frame left frame top frame right
Job Interviews header image
frame bottom
 
MENU
ARTICLES
BOOKS

Make Sure to Listen During Job Interviews



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.
SPONSORED LINKS
 
 
Tips For Interview Success News

Job Market Experts share tips for job-hunt success - Seattle Times


Job Market Experts share tips for job-hunt success
Seattle Times, United States - Nov 30, 2008
With so many competing for jobs, "even landing an interview is a major victory." But take heart. Based on talks with career counselors and executive ...

Read more...


UGN, Working Image suiting women for new employment - Port Townsend Leader


UGN, Working Image suiting women for new employment
Port Townsend Leader, WA - 7 hours ago
She took the first step and visited Working Image, where she was offered an individual fashion consultation and dressing tips. During the hours she spent at ...

Read more...


Margaret Fulton: Australia's culinary pioneer - Independent


Margaret Fulton: Australia's culinary pioneer
Independent, UK - 2 hours ago
Fulton, who once lost her eyebrows and lashes while flambéing a Christmas pudding, hopes it will stop friends pestering her for tips on festive mince pies ...

Read more...


Interview with Political Expert and Author Reb Bradley - American Chronicle


Interview with Political Expert and Author Reb Bradley
American Chronicle, CA - Dec 1, 2008
Reb´s prior book, Child Training Tips: What I Wish I Knew When My Children Were Young has sold thousands of copies to parents anxious to give their children ...

Read more...


Me 2.0–Just Like Me, Only Better - Entrepreneur


Me 2.0–Just Like Me, Only Better
Entrepreneur - Dec 1, 2008
This week, I had an opportunity to read an advance copy of Dan Schawbel’s Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success (April 2009). ...

Read more...


 
 
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
bottom bar