How can you demonstrate your listening skills in an interview?

1 Maintain eye contact

Eye contact is a simple but powerful way to convey your attention and interest. It shows the interviewer that you are focused on what they are saying and not distracted by your surroundings or your thoughts. However, avoid staring or looking too intense, as this can make the interviewer uncomfortable. Aim for a natural and relaxed eye contact that breaks occasionally to avoid awkwardness.

2 Use verbal and nonverbal cues

Another way to show your listening skills is to use verbal and nonverbal cues that indicate your understanding and engagement. For example, you can nod, smile, or lean forward slightly to show your agreement or enthusiasm. You can also use phrases like "I see", "That makes sense", or "That's interesting" to acknowledge the interviewer's points. These cues can also encourage the interviewer to continue or elaborate on their topic.

5 Provide relevant responses

Finally, one of the best ways to demonstrate your listening skills is to provide relevant and coherent responses to the interviewer's questions. When you answer, you should relate your response to what the interviewer said or asked, and provide specific examples or evidence to support your claims. You should also avoid interrupting, rambling, or going off-topic, as this can show a lack of respect or focus. Instead, aim for clear and concise answers that showcase your skills and fit.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?