One Minute Interview Thoughts – Art of Listening

One Minute Interview Thoughts – Art of Listening

Whether you are the interviewer or the candidate, it is important to practice good listening skills. To be a better listener:

• Do whatever it takes to limit external distractions. Remove unnecessary papers from your desk, turn off your computer and silence your phone. Use a conference room or some other neutral location. Find a table that minimizes the potential of interruptions when using a coffee shop or restaurant for the conversation.
• Commit your full attention, make and maintain eye contact, to the other person immediately, not just when you hear a word or phrase that interests you.
• Focus on the message and the manner in which it is presented. Avoid judging the message and resist planning a response until you have a total understanding of it’s content. If you have a question, seek clarification.

Active listening and focus sends a silent but persuasive message to the other party … a message that could mean the difference in successfully hiring the perfect candidate or receiving the perfect job offer.