4 Steps to Actively Engage With Hiring Managers

4 Steps to Actively Engage With Hiring Managers

Face-to-face interviews can be daunting. It's this strange super uncoordinated dance: trying to take notes while making constant eye contact but at the same time avoid being off-putting is a lot to do simultaneously. Here are some easy tips to remember to show someone you’re actively listening to him, her, or an entire panel of people.

Take Notes & Make Notes

You should take notes during an interview. Practice writing down key words only, so you can focus on the speaker. If you find yourself looking at your paper, your head has been down too long. Also, narrow down what you’re taking notes on. Company-focused information, personal information, and information on next steps are important things to take notes on. Information regarding your background, mundane small talk, or company specs you already know doesn’t need to be recorded.

While you took some time to learn about the company’s industry as well and be prepared to talk about the space as a whole, asking questions in an interview can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your interest and experience in the industry. The bonus is that you come prepared with questions and you write down their responses near the notes.

Use The Notes To Ask Questions

Having prepared questions for an interview is a must. But don’t forget to ask in the moment follow-up questions as well. Anything new or interesting you learn about the company should spark another question delving into more details. By asking questions about topics at hand, you’ll show that you are actively listening, understanding, and expand the concept.

This is a great opportunity to showcase how you would be additive in a team dynamic: don’t be afraid to brainstorm with the hiring manager as part of your follow-up questions.

More Than Meets The Eye

Staring at someone during an interview is off-putting. While paying attention is key, people communicate with their body language as well as their face.Actively listening to someone means you’re paying attention to all the different methods someone can convey an idea. Keep your focus on the person as a whole, and you’ll avoid getting locked in awkward eye contact for the entire interview.

Actively Listen

How many times have you said something, and then someone reacts five minutes later to your information saying, “wait, what?” If you’re spending too much time trying to prep for the next question you want to ask, you’re going to miss the appropriate reaction time. Bear in mind that your interviewer is also looking at you. If they don’t see facial reactions that match their statements, they’ll know you’re not fully listening. Trust your interview preparation and let your attention be fully on the discussion to avoid the “wait, what?” feeling in an interview.

Conclusion

Your interview is going to go quickly. It's important that you make the most of this interview. An interview is the only time during the hiring process when you and your hiring managers and peers can form a mutual relationship based on observation and communication, so be effective and bring substance to the limited time you have together.

---

For more Career Advice, reach out to us at www.igraduatenextmonth.com

As a member of IGNM recruiting team, I focus on helping recent graduates find opportunity. IGNM focuses on educating candidates in career search best practices and guiding them to find the best fit career opportunities.