Make Sure to Listen During Job Interviews

We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.

For most people, the question of whether they will have to endure the stress of a job interview is when, not if. It is very rare that someone is able to secure a job without having to go through a job interview first. So for those of us who know that it is inevitable, it is very important to not only know what to say when we speak during an interview, but that we also need to listen effectively.

If you have never had to participate in a job interview, you may have preconceived notions that the purpose of an interview is to talk, to give the interviewer information about yourself in order to make yourself look like the most eligible applicant. Speaking about yourself in an interview is a large part of it, of course, but it pays off in the long run to be a good listener during an interview as well. The reason why it is important is that in order to make the most appropriate response, you need to know exactly what the interviewer is asking.

A common question asked during job interviews is what aspects of previous jobs did you like, and what aspects did you dislike. You need to make sure to answer this question honestly, but you do not want to answer it in the same way that you would if a friend had asked it. In a previous job, you may have really enjoyed all of the leisure time you had inbetween customers, for example. But if you tell a prospective employer that, they may get the impression that you are more interested in getting out of work responsibilities. And let's say, for example, that the thing you disliked the most about a previous job was one of your coworkers. While true, you do not want to give the impression that you are unable to keep your personal feelings out of the way of doing your job.

Not only do you need to listen carefully to the person conducting the interview, but you must also portray the image of listening. To show that you are listening and interested to what the interviewer is saying, make sure to focus on the interviewer. This means using eye contact, never slouching in your chair, and responding appropriately when applicable. Because you are listening, your body language is going to tell the seasoned interviewer everything they need to know about your interest level. If you have your arms crossed, that is an indicator that you are not receptive to what the other person is saying to you.

Also, make sure to avoid one word answers when you are asked a question. In order to get the job, you need to have all the answers, and you need to be able to communicate effectively. Not only should you answer positively or negatively depending on the question, but feel free to expand on that with reasoning on why you answered the way you did. This will leave no room for the interviewer to wonder why you said what you said. Another good way to show interest in the job is to ask questions of your own. Surely there are things that you will want clarified about the job so that you can make sure that it will be the right job for you.

Do the little things in an interview. Listen, dress professionally and never be late.