An Excerpt from Effective Listening: The Key to Successful Interviewing
by: John G. Igwebuike
Associate Professor of Legal Environment of Business
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs
Alcorn School of Business (ASB)
Communication is two-sided: there is a sending side (speaking and writing) and receiving side (reading and listening). To have one without the other, or to emphasize one at the expense of the other, results in ineffective communication. Why is listening so vital in an interview? We must first understand that a job interview is essentially a strategic communication for the purpose of exchanging information.
Consider why listening can make or break an interview:
a. Effective listening contributes to effective speaking
b. Employers want employees who are good, courteous listeners
c. The interview is an opportunity for you to interview the company. Careful and attentive
listening gives you the essential information you need which will later assist you in your
decision-making.
Silence is golden. Don't be afraid of short pauses. When asked a question, take time to think, understand the question, and formulate your answer. Remember, the word "silent" is "listen" with the letters transposed.
Ask a question - and then listen. Towards the end, the interviewer usually will ask if you have any questions or anything you wish to add. It's best to have prepared a few questions and to listen to the answers you receive. Remember, one of the key purposes of the interview is for you to gain knowledge so that you can make the right decisions.
Effective listening can give you an edge to say that current job market is fiercely competitive is an understatement. What is a job seeker to do? Improving your listening skills may give you the necessary leg up. Start by demonstrating your interest to the interviewer. The following tips will help you remember to LISTEN:
L - Lean slightly towards the interviewer, or sit up straight to show your attentiveness through your body language.
I - Ignore distractions such as a ringing phone, knock on the door, visitors, etc. A key quality of really great conversationalists is that they have a unique way of making you feel as though you are the most important person to them.
S - Smile in a relaxed manner with confidence. What shows on the outside, grows on the inside. A smile builds rapport and relaxes you so that you can really pay attention.
T - Take a few notes. Jotting down a couple of points is fine. Beyond that, note taking becomes distracting. When you look down to write on the notepad, you break eye contact with the interviewer. Train yourself to make mental notes of important points.
E - Eyes are the windows to the soul. Maintain eye contact to the degree that you and the interviewer remain comfortable.
N - No cell phones. This seems too simple a point to even mention, but you'd be surprised a the number of recruiters who tell me of cell phones sounding off to all manner of musical notes, beats, beeps, and jingles to ruinous consequences for the interviewee.
SIFE* 2011 / Career Connections
