How Being a Good Listener Can Give Job Seekers the Advantage
In an age of fast-paced, digital communication, the art of listening while engaging in a conversation is quickly becoming a thing of the past. The need for instant communication has paved the way for more talking and less listening. The digital age has not only heightened our impatience for things to happen quickly, but has given us more reasons to move on quickly from a conversation without having genuinely listened. Listening skills are a valuable asset to have. And if you do possess great listening skills, you’re more likely to present yourself as a more attractive job candidate.
Being a good listener means you’ll be able to better absorb important aspects of the conversation you’re having. And this is especially pertinent when it comes to interviewing for a job. That ability to not only keenly listen, but show who you’re communicating with that you’re attentive to what they’re saying, will give you an advantage in today’s competitive job market.
So why is being a good listener such a great tool to have when it comes to job searching and networking? If you’re attending a networking event or a job fair, many of those attending tend to have their own agendas in mind, hence they are not typically good listeners. This type of crowd loves to talk about themselves and to be heard. And if you are intently listening to what they have to say, you’ll not only impress them, but start branding yourself as an attentive listener. This is a great way to build up your personal brand. The little used craft of being a good listener is something you can use to your advantage. If you brand yourself as a good listener, word will get out, and people will be more inclined to keep you in mind if a job opportunity comes up.
Being a good listener makes others feel good about themselves. To be listened to is to feel valued. So why is it important to be a good listener when you’re out there networking and looking for a job? Here are a few reasons why attentive listening can help you get your foot in the door of your future career…
- Being a good listener means you’ll be better able to ascertain whether the job will be a good fit for you and the employer. If you’re truly attentive to what the employer’s needs and goals are, you’ll be better equipped to assess whether you would be what he or she is looking for or perhaps if you’re not, know another in your network that would be a better fit. And that will be something that will also open up better opportunities for you down the line if the current situation ends up not being what you’re looking for.
- When you listen carefully when you’re talking to someone, especially in an interview or networking situation, you’ll be more inclined to know if it’s someone you’d genuinely like to work with or for. Paying attention to what is being said means using your good listening skills as a valuable resource when it comes to figuring out who a person truly is. The more you listen, the more you’ll get insight as to whether or not you will mesh with a future co-worker or boss.
- Good listeners are remembered. You’re more likely to be recommended to other potential employers by those who have had a positive experience with having been intently listened to by you. It sets you up for better job opportunities within your networking circle, proving that being a good listener is a powerful personal brand to have.
Being a good listener is an invaluable tool to have when it comes to putting yourself out there in the employment networking world. It not only gives you a great advantage over others looking for work in the same field, but it also makes you a memorable candidate that is more likely to be recommended to others if that first interview doesn’t work out. Listening and being attentive isn’t something that’s listed on your resume, it’s something you show to others through being aware that most of us just want to be heard. And being heard can be that personal brand boost you need to put you at the top of the list as a potential future employee.
