Business Interview Query: What is Your Preferred Method of Communication?

“I like to first email someone, but before they have had a chance to answer it, I run over to their cubicle and yell ‘CHECK YOUR EMAIL’ really loudly before running back, turning on MSN Messenger, and IMing them inquiring them what they think of the email. Then, before they have a chance to respond, I tell them to call me and leave a message.”

Businesses communicate in several different ways. Certain methods are better than others, and some companies prefer certain communication methods over alternatives.

Tips to Answer

It would assist if you knew some inside information about how the company operates so that you could use that to your advantage, but if not, just attempt to come up with an answer that is logical and makes sense given the context of your work environment. You can keep your justifications brief. There isn’t going to be that much to elaborate on anyway.

Bad Answer

“I prefer email.”

Good Answer

“It relies on urgency. I prefer email for items that require a lot of thought but can wait, phone calls for more urgent needs and in person meetings for discussions and brainstorming sessions so that we can communicate more rapidly and bounce ideas more easily.”

There is not a lot to add, and these might not be true for you. Just be certain that you justify your answer with something that makes sense to the interviewer. You don’t need to tell someone they should email you about urgent matters. You are not getting the job if you do.