Job Interview Active Listening

During a job interview, a potential employer asks, "Can you take on more than one project at a time?" If you respond, "Yes," 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.

Be specific. And speak money-language. Here's 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 a company as much as 30%."

Let's check out the definition of "active listening skills" and learn more to help with your next interview...

Active Listening Skills

Just as everyday "speaking" is not the same as public speaking; "listening" is not the same as active listening. Active listening means two things: analysis and response to the message being communicated.

An active listener maintains eye contact and good posture with a slight lean towards the speaker. During the interview, the listener nods, smiles and takes notes. Be ware, however, that a daydreamer or pseudolistener, can adopt these behaviors. So a listener's physical response does not necessarily mean good listening skills are at work.

Nonverbal communication, more than just the nod or smile, is important. Gestures, appearance, timing, voice responses, facial expressions, spatial distance â€" all affect how the speaker (or interview) interprets the listener. So a person preparing for a job or work project interview should consider the cultural climate and norms of society of the interviewer. In short, perceived active listening based on nonverbal signals can vary from culture to culture.

Especially in this age of such great cultural diversity, be courteous of others regardless of cultural, sexual or societal backgrounds. If you are a woman and get to a door before a man, open it. 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.

Note: a major part of active listening is paraphrasing. It's 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.

Other articles by this author »
About Jay Bauder

Jay Bauder is the web owner of http://www.jobs-in.com Jobs | Job Search Resources, a website that provides information and resources on searching for jobs nationwide. You can visit his website at: Job Search.


And here is another random article you might be interested in...

Questions To Ask Employees You Want To Retain

Times of cost cutting and downsizing has dramatically impacted the way employees look at their careers. Employees at all levels now know better than ever that job security is no longer something they can count on. They've been required to think bigger, look at other options and do whatever it takes to prepare themselves for the future. In essence, they have let go of their corporate commitment and become "free agents" in search of the best opportunity available.

"Retention of talent" has become a key strategy for the largest corporations around the world. Some are looking at things like building new fitness centers. Others have gone deeper and are looking to their leaders to become more competent "retention managers".

Take time now to start talking to your people, really listening to their responses and taking action to change what needs to be changed. Here are a few questions to get you started:

  1. What would make your work more meaningful and satisfying?
  2. What conditions would cause you to seek employment elsewhere?
  3. What is it that keeps you from seeking other employment?
  4. What changes need to be made in your work environment?
  5. How do you like to be rewarded and acknowledged for a good job?
  6. What is your greatest challenge or roadblock?
  7. What makes you feel like a valuable contributor?
  8. What support, tools/resources, skills or empowerment do you need to be more effective?
  9. What strengths or talents do you have that aren't being utilized?
  10. What de-motivates you?
  11. What else needs to be asked?
Other articles by this author »
About Lora J Adrianse

Lora J Adrianse is the owner of Essential Connections. She is a Coach, Consultant and Facilitator who specializes in the development managers and business owners. She recently left a long-term corporate career to focus on her passion for helping others bring out the best in themselves through the use of Emotional Intelligence. She can be reached through her website www.connectionscoach.com
coach@connectionscoach.com