According to Gillian Munson, excelling in a job interview involves providing robust responses; however, this cannot be achieved without also paying close attention to what is being said during the conversation.
According to Munson, the head of finance at Vimeo, the biggest "definite" warning sign she notices in interviewees is when they ignore the question posed and provide an unrelated answer instead.
"She explains that sometimes people rush through conversations so much that they fail to attentively hear the query and appropriately respond to it," she says to Make It.
Despite attempts by candidates to evade questions they prefer not to address directly, it’s crucial to recognize their presence and align your response accordingly, says Munson, aged 54, with over three decades of expertise in the financial sector.
Ways to Improve Your Listening Skills
Top performers set themselves apart from their colleagues at work through their strong active listening skills According to Sarah Sarkis, who serves as the senior director of performance psychology at Exos and is also a psychologist.
She mentioned to Make It earlier this year that only a few individuals have mastered the art of being completely engaged during a discussion and responding with careful consideration to what others express." According to Sarkis, people frequently "come into the talk ready to conclude it as they see fit or are preoccupied elsewhere.
Sarkis suggested seeking input from your friends about how you come across during discussions to improve your listening skills. Additionally, she advised engaging in reflective listening—wherein you recap what has been shared with you—and using open-ended queries when talking to others.
Active listening is akin to possessing a superhero ability, according to Sarkis. "When the individuals you collaborate with sense they are noticed, understood, and backed up, your effectiveness in achieving goals significantly increases," she added.
Illuminating interview questions
In addition to ensuring that a candidate is actively engaged during an interview, Munson has a standard question she uses which she believes uncovers valuable insights: "If we were to hypothetically talk with your former supervisor and inquire about their opinion of you, how do you suppose they would respond?"
This query encourages individuals to reflect on both their capabilities and shortcomings, offering a chance for them to showcase their genuineness, Munson points out.
For an effective reply, Munson seeks out a candidate who appears "quite open" regarding areas where they believe they could grow. This self-awareness enables you to "forge a connection with the interviewer in a manner that assists them in genuinely assessing your compatibility," according to her.
Munson often poses a query during interviews about why an individual selected their alma mater or prior employment. According to her, responses to this inquiry offer insight into "how you approach decision-making." She further explains that understanding your decision-making process provides a glimpse into "what your daily working style might be like."
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