Why Being an Active Listener During an Interview is as Important as Asking the Questions

When you sit down to interview a candidate for your open position, you might think you are only asking questions. But that’s only half of it. You also have to do a lot of listening.

Listening is necessary to process the information you hear and use it to make your hiring decision. Are you really listening to your candidates’ answers to your questions? While you may think you’re listening, there is a big difference between hearing someone, and actively listening to what they’re saying.

What is Active Listening?

Active listening is more than hearing the words that are being spoken. It’s about understanding the meaning and intent behind them. This requires the listener to actively participate in the conversation. They cannot just hear the words; they need to concentrate on them.

Active listening allows you to listen attentively, comprehend what is being said, respond appropriately, and remember the message being communicated in the speaker’s response. It can require all five of your senses and involve both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Here are a few tips that will help you be an active listener.

• Be present. Turn off your phone notifications, clear your desk, and give your candidate your full attention.
• Watch for body language. Nonverbal cues will help you understand the meaning behind the words, and give you an idea of your candidate’s comfort level.
• Maintain natural eye contact. This communicates that you are listening and their words have value.
• Avoid questions with yes-no answers. Asking open-ended questions will allow the candidate to expand on their response, giving you more insight into their personality and experience.
• Clarify. If something doesn’t seem clear to you, ask for more information or ask more specific questions.
• Be patient. Give your candidate time to gather their thoughts before speaking. While a few moments of silence might feel uncomfortable in the moment, it can lead to more insightful answers.

Why is Active Listening Important?

Being an active listener can improve the interview process, and eventually the hiring process, by allowing you to fully hear the responses from the person being interviewed. When you’re listening actively, you won’t miss anything your potential hire is telling you.

Active listening during an interview is important for so many reasons. It can help you:

• Assess if the candidate meets the qualifications
• Determine if they’ll be a good culture fit
• Get a sense if they’re genuinely interested in the position and your company
• Get insight into their personality and how they think
• Better understand their communication style

Active listening doesn’t always come easy, but it’s a skill that can be developed with practice and experience. It’s vital to the interviewing process.

If you feel like brushing up on your interviewing skills or need assistance in your company’s vetting, recruiting, and onboarding, we can help. Contact VisionSpark today, and we can make sure you Hire with Confidence™!