What is active listening?

Question

Describe some active listening techniques you might employ
as an interviewer.

Answer 1

Active listening involves not only paying close attention to what the speaker is saying but also providing appropriate feedback to show that you understand and may have sympathy for what is being said. Because people do not always say what they mean to sayâ€"or what they think they are sayingâ€"active listening is critical to a productive interview. Active listening allows the interviewer to clarify and confirm the interviewee's statements throughout the interview.
One very effective active listening technique is for the interviewer to "reflect back" or "mirror" what the interviewee has already said. For example, after the interviewee has expressed her thoughts on a particular topic, you might say, "Let me see if I understand you correctly" and then summarize your impression of what she has said. If your interpretation is incorrect, the interviewee now has the opportunity to make you understand what she meant to say. This technique is useful for clarifying the person's statement. In addition, it reinforces the idea that you are listening carefully and are interested in what the interviewee has to say.
Active listening also enables the interviewer to put the person's statements into the context of the larger picture and facilitates smooth transitions between interview topics. For example, if a client gets upset during an interview, you can restate what she has told you in a way that makes the client feel that you support and identify with her. Then you might move into a discussion of a related topic that needs to be covered. The interviewer who engages in active listening can thus direct the flow of the interview according to the reactions and responses of the person being interviewed.