When candidates respond to questions about their strengths as employees, they often list traits such as organized, attention to detail, and time management skills. I cannot think of a time when someone has responded with “I’m a great listener”. Perhaps this is because many people are not great listeners — which is no surprise considering that it is not uncommon to feel some kind of anxiety when we’re not actively clutching our smartphones.
Whatever the reason, active listening is a strength that is sure to benefit you in interviews or your current job. When you listen to and engage with what your colleagues are saying, it can help to spur your own ideas or solutions to a problem you’ve encountered in the workplace. When you focus on what the interviewer is saying, you can better understand it, and then ask those thoughtful and relevant questions that are expected at the end. This article further explains the importance of active listening and 5 steps to becoming a better listener.
Katy Davis
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