Active listening skills are an understated yet effective way to excel in job interviews. Although half of all communication involves listening, very few of us receive proper training in this area. Fortunately, improving your listening skills is relatively simple and becomes second nature with practice. Here are some techniques that will help you gain more knowledge and make a better impression on your prospective employer.
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How to Utilize Active Listening in Your Job Interview
1. Acknowledge your limitations: Numerous studies confirm that we only absorb half of what we hear, and we forget half of that by the next day. Becoming more attentive often requires deliberate effort.
2. Calm your mind: Most people feel anxious about applying for a new job. Take time to quiet your mind and reduce distracting thoughts. Meditate, get a massage, or listen to instrumental music to help you relax.
3. Maintain alertness: Avoid letting fatigue sabotage your interview. Get a good night’s sleep and engage in some aerobic exercise beforehand. Sit up straight and dress in layers, as feeling cold can make concentrating more difficult.
4. Display enthusiasm: Successful people often enjoy discussing their work, particularly with an appreciative audience. Make eye contact and lean toward your interviewer. Let your positive feelings shine through when describing your past accomplishments and their relevance to the position you’re seeking.
5. Demonstrate compatibility: Utilize the information your interviewer provides to pinpoint the type of candidate they’re seeking. Explain how your background and skills enable you to contribute and become a valued team member.
6. Take notes: People listen much faster than they speak. Use this gap to take notes and gather your thoughts. Write down keywords and main themes rather than transcribing every word.
7. Keep an open mind: Flexibility is crucial. Maintain neutrality to avoid dismissing a new viewpoint or job opportunity before fully considering it from all angles.
8. Empathize with your interviewer: Your interviewer may also feel uneasy. Empathize with their responsibility to find the right person for the job.
9. Summarize key points: Restate the most important messages to reinforce their thoughts in your mind and demonstrate to your interviewer that you are on the same page.
10. Clarify ambiguous information: Prevent misunderstandings by seeking clarification on anything that’s unclear. A good employer will appreciate your efforts to fully understand their expectations.
11. Ask insightful questions: Employ open-ended questions to obtain more information. Thoughtfulness also helps demonstrate that you’re a strong candidate.
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Meeting the Staff
1. Get acquainted with your supervisor: Your manager will likely play a significant role in your job satisfaction. Discuss daily routines and responsibilities, learn about their work style, and find out how they establish priorities.
2. Gain insights from your co-workers: Try to meet some of your potential colleagues. They can provide valuable information on the work environment and organizational culture. Involvement of employees in the hiring process is usually a positive sign.
3. Understand the bigger picture from leadership: You may also have the opportunity to speak with some of the organization’s senior executives. Even if the time is brief, use these meetings to gain a better understanding of the organization’s strategic plans and future direction.
By attending your next job interview better prepared to listen, the session will likely be more productive for both you and the people you interview with. And even if you don’t secure this particular job, keeping your ears open may position you for a different one. Active listening is a powerful way to unlock new career opportunities and create a brighter future.
