Test their ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, provide clear status updates during system failures, manage client expectations under pressure, and translate complex technical information appropriately for different audience types. Effective AV technician communication balances technical accuracy with accessibility whilst maintaining professional composure during technical challenges.
Common misunderstanding: Testing chat skills instead of technical explanation
Many hiring managers test communication through general chat instead of checking if people can explain technical problems clearly. AV technicians must translate complex technical issues for worried clients under time pressure.
Let's say you are having a friendly conversation about hobbies instead of testing technical explanation skills. This doesn't show if they can calmly explain to a stressed event organiser why the microphone failed and when it will work again. Test real scenarios: "The projector just stopped working during the CEO's presentation. Explain to the nervous event manager what's happening and your solution."
Common misunderstanding: Choosing charming people over clear communicators
Some managers pick candidates who seem charming and friendly instead of those who communicate technical information clearly and professionally. But AV work needs systematic explanation of problems and solutions, not social entertainment.
Let's say you are impressed by someone's bubbly personality but they struggle to explain technical issues clearly. Charm doesn't help when equipment fails during events. Focus on professional clarity: "Walk me through explaining audio feedback to a client who doesn't understand technology." Clear, systematic communication prevents client panic and builds confidence.
Prioritise technical translation abilities, clear problem explanation skills, expectation management during failures, professional composure under pressure, active listening during client requirements, and systematic status communication throughout events. Focus on competencies that support event success and stakeholder confidence during technical challenges.
Common misunderstanding: Only testing talking, not listening
Hiring managers sometimes only check if people can talk well without testing if they listen properly. But AV technicians must understand client needs, venue limits, and team coordination requirements. Good listening prevents mistakes and missed requirements.
Let's say you are only testing explanation skills without checking listening ability. Poor listeners miss important details about client needs or venue constraints. Test listening: Give complex event requirements and see if they ask clarifying questions and summarise key points accurately. Good listening prevents technical setup failures.
Common misunderstanding: Ignoring writing skills
Some managers only check speaking skills without testing writing ability. But AV technicians must document problems, write reports, and share procedures with the team. Poor writing creates confusion and lost knowledge.
Let's say you are only testing verbal communication during interviews. Poor writers create unclear documentation that confuses colleagues. Test writing skills: "Document this technical problem and your solution for the team." Clear writing ensures knowledge sharing and helps prevent repeated problems.
Use role-play scenarios with different client types, test explanation clarity during technical problems, assess patience with non-technical questions, evaluate professional tone under pressure, and observe adaptability to different communication styles. Create realistic scenarios that mirror your venue's typical client interactions and technical challenges.
Common misunderstanding: Using generic customer service tests
Many hiring managers use general customer service scenarios instead of AV-specific situations. But AV work involves technical explanations, equipment limits, time pressure, and coordinating with multiple people - very different from hotel or restaurant service.
Let's say you are testing with generic "How would you handle a complaint?" scenarios. This doesn't show AV-specific skills. Use realistic technical scenarios: "The sound system failed during a wedding ceremony with 200 guests. Handle the stressed bride, nervous venue manager, and wedding planner whilst fixing the problem." AV customer service has unique technical pressures.
Common misunderstanding: Testing customer service and technical skills separately
Some managers test customer service and technical skills as separate things. But AV technicians must solve technical problems whilst managing worried clients at the same time. Testing them separately doesn't show real-world performance.
Let's say you are testing technical knowledge in one session and customer service in another. This doesn't reveal if they can troubleshoot equipment whilst reassuring nervous stakeholders. Combine both: "Fix this audio problem whilst the event organiser asks when it will work and guests are getting restless." Real AV work combines technical and people skills simultaneously.