We all know the importance of communication in the workplace. But often, we don’t stop to think about how we can improve our communication skills. One of the most critical aspects of communication is listening.
Most of us think that we are good listeners. But the truth is, we could all use a little help regarding effective listening. After all, it’s not just about hearing what the other person is saying. It’s about understanding them and being able to respond in a way that furthers the conversation.
It's no secret that interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences. You want to make a good impression and, hopefully, land the job. To do that, you need to be an effective listener.
Here are some tips to help you listen effectively during an interview😎
Body Language
Looking attentive will prompt the speaker to continue giving more information. Stay engaged with the speaker by making good eye contact, maintaining enough space between you and the speaker, leaning forward, and even nodding your head and smiling as an indication of understanding. Oh, and no yawning!
Be Transparent
Transparency is essential to success. This can be the case with interviews too. If the applicant requests something and you suggest they will receive it, it can cause distrust going forward and a strong candidate declining an offer with you. If you do not know if they will receive what they requested, tell them that you will get back in contact soon.
Do Not Interrupt
When listening to someone, it is best to not even think about what you might say in response; instead, listen. Interrupting could show that you weren't paying attention or being rude.
Pause Before Speaking
Before speaking, pause for a few seconds before responding. This will give you the time to take in what was said and think about your response. We are very quick to speak, but we forget that this is a tool that can help us organize our thoughts.
Bye-Bye Distractions
When you're in an interview, you must be an active listener. This means paying attention to the person speaking and not letting your mind wander. You should also try to avoid distractions, such as your phone (turn it off!) or the person walking by outside the window.
Repeat What Was Said
You can use a few techniques to help you listen effectively during an interview. One is to repeat what the person has said, rephrased in your own words. This shows that you were paying attention and helps to clarify anything that you may have missed. Another technique is to ask questions about what the person has said. This shows that you are interested in what they are saying and want to know more.
Answer the Question
When you are answering questions, make sure you stay on topic without venturing too far off the subject. If you don’t know how to answer the question, ask them to clarify it, no one will judge you for it.