Listening

One of the most important communication skills is the ability to listen. As interviewers, it is easy to jump to conclusions and assume that we know what the other person is experiencing and become selective listeners. It is therefore vital we keep an open mind and listen effectively.

Listening is not a passive activity, you must actively process the information that is being provided by the interviewee. Techniques that can assist with effective communication include:

  • encouragement cues

  • echo probing

  • non-verbal communication

  • showing you want to listen

  • taking turns to speak and allowing the interviewee’s contribution

  • using silence

The purpose of any interview is to obtain the interviewee’s account, so they must be given every opportunity to have their say.

Steve Lockett