Using Active Listening
to
Answer Interview Questions
by: John Trout
(JT)
Your at an important job interview. The potential employer asks
you a simple and direct interview question; “Can you take on
more than one project at a time?” You respond with what you
feel is a confident and decisive one word answer,
“Yes!” However,
you may want to rethink that
answer. According to Dynamic Listening: Interview Skills, a
computer based training module from Mindleaders in Columbus,
Ohio, you should avoid one-word or one-sentence answers as much
as possible when answering interview question posed by a
potential employer.
Whether your interviewer even realizes it or not, there is a
good chance that they will respond more positively to
"active answers", answers that go into specific
detail, as opposed to one-word or even one-sentence answers.
Many interview questions may seem rather straight forward or
even mundane, but if you apply the powers of "active
listening" then you should have no problem answering nearly
every interview question with a dynamic answer that will leave a
lasting positive impression. Be
specific when answering all interview questions and speak the
language of money whenever possible. Here’s an example of a
preferred answer to the question above, “In general, depending
upon the type and length of projects, I believe in efficiently
handling more than one project at a time. This could save our
company as much as 30%.” See the difference? Now
let’s examine the
definition of “active listening skills” and learn some more
tips to help you with your next interview…
Active Listening Skills 101
Just as everyday “speaking” is not the same as public
speaking; “listening” is not the same as active listening.
Active listening requires two things: Analysis & Response. A
thoughtful "analysis" of each interview question
leading to a thoughtful "response" to the message
being communicated will give you the best chance of leaving a
lasting positive impression on the interviewer. If
you have admittedly been somewhat of a daydreamer or
pseudo-listener in the past, then this would be an excellent
opportunity to train yourself to truly become an active
listener; rather than temporarily adopting the behaviors of
active listening just for the interview.
An active listener maintains eye contact and good posture with a
slight lean towards the speaker. During the interview, the
active listener nods, smiles and takes notes. An
active listener also knows the importance of giving non-verbal
feedback. Nonverbal communication involves more than just the
obligatory nod or smile. Gestures, appearance, timing, voice
responses, facial expressions – all affect how the speaker (or
interview) interprets the listener. Another
a major part of active listening is "paraphrasing".
Paraphrasing is not the same as summarizing. A summary is a
shortened version of the original message, focusing on the main
point. To paraphrase means to re-state the message in your own
words.
Active listeners take notes by paraphrasing or restating what
the speaker said in their own words, and summarizing main
points. A good listener is not the same thing as a silent
listener. Good listeners ask questions, even something like,
“Is this an accurate paraphrase of you have said?” to let
the speaker know that you understand the message being
communicated. It
is important to also realize that the perception of active
listening based on nonverbal signals can vary from job to job
and culture to culture. When preparing for a job or work project
interview you should not only consider the cultural climate and
norms of the work environment your entering, but also the
cultural climate and norms of the society of the
"interviewer" who is questioning you. In
this age of such great cultural diversity, it is very important
to be mindful and courteous of others regardless of cultural,
sexual or societal background. Try to learn new communication
skills everywhere you go and from everyone you meet. You don't
have to learn 5 different languages but you could certainly
learn how to say "hello" and "thank you" in
a few languages. More and more you may find yourself
interviewing with people of diverse cultural backgrounds who's
first language may not be English. Don't let this be a stumbling
block. If your interviewer doesn’t speak English very
well and looks puzzled at your words, go back and explain
yourself again in different words and re-establish a good
communication exchange.
Developing your skills as an active listener will not only help
you to better communicate active answers to interview questions,
active listening will help you better communicate in almost any
situation life presents to you.
|
