Giving instructions

man giving speaking with other men in background

Dickson Donatus via Pixabay

QUESTION: Have you ever given someone instructions and then found out afterward that they did it wrong? Why did that happen?

This is a typical job interview question. Write your answer as though you are in an actual interview.

Examples and hints

Interviewers ask this question to find out about your communication skills. Are you able to give clear instructions? Think of a time when your instructions were misunderstood. Describe the situation in detail, and include how you resolved it.

NOTE: DO NOT blame the other person for not understanding. Take responsibility for the miscommunication.

If this has never happened to you—maybe you're a great communicator—then simply say so and give an example of a time when your instructions were followed successfully.

USEFUL LANGUAGE:

Although I always do my best to communicate clearly, there was a time when...
I'm generally a good communicator, but...
Giving instructions is one of my strongest skills. I learned it by [doing something] / when [a time in your life]...
I've always been successful at giving instructions. For example...

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