Adaptability and flexibility
Q. Have you ever had to demonstrate adaptability to meet expectations?
Q. Have you ever had to adapt your usual approach when interacting with others?
City workers may be expected to work for and interact with a broad range of people, each of whom might come from different backgrounds, communicate, interact and approach work in different ways, and have differing working styles and preferences.
In addition, working hours and deadlines can be unpredictable and circumstances can change at a moment’s notice. Adaptability, flexibility and cultural awareness, including an ability to adapt your communication and working styles (as well as your schedule) when necessary, can therefore be essential. Note that there’s often overlap between adaptability and communication skills.
How can you demonstrate adaptability and flexibility?
Think about times where the circumstances have required you to adapt your usual approach to interacting with others or carrying out responsibilities. For example, have you worked in a team where you had to adapt to a range of different personalities or working styles? Or whilst mentoring or tutoring younger students, did you have to adapt your approach to communicating educational concepts to cater to different age groups, abilities, or backgrounds? Have you faced an unexpected challenge or change in circumstance that required you to change course in some way? If so, make sure you are able to explain how you adapted your approach, and how doing so contributed to a positive outcome.