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If there is one skill that I would personally like to improve upon, it is the art of being a great
listener. My problem is that I like to talk and when engaged in a conversation, often I am
thinking about what I want to say next vs. truly hearing what the other person is really saying.
While I have made significant progress, I still have a long way to go before I would
categorize myself as an attentive listener.
You must become proficient at the art of listening to the interviewer and hearing the direct
and subtle references or clues in their dialogue. Failure to do so will jeopardize your chances
of success and create the impression that you are incapable of active listening or, in some
cases, following direction.
Listening is one of the most important competencies. Here are
five
keys to effective listening:
1.
Listen attentively, respond actively:
Be respectful to every interviewer
you
interact with; it is a privilege to be there. Let them begin the line of questioning.
Listen without any attempt to interrupt, change the direction of the dialogue or
dictate your own ideas. Understand before you attempt to be understood.
2.
Always remain patient in your responses:
When the interviewer concludes a point
or line of questioning, make sure they are completely
finished with their point.
Before you respond, the strategy
is to pause, wait a few seconds, and then
carefully articulate your answer.
When you stop to think before you speak, you accomplish the following:
You ensure clarity in what the interviewer truly means and
minimize the potentially embarrassing risk of interrupting the
interviewer, who may simply be looking for the right word or
organizing their thoughts.
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Section 15 – The Interview Process