Could Your Listening Skills Be Your Job Search Problem?

Every once in a while I run across what seems to be a good candidate on their resume but are struggling with landing a job.  They might have master’s degrees and everything that would suggest they are highly competitive.  Then it happens.  You’re in a conversation with the person for 10 minutes and you’ve nailed the issue – THEY DON’T LISTEN.

Communication skills are vital in business.  The business world would come to a complete stand still if we couldn’t actively communicate with our customers and with our work team.  Seems simple enough but some people truly can’t communicate well.  They might talk a mile-a-minute but that doesn’t mean they can communicate.

Communication, however, is a two-way process.  One person speaks, the other person listens.  If the person listening can’t or doesn’t fully understand what the other person is attempting to communicate, they repeat back what they hear, acknowledge what they heard or ask questions.  That process is called “active listening”.  It is taking an equal role in communication.

Imagine what it is like to have the person blow past what you’re saying with almost no acknowledgement that you even said something.  Now try to imagine you’ve asked a question 10 minutes ago and if you got an answer in all of that; you are having a tough time figuring it out.  Hiring managers or managers in general start developing a fairly short attention span because they have so much on their plate and need to focus on the most high pay-back things.  They will simply write you off if they think you aren’t listening – especially to them.  The assumption they make is that if you can’t listen or focus on what they need to hear, then you most likely can’t do a very effective job.  It’s tough to train someone to listen when they don’t already possess that capability.

Communication, especially listening, is a big part of the “likeability” factors of: Know – Like – Trust.  They might get to know you because you’ve talked so much but they may not like you too much because you aren’t focusing on their needs.  They also can’t trust you because they don’t think you’ll take the right action when it is the most critical because you aren’t really paying attention.

Let me suggest a few things you can do if you are concerned, or even if you want to improve your communication.

Limit each verbal input to 2 minutes or less unless you are instructing.  I suggest you work with someone who will ask you questions and then keep track of how long your responses are.  You need to get a feel for how long 2 minutes is by being kept in that window.  You need to practice this until you nail it every time.

Practice “active” listening.  Active listening is where you participate with what the other person is saying before devising any response. Active listening can take a few forms.  It may mean you repeat back what they say in your own words, to ensure you understand.  Look for their acknowledgement that you understand.  Ask a question of understanding like “So in other words, you are saying/asking….?”  People want to have the other person pay attention to them.  This is how you do that.

Pause for a few seconds before responding. During this pause, you can do the next step plus it will clear out any preconceived responses.  It will give the impression that you are really giving the question real thought.

Repeat back questions you are being asked, even if it is in your head.  You need to make sure you grasp the question first before responding.

Ask if you answered the question to their satisfaction.

Self examine.  If you’re talking excessively, you might be nervous.  If you are, look for relaxation techniques to help you calm down and be present with the other person.

You can be the most brilliant person on the planet.  If you can’t deliver and receive well (speak and listen), all that brilliance will do you no good.  Make sure you aren’t undermining your own career and job search by failing to listen well.

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to the Career Makeover Newsletter AND eWorkbook “Should I Stay or Should I Go” – both dedicated to Your career success, when you visit http://CareerMakeoverToolKitShouldIstayorShouldIGo.com/ From Dorothy Tannahill-Moran – Your Career Change Agent from www.nextchapternewlife.com

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran is a Career Coach and expert on helping her clients achieve their goals. Her programs cover: Career growth and enhancement, Career Change, Retirement Alternatives and Job Search Strategy. Want to discover specific career change strategies that get results? Discover how by claiming your FREE gift, Career Makeover Toolkit at: http://CareerMakeoverToolKitShouldIstayorShouldIGo.com

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran is a certified life and career coach. She works with aspiring professionals who are looking for career growth, advancement and entry into the “C” suite. As well, she works with people to overcome the sometimes daunting task of changing careers. With over 21 years in management, Dorothy has coached, trained and guided other professionals who have gone on to impressive and fulfilling careers. Her personal philosophy about careers is: “It’s not JUST a job; it’s half your life – so love your career”. You can check out her resources, blog and services at Next Chapter New Life and MBA Highway.