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.
Why is Active Listening Important?
Active listening 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:
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™!