Question: What is your approach to explaining complicated or technical issues to someone with no prior experience in the area?

Alternative Question Phrasing:

Give me an example of how you would explain a complicated procedure to someone who is new to the situation.

Follow-up questions:

Please explain your approach.
What if the person you are teaching still does not understand?
What do you do if they still do not grasp the topic?
What teaching aids would you use?

Question Details:

Question Type:

Skills:

Basic – Speaking,Basic – Writing,Social – Coordination (Adjusting one’s own actions in relation to others),Social – Instructing (Teaching)

Abilities:

Cognitive – Category Flexibility (Mental Flexibility),Cognitive – Oral Expression,Cognitive – Written Expression

Work Activity (Task):

Interacting with Others – Coaching and Developing Others,Interacting with Others – Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (Informing),Interacting with Others – Provide Consultation and Advice to Others,Interacting with Others – Training and Teaching Others

Work Style (Person-Job Fit):

Approachability,Human Equity (Opposite of Discrimination),Patience

Question Frequency

Question Difficulty

What to look for in an answer:

The candidate’s communication skills.
The candidate’s professionalism and flexibility in handling various audience.

Red Flags to Watch For:

The candidate being unable to explain something or unable to overcome a student’s learning difficulties is a red flag.

Sample Answer:

When explaining a technical issue to someone new, I always start with the basics. I also make sure that the floor is open for questions or clarifications.

Question Source: Unknown