Listening is one of the top skills needed for success in any business. You might be thinking, “Of course it is, quit preaching.” But it’s really true — more than 35 business studies indicate listening to be a top skill!
But listening is often an overlooked strategy in most career, job search, and interview advice. Without listening properly, you’re going to be lacking in your job search. In fact, 85 percent of what we know was learned through listening.
During a job interview, listening well is especially important. Here’s why:
- You can use context clues to gauge how well the interview is going or how well an answer is received.
- Listening shows you’re interested in a position.
- Listening allows you to adjust your answer by focusing on nonverbal cues.
- You will improve the communication between you and the hiring manager.
- You’re showing respect by listening.
- You have a competitive advantage when you listen properly.
But integrating listening techniques into your job interview strategies is harder than you think. Here are a few techniques and tips to freshen up your listening skills for your job interview:
Take notes. Nothing shows you are actively listening and interested in the conversation like taking notes. Note important job responsibilities, names of coworkers or upper management mentioned, or anything you deem relevant to remember later.
Avoid interrupting. Have you ever been in the middle of a story when your coworker interrupted you with their story? Don’t be THAT person in an interview and let the hiring manager finish talking! Sometimes you do have something valuable or awesome to contribute and you know it will impress the hiring manager. But wait until they’ve finished discussing the issues or question before jumping in.
Listen between the lines. We all know it’s not always what you say but how you say it. In fact, 55 percent of meaning lies in facial expressions and 38 percent is in the way words are spoken. This also holds true in a job interview. Changes in tones, body language, and emphasis on words can all provide context clues for you to respond appropriately. For example, long pauses in interviews are often used to elicit a longer answer from you. But instead of rambling, take this context clue to answer the question accurately and effectively.
Focus on the interview and the hiring manager. In other words, don’t get distracted! Instead of listening, we actually spend 75 percent of our time being distracted, preoccupied, or forgetful. Outdoor noises, phone calls, or general objects in a room can be distracting during an interview. Focus your attention on the interviewer and what he or she is saying to you. Forget about your outfit, the quality of your resume, and anything else you were worried about before stepping foot in the room.
Ask follow up and clarifying questions. Just because you’re listening doesn’t mean you’re retaining and understanding information about the job or company. Show you’re listening by asking follow up questions about the company. You likely brought a list of questions to ask the hiring manager, but follow up on questions and concerns as they come too.
Now you’re ready to be an active listener during your next job interview.
What other techniques help you listen more effectively, especially at work?
