Listening Beats Selling: Why Job Seekers Need to Listen
I admit I sometimes do the same when I pitch our services to prospects. Deep listening isn’t easy; it demands presence, empathy, patience, and confidence.
Looking for a new job? Listen, if you want to be heard.
In Executive Search, my day revolves around interviewing candidates and deciding whether to present them to our clients. After each interview, I receive detailed feedback from those clients. A pattern has emerged: far too many candidates spend the entire conversation trying to sell themselves, forgetting the most essential skill—listening.
Why listening matters
Too often, candidates are more focused on selling themselves than on truly listening to the person sitting across from them—whether that’s me or my client. I probably do the same when pitching our services to prospects! 🙃
Deep listening isn’t easy. It takes presence, empathy, and patience. And yes, it also requires confidence. It means quieting our own thoughts so we can fully step into the other person’s world—meeting them where they are, seeing through their eyes.
The payoff
But here’s the thing: real listening creates connection. It says, “I’m here with you.” When we listen, we respond with nuance and insight. We adjust our approach based on what the other person truly needs. So here’s my advice to job seekers—and to myself. 😉
Forget about selling yourself for a moment. Focus instead on what truly matters to your interviewer. Do that, and you might just hear those magic words. “You’re hired!” 😊
