By Sophia Wong, Consultant – Human Resources & Administration Recruitment, Links International Hong Kong
If you’re seeking a job opportunity in Hong Kong and are looking at several online job boards, “great communication skills” is likely to be included as a must-have requirement in every job description you come across, no matter if it’s for a front office, middle office or back office specialist. However, what does this phrase actually mean? And how do interviewers or hiring managers measure the capabilities of a candidate based on their communication skills?
I’d like to break down the three key elements of being a great communicator from the perspective of an employer. Keep these elements in mind when applying for a new job or going for a job interview:
1. Being responsive
Being responsive definitely fosters a positive and respectful relationship amongst a team, which subsequently helps to boost team members’ productivity. Responding in a quick and professional manner shows that you have acknowledged the other party and their opinions and conveys that you value that person or team.
Further to this, besides email, instant messaging applications such as Skype or Whatsapp have become the most common communication platform within the digital era in which we live. Most employers appreciate colleagues or even potential employees who can respond to messages in a timely fashion, as this also demonstrates that the employee is committed to their job and has a good work ethic.
2. Being respectful
Being a respectful person is another significant element that forms part of the “great communication skills” package. Sometimes, the workplace can be stressful and, as human beings, we might get a bit emotional. We also might face challenges at work and therefore might need our teammates, subordinates or managers to help out. In such cases, we have to ensure that we are able to address the circumstances accurately and politely, which shows teamwork and the ability to multi-task efficiently. Conversely, we also want to show our respect toward the other parties when they are the ones facing challenging moments, thus creating a more enjoyable and harmonious working environment.
3. Being an active listener
Being an active listener can bridge the gap between all levels of work. This, too, helps promote a more harmonious working environment and company culture. We listen in order to understand, obtain information, react and learn from the other parties. Listening also prevents misunderstandings and conflicts, as you take someone’s words, comments and feelings into account.
As a leading recruitment firm in Asia, at Links International, we listen to the needs of our valuable clients and candidates, and we also value the common interests of our team members. We are here to help create a better workplace with great communication for both employers and employees. We do this by hiring the best candidates to suit every role and help people take their career to the next level. Please contact us for more information.
