God gave man two ears and one mouth so that he would listen more and speak less.

This old Jewish wisdom is especially relevant when it comes to conducting interviews. This advice applies to both sides - the candidate and the interviewer.

I'm not just talking about politely listening and not interrupting while the other person is speaking.
I'm talking about the importance of knowing HOW to listen and comprehend information, understanding what the person is trying to convey.

This is the best way to deeply understand the interviewer, catch their true motives, and assess how well they fit the role.
For candidates, this is a chance to demonstrate their engagement and better understand what the company expects.

Those who know how to listen always come out on top: they gather more information and can make more informed decisions.
So, how do you learn if you don't know how?

It's not that complicated:

Focus on the speaker: remove all distractions, whether it’s your smartphone or stray thoughts. Full attention is the foundation of effective listening.

Don't interrupt: let the person finish their thought before you ask questions or make comments.

Ask clarifying questions: this will help you understand the essence of what was said and show that you are truly interested.

Try to read between the lines: pay attention not only to the words but also to the tone, emotions, and pauses – they often carry as much information.

Summarize what you’ve heard: rephrase what was said in your own words to ensure you understood the meaning correctly.

It's all in our hands, or rather ears :)

Good luck!