You’re in a job interview and want to make a good impression. How do you show that you are a good listener?

1 Prepare beforehand

One way to show that you are a good listener is to do some research on the company, the role, and the interviewer before the interview. This will help you anticipate some of the questions they might ask, and prepare relevant and thoughtful answers. It will also show that you are interested in the job and the organization, and that you have done your homework.

2 Use active listening techniques

Active listening is a technique that involves paying attention, reflecting, clarifying, summarizing, and asking questions. You can use these techniques during the interview to show that you are listening carefully and engaging with the interviewer. For example, you can nod your head, maintain eye contact, and use verbal cues like "I see" or "I understand" to show that you are paying attention. You can also paraphrase what the interviewer said, ask for clarification if something is unclear, summarize the main points, and ask follow-up questions to show that you are interested and involved.

3 Avoid distractions and interruptions

Nothing ruins a good impression more than being distracted or interrupting the interviewer. To show that you are a good listener, you need to avoid any distractions and interruptions during the interview. This means turning off your phone, closing any tabs or windows on your computer, and finding a quiet and comfortable place to conduct the interview. It also means letting the interviewer finish their sentences, and not jumping in with your answers or comments before they are done. If you need to interrupt for some reason, make sure you apologize and explain why.

5 Ask insightful questions

Finally, you can show that you are a good listener by asking insightful questions at the end of the interview. This is your opportunity to learn more about the company, the role, and the expectations, and to show your enthusiasm and curiosity. You can ask questions about the technical support processes, the tools and technologies they use, the challenges and opportunities they face, and the culture and values they have. Avoid asking questions that are too personal, too generic, or too obvious, as they might indicate a lack of interest or preparation.