To succeed in a job interview, a strong response is essential, but that can only be achieved by carefully listening to the interviewer, according to Gillian Munson.
According to Munson, the top “absolute” red flag in job candidates during interviews is when they fail to listen to the question being asked and provide an unresponsive answer.
“People are often so rushed to finish the conversation that they end up not really paying attention to the question so they can give a proper response,” says the source to TPLinkFi.com.
Expert Munson, who has over three decades of finance experience, advises that even in situations where a candidate evades a direct question, it’s essential to demonstrate you’re aware of the query at hand and tailor your response to address it.
Improving Your Active Listening Skills
In today’s fast-paced world, effective communication is key to building strong relationships and achieving success. However, many of us often find ourselves struggling to truly listen to others. A crucial component of successful communication is active listening, which involves fully concentrating on and comprehending the words, tone, and body language of the person speaking.
A poor listener may dominate a conversation, interrupt others, or become distracted by their own thoughts, whereas a good listener remains engaged and attentive, allowing them to fully grasp the speaker’s message. By improving your active listening skills, you can gain a deeper understanding of others, build stronger relationships, and make a positive impact on those around you.
“The moment you realize that you’ve got someone’s attention is the moment you can begin to influence them.”
1. **Give the speaker your undivided attention**: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus on the conversation without distractions. Maintain eye contact with the speaker and avoid checking your phone or glancing around the room.
2. **Put away your device**: Silence your phone, turn off notifications, and put it away to avoid the temptation to check it during the conversation.
3. **Face the speaker**: Turn your body to face the speaker and maintain a comfortable distance. This helps you stay focused on the conversation and also sends a nonverbal cue that you are engaged.
4. **Avoid interrupting**: Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting can make the speaker feel unheard and frustrated.
5. **Nonverbal cues are just as important**: Pay attention to the speaker’s body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These nonverbal cues can convey a wealth of information about the speaker’s emotions and attitude.
6. **Paraphrase and mirror what the speaker says**: Repeat back what you’ve heard to ensure understanding and show the speaker you’re actively listening. Mirroring the speaker’s body language and tone can also help build rapport and create a sense of mutual understanding.
7. **Ask open-ended questions**: Encourage the speaker to share more about their thoughts and feelings by asking open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”
8. **Stay present and non-judgmental**: Be in the moment and try not to jump to conclusions or make assumptions about the speaker’s intentions or emotions.
By taking these simple steps to improve your active listening skills, you can become a more effective and engaged conversationalist, building stronger relationships and achieving greater
According to Dr. Sarah Sarkis, a psychologist and senior director of performance psychology for Exos.
Not many people know how to tune in fully to a conversation and give thoughtful responses to what the other person is talking about, she said last year. Usually, people “go into the conversation with an idea of where you want it to head, or they’re preoccupied,” Sarkis noted.
Sarkis suggested that to improve your listening skills, ask your coworkers for feedback on how you engage in conversations. She also emphasized the importance of reflective listening, which involves summarizing what someone has said to you, and asking open-ended questions during discussions.
Active listening is a “superpower” that is highly effective, Sarkis said. “When staff feel seen, heard, and supported, there’s so much more that can be accomplished.”
Illuminating interview questions
One of Munson’s key interview tactics is to ask a telltale question that she finds enlightening: If you were able to speak to your previous supervisor and ask them to share their thoughts about you, what do you think they would say?
The question encourages individuals to reflect on both their capabilities and areas for improvement, and can serve as a chance for people to showcase their genuine selves.
Munson seeks a candidate who openly admits to areas where they can further develop themselves, allowing the interviewer to “connect” with them on a deeper level and gain a clear understanding of whether they are a suitable match for the position.
Munson also likes to ask interviewees about the reasoning behind their choice of school or previous job. She says this question helps reveal “a sense of how you make decisions,” which is “a crucial aspect that ultimately impacts how you work on a daily basis.”
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Before making a request for a salary increase, be prepared by researching the market value of your position, understanding the company’s budget and financial situation, and identifying your unique qualifications and contributions to the company. You may also want to prepare a list of your achievements and how they’ve positively impacted the company.
If you do decide to make a request, approach your supervisor or manager with confidence and assertively. Clearly express why you believe you deserve a salary increase, citing specific examples of your value to the company. Be prepared to discuss your expectations of a salary range and be open to negotiation.
Here are some tips to help you make a strong case:
Reasonable expectations: Understand the market rate for your position and what other companies are offering similar pay for similar roles.
Timing: Consider the timing of your request, as a raise during performance reviews or at the end of the year is often more likely to be approved than earlier in the calendar year.
Specific examples: Share concrete examples of your accomplishments and how they’ve positively impacted the company.
Professionalism: Remain professional and respectful during the conversation and avoid making demands or ultimatums.
Some figures mentioned during the discussion of salary requests include:
Typically, it’s best not to reveal too much about your current compensation structure, including take-home pay and any other benefits.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid mentioning exact numbers, instead referring to a salary range or a specific percentage increase.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers recommends referencing your target salary range, usually expressed as a broad estimate such as “the high 40,000s.
Beginning knowledge-packed sessions with seasoned guides will equip you with the necessary skills to boost your earning potential, encompassing preparation, confidence-boosting tips, key actions, and phrases to use, plus expert advice on crafting a counteroffer to negotiations. Get started right away and claim a 50% introductory discount by applying coupon code EARLYBIRD through November 26, 2024, for an early bird special.
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