Q. What parts of your body are not used effectively in the job interview?
If you said, “Your ears,” you are correct.
Most people fail to “hear” what is going on in the interview.
If you think interviewing is only about answering questions, you’ve been missing the point. You’ve also been missing an opportunity to gather valuable information. Most people go into the interview thinking and worrying about how they will answer the questions, and they forget that they are there to find out about the job and the company. They forget to listen, observe, and read between the lines. Here are some benefits you receive by improving on your listening techniques.
• You hear where the emphasis is placed – by the questions asked and general talk about the company.
• You begin to pick up clues from the conversation and you can ask questions and ask for clarification.
• Listening carefully and reading between the lines will help you in your decision whether you want to work for this company, in this department.
When all you can think of is the answers that you will be giving, you miss a premium opportunity to garner information about the situation you are about to enter. Turn up your listening and intuitive skills. Read between the lines! You’ll be surprised what you hear.
