by H. Marlow

Created on: August 15, 2010

So, you’ve always heard to practice your answers before a job interview. But, employers look for the ability to listen, not the ability to memorize a speech. By showing your ability to listen, you show your potential employers that you are able to take direction without missing steps, and you are giving them what anybody needs; Respect.

Almost everyone rehearses their answers to interview questions over and over in their head, or they practice with a friend. But, when it comes to actually interviewing, it is important not to sound like a robot. Employers can tell when they are hearing a speech that's been said many times over. Make sure that you listen carefully to the questions posed by doing the following:

1. Maintain eye contact: While your interviewer is talking, don’t even begin to think about all of the answers you’ve rehearsed in your head. Look them in the eye and show them that you are listening to their words as they say them. If you are looking up or away from them while they are still talking, it is clear that your mind has gone on to other thoughts.

2. Pause to think: This may be the most important part to listening! It may seem like a good idea to go ahead and blurt out your answer as quickly as possible before you forget. But, if you take the time to get your thoughts straight it can make you seem like a thoughtful and organized person. Pausing to think even mid-answer will make it seem more natural.

3. Answer multiple questions in the order that they’re posed: Doing this will show them that you are an excellent listener. It shows that you were paying so much attention that you remembered each question in sequential order.

4. Repeat key phrases: If possible, reuse important words that the interviewer uses in the question. Just make sure that you reword your phrasing a bit so that you don't sound like you're trying to copy them. Studies show that mimicking people slightly can make them more inclined to sympathize with your view points. 

5. Pull ideas from previous questions and the answers you gave: Doing this shows that you not only listen, but that you remember. If you are able to do this successfully, employers are sure to be impressed!

It may be difficult to listen carefully if you are nervous. Just take a deep breath and remember that listening is half of the interview and that if you listen successfully, you should be able to answer in an acceptable manner.

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