A pivotal requirement for securing a government job in Australia is the ability to “communicate with influence.” This criterion is vital at all levels, from entry-level positions to senior roles, and plays a significant role in candidate assessments. Despite its importance, many applicants find themselves puzzled over what this trait truly entails and how best to showcase it in their applications and interviews.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the concept of communicating with influence and how you can demonstrate that within your application and at an interview.
When government job applications emphasise the need to “communicate with influence,” they are specifically assessing a candidate’s ability to effectively engage in interpersonal communication. Many applicants often question what this entails.
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Interpersonal communication is a collective term for the verbal and non-verbal communication of information, ideas, and emotions between two or more people. Interpersonal communication involves both verbal and non-verbal exchanges—spanning conversations, body language, written communication, facial expressions, gestures, and the use of visual aids.
In the past, much of this has focused on how people communicate face-to-face. However, today’s working environment has evolved to become much more complex, encompassing a variety of communication methods. Effective interpersonal and communication skills now must transcend traditional settings to include newer forms like emails, chat apps, SMS, phone calls, and video conferences. Each mode of communication requires a unique set of skills to effectively convey messages and emotions, making versatility a key component of successful interpersonal interactions.Â
When thinking about interpersonal and communication skills, it is important to break down the types of interpersonal communication. You can then identify skills that you have, which can enhance your application.
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There are four types of interpersonal communication. These are:
This encompasses all spoken interactions, extending beyond mere words to include tone and inflection. Subtle verbal responses like “Yup” and “Uh-huh” might seem trivial, but they carry significant meaning and are subject to interpretation. Effective verbal communication also involves the strategic use of language and emphasis to enhance understanding and engagement.
Effective communication is not solely about expressing oneself; it equally involves absorbing and understanding information from others. Demonstrating attentive listening is crucial, as it shows respect and value to the speaker. This skill extends beyond hearing spoken words to interpreting written messages in emails or texts, ensuring that all forms of communication are comprehensively understood.
In today’s digital age, written communication via emails, SMS, and instant messaging plays a pivotal role. Mastery over language elements such as grammar, punctuation, tone, and even the appropriate use of emojis is essential. These components must be carefully managed to preserve the intended meaning of a message. A simple punctuation error can significantly change the meaning of a sentence. For instance, consider the difference between “We rely on our colleagues’ expertise” and “We rely on our colleagues expertise.” The first sentence, with the possessive apostrophe, correctly implies reliance on the expertise possessed by colleagues. The second sentence, missing the apostrophe, could mistakenly be read as an imperative, telling colleagues to be expert.
Often underestimated, non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body posture, and gestures constitute 70 to 93% of all communication, according to experts. Effective non-verbal communication can enhance or undermine spoken words, making awareness and control over one’s body language an essential aspect of interpersonal interactions.
When it comes to personal skills and interpersonal skills, there is often confusion between the two. Personal skills can be broken down into five elements:
In contrast, interpersonal skills include these five elements:
Mastering the presentation of your communication skills in applications and interviews is essential for career success. Although it may seem daunting, showcasing these skills is straightforward and can significantly enhance your resume and interview responses.
Remember to employ the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method when providing examples. This strategy helps structure your responses clearly and concisely, preventing rambling and highlighting your communication prowess.Â
Demonstrating robust communication skills is vital for all government job applications, though it can often be challenging. The techniques outlined above are essential for showcasing the effective non-verbal and verbal communication skills that government hiring managers are keen to observe.
Public Service Careers Coach, PS Careers Practice Manager
