The Art of Listening in an Interview
Written by Goh Mei Yi - 20 September 2006
If you're of the mindset that an interview is only about you answering questions, think again! You've only got half the picture right. An interview is also the time to keep your ears open and do fact-finding about the job and company.
Listening is one of the most under-utilised skills in a job interview. Most candidates are so preoccupied with how they present themselves and how to tackle the interview questions that they tune out what the interviewer is saying.
Listening has its rewards
An interview is your chance to gather valuable information that cannot be found in the job ad or company website. While the interviewer may not be able to divulge certain news to you, her choice of words and tone of voice may give you indirect hints.
Don't be too eager to launch into your answer after hearing the first part of a question. Let the interviewer finish the question because it's only polite. What you think is a display of enthusiasm could be perceived as impatience and lack of respect.
The ability to listen is also important, especially if you are applying for a position in sales or customer service. If you can't pay attention to what the interviewer is saying, will you ignore a customer's request in future?
Listen to ask questions
The act of listening tells the interviewer you have heard and understood what was said. Make an impact on the interviewer by remembering the small but important details of the conversation. When the opportunity presents itself, formulate questions or offer your opinion based on those points to show you can think on your feet.
If the interviewer keeps bringing up your lack of experience in a particular area of work, she's actually voicing her concern that you may not be suited for the job. At this juncture, (if you have been listening carefully) you should either convince her why her fears are unfounded or decide that this job is really not for you.
Hone your listening skills
Practise being a better listener outside of interviews, by following these tips:
If you're of the mindset that an interview is only about you answering questions, think again! You've only got half the picture right. An interview is also the time to keep your ears open and do fact-finding about the job and company.
Listening is one of the most under-utilised skills in a job interview. Most candidates are so preoccupied with how they present themselves and how to tackle the interview questions that they tune out what the interviewer is saying.
Listening has its rewards
An interview is your chance to gather valuable information that cannot be found in the job ad or company website. While the interviewer may not be able to divulge certain news to you, her choice of words and tone of voice may give you indirect hints.
Don't be too eager to launch into your answer after hearing the first part of a question. Let the interviewer finish the question because it's only polite. What you think is a display of enthusiasm could be perceived as impatience and lack of respect.
The ability to listen is also important, especially if you are applying for a position in sales or customer service. If you can't pay attention to what the interviewer is saying, will you ignore a customer's request in future?
Listen to ask questions
The act of listening tells the interviewer you have heard and understood what was said. Make an impact on the interviewer by remembering the small but important details of the conversation. When the opportunity presents itself, formulate questions or offer your opinion based on those points to show you can think on your feet.
If the interviewer keeps bringing up your lack of experience in a particular area of work, she's actually voicing her concern that you may not be suited for the job. At this juncture, (if you have been listening carefully) you should either convince her why her fears are unfounded or decide that this job is really not for you.
Hone your listening skills
Practise being a better listener outside of interviews, by following these tips:
- Use eye contact appropriately
- Be attentive and alert to a speaker's verbal and nonverbal behaviour
- Wait for the speaker to finish her sentence before you start yours
- Respond with appropriate verbal and nonverbal expressions
- Ask questions in a neutral tone of voice
- Paraphrase or summarise what the speaker has said
- Be non-judgmental and empathise with the speaker
posted by Benrick Soh @ 3:59 PM
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