What do you do if your technical sales interview requires active listening skills?

One thing I have learnt through my experience is when asking the interviewer the questions repeatedly. Don’t rush to answer immediately when you don’t understand the question or you need to gather your thoughts before answering the questions. How you speak shows that your body language and your interviewer may pick up from the way you speak on how you understand and value another person’s input.

Understand Basics Grasp the concept of active listening, which involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and then remembering what is being said. Personal Experience: I realized that by focusing not just on the words but the intent behind the questions, I could tailor my responses more effectively and show a deeper understanding of the topics discussed.

An example would be when a speaker asks a question ensure that you look at their eyes and their mouth as they speak to fully digest their question or a scenario question. Always asked for a repeat of the questions asked if you don’t understand.

Show Engagement Use non-verbal cues such as nodding, maintaining eye contact, and leaning slightly forward to show that you are fully engaged. Personal Experience: Such non-verbal cues not only helped me stay focused during conversations but also positively influenced the interviewer's perception of my interest and engagement

Clarify Doubts Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you don't fully understand a question. It’s better to ask for more information than to answer inappropriately. Personal Experience: Whenever I asked for clarification, interviewers appreciated my desire to provide thoughtful and accurate responses, which often led to more in-depth and meaningful discussions.

Provide Feedback Summarize and reflect back what you've heard to ensure you've understood correctly and to show that you value the information shared. Personal Experience: This practice not only confirmed my understanding but also gave me an opportunity to align my responses with the interviewer's expectations.

One thing I found helpful is to send a follow up email thanking the interviewers for the opportunity. It shows that you valued the interviewer opportunity.

Follow Up After the interview, send a thank-you email summarizing key points discussed and how you look forward to contributing to the team. Personal Experience: This not only served as a polite gesture but also reinforced my active listening skills and genuine interest in the position.

One thing I have found helpful is having sticky notes to write your practice notes. When you receive that you are shortlisted for interview. Write your notes on the sticky notes and start practicing them either when you ready to sleep or awake. Do not remember or speak word for word your notes but grasp the idea. Also, ask other experienced people and research on the internet basic questions asked during interviews.