Before you answer your interview questions, you have to understand them. By listening well, you will make a good impression, show you are a good employee, and have a better idea of what the interviewer wants to hear.
Once you make it to the interview, it means that your credentials are good enough for the job. Your most important goal in the interview is to show that you are the type of person who can be a good employee, a good colleague, or represent your company well to clients.
Furthermore, some interviewers make decisions quickly, so what you say right at the beginning matters a lot. You can make a great impression before you are even asked a question. Do it by listening actively.
There's a saying that we all have two ears and one mouth, so we should always listen at least twice as much as we speak.
- How important is listening in a job interview?
- How do you show that you are listening closely when someone is talking to you?
The following strategies are essential in active listening:
A. Body language (Non-verbal communication)
Do the following.
- Lean forward.
- Nod your head.
- Use a "listening" facial expression.
- Open your body language.
- Use hand gestures.
Your teacher will tell you about a company. Use body language to show that you are following.
B. Short words and Phrases
Use language during short pauses to show that you understand.
- Right
- I see
- Okay
- Mmmm/Ah.
Your teacher will read something to you. Use the above language appropriately to show that you are actively listening.
C. Echoing
Simply repeat a keyword with strong intonation.
Numbers:
- 3 million!
- 200%!
- 200 kilograms!
- $10,000!
Key information:
- New York?
- Microsoft?
- A bonus!
- Hang gliding!
Your teacher will read some statements. Echo significant information that they mention.
D. Clarifying
You may need to clarify a question. Clarifying is particularly important when you are interviewing in your second language—you don't want to misunderstand any questions!
- Could you tell me what you mean by that?
- Did you say ---?
- Do you mean [recently, or for a long time]?
Now, your teacher is going to explain the context of some questions before asking the question. Listen actively to the context and then answer the question as best you can.