company and won't jump to throw them under the bus. In addition to providing a listening ear, they'll suggest that the person speaks to their supervisor. What to look for in an answer:

• Listening skills

• Empathy

• Desire to help the business

This is an integral skill for customer- and client-facing roles where people-reading is essential. Nonverbal communication is just as important as verbal or written skills, and having a good sense of people's emotional state is a high-level leadership quality. People who are insensitive to others' feelings can lead to disruption in a team where positive interactions are important for success. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of the importance of nonverbal communication

• Adaptability

• Emotional intelligence

The answer to this communication question depends somewhat on the role the applicant is interviewing for. For leadership and decision-making roles, all three skills are essential. On the other hand, in-person skills are essential for hospitality, but written skills aren't. For writers, in-person skills probably don't matter as much. Use your judgment to determine which style of communication is most important for the specific role. What to look for in an answer:

• Confidence

• All three methods of communication for leadership roles

• The specific methods of communication you need if you don't require all skills for the role

Being able to appease a disgruntled client is essential for many job roles, and it's one of the most valuable soft skills. Making them feel listened to and demonstrating that their opinion is valid and understood is essential to helping them calm down. The applicant should be able to show the customer their commitment to finding a solution to the problem at hand. What to look for in an answer:

• Listening skills

• Empathy

• Validation

Confrontation is one of the most challenging aspects of communication for most people. Someone who isn't confident about their communication skills might try to work it out for themselves or ask a colleague for clarification. The most effective way to resolve this situation is to ask them directly but politely. A great communicator will do this immediately, instead of hesitating. What to look for in an answer:

• Confidence

• Assertiveness

• Politeness

The answer to this question provides clear insight into an applicant's abilities. The best-case scenarios are that they can quickly come up with an answer or have multiple examples. Responses might relate to sales, a successful interaction with a customer or conflict resolution. An answer about approaching a team leader for a promotion and getting an affirmative response would be a sign of an ambitious candidate with the acumen to get promoted in your company. What to look for in an answer:

• Passion for a job well done

• Ambition

• Industry-specific communication skills

You can determine how adaptable a candidate's communication style is with this communication interview question. One of the keys to great communication is being able to adjust your style to suit the specific audience being addressed. Someone with exceptional communication skills might talk about mirroring, and they'll always hone in on the importance of listening carefully, particularly when there's a potential for misunderstandings. What to look for in an answer:

• Mirroring

• Listening skills

• Adaptability