The Power of the Pause - Listen Your Way to Interview Success

We’ve all been there – the nervous chatter, the urge to fill every silence, the desire to showcase every single skill we possess in an interview. But here’s a secret weapon that often gets overlooked: listening.

Think of an interview as a two-way conversation, not a monologue. Your interviewer isn’t just waiting for you to reel off your resume; they’re trying to understand if you’re a good fit for the team and the role. And how can they assess that if you’re doing all the talking?

Here’s how to flip the script and let your listening skills shine:

  • Embrace the Pause: After the interviewer asks a question, resist the immediate urge to jump in. Take a deliberate breath. This gives you time to process the question fully and formulate a thoughtful, concise answer. It also signals to the interviewer that you’re considering their words carefully.
  • Listen Actively, Not Just Passively: This means more than just hearing the words. Pay attention to the interviewer’s tone, body language, and the nuances of their questions. Are they emphasising a particular aspect of the role? Do they seem particularly interested in a specific experience? Use these cues to tailor your response.
  • Seek Clarification: If you’re unsure about any part of the question, don’t guess. A quick, “Could you please elaborate on what you mean by X?” shows engagement and a desire to understand, rather than making assumptions.
  • Mirror and Summarise: Occasionally, briefly summarise what the interviewer has said before launching into your answer. For example, “So, if I understand correctly, you’re looking for someone with experience in Y and Z…” This confirms your understanding and gives the interviewer a chance to clarify if needed.
  • Keep Your Answers Concise: Once you’ve listened carefully and understood the question, aim for focused and relevant answers. Rambling can make it seem like you’re not sure what’s important or that you’re not respecting the interviewer’s time.
  • Listen to the Follow-Up: The interviewer’s follow-up questions are often the most insightful. They reveal what they’re truly interested in. Listen intently to these and address them directly.

The Takeaway:

Interview success isn’t about saying the most; it’s about saying the right things. And you can only say the right things if you truly listen to what’s being asked. By prioritising active listening, you’ll not only provide more relevant and impactful answers but also demonstrate valuable communication skills that every employer seeks.

So, next time you’re in an interview, remember the power of the pause – it might just be the key to landing your dream job.

About TRBtalent FM

TRBtalent are specialist recruiters with hands-on experience within the FM sector. We recruit technical and non-technical positions at all levels within the sector. We support FM companies, In-house teams and Subcontractors to find the skilled talent they are looking for. With our dedicated proactive search and selection on all assignments, we find top performers across the UK. 

All placements come with our 12-month Rebate and Replacement Policy as standard on all roles filled.  To find out more, call 01622 934 954, fill out our online form, or contact Jeremy Barwick directly at [email protected]

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Exclusive 12-Month Rebate and Replacement Policy
 
  • At TRBtalent, we are committed to finding the best candidates for your organisation, ensuring they are a long-term fit.
  • To give you peace of mind, we offer all our clients an exclusive 12-month rebate and replacement policy. This guarantee allows you to recruit confidently, knowing that if the placement doesn’t work out, we have you covered.
Competitive Fees and Flexible Payment Plans
 
  • We understand the importance of managing recruitment costs effectively.
  • Our highly competitive fees start at just 12%, allowing your recruitment budget to go further.
  • We offer a monthly payment plan for clients who prefer to spread the fees over time, providing flexibility to meet your financial planning needs.
By combining our  comprehensive recruitment process with these client-centric policies, TRBtalent ensures you receive exceptional value and security in your hiring decisions.

finding your ideal candidate
our 5-step process

Step 1: Understanding Your Organisation’s DNA
We start by understanding your organisation’s DNA, business offerings, and culture allowing us to identify candidates who will not only fit in but will also contribute positively and stay long-term.
 
Step 2: Crafting a Compelling Job Advert
We create job adverts that do more than just list duties; they highlight your employer brand, organisational culture, and future prospects. This approach attracts candidates genuinely interested in your company and the job.
 
Step 3: Maximising Candidate Reach
We employ a dual strategy to reach the best candidates:
Proactive Candidate Search (63% of successful placements): Utilising advanced AI software across multiple online databases and our own TRBtalentpool© maximises the number of suitable candidates that are aware of your role.
Job Marketing (37% of successful placements): We market your job on various platforms including general job boards, geographically specific sites, industry-specific sites, social networks, and membership sites to attract a wide range of candidates.
Step 4: Conducting Thorough Interviews
No CV is submitted without a thorough vetting process. Each candidate undergoes a meticulously crafted interview to assess their suitability for your role. This rigorous screening ensures that only the best candidates are presented to you.
 
Step 5: Managing the Job Offer Process
We handle the job offer stage with great care to minimise risks such as counteroffers and offer rejections. By staying on top of all potential issues, we maximise the chances of offer acceptance.
 
Commitment to Outstanding Communication
Aligned with our customer-centric philosophy, we maintain a robust candidate and client communication strategy. We keep all candidates informed about their status at appropriate times throughout the recruitment process, ensuring a positive experience regardless of the outcome.  Our clients receive the same level of engagement.
By following these steps, we ensure that you find candidates who not only meet your requirements but also align with your company’s values and culture, leading to long-term success and satisfaction for both parties.

TRBtalent: Confidence in Recruitment

Exclusive 12-Month Rebate and Replacement Policy
 
  • At TRBtalent, we are committed to finding the best candidates for your organisation, ensuring they are a long-term fit.
  • To give you peace of mind, we offer an exclusive 12-month rebate and replacement policy for all our clients.
  • This guarantee allows you to recruit with confidence, knowing that if the placement doesn’t work out, we have you covered.
Competitive Fees and Flexible Payment Plans
 
  • We understand the importance of managing recruitment costs effectively.
  • Our highly competitive fees start at just 12.5%, allowing your recruitment budget to go further.
  • We offer a monthly payment plan for clients who prefer to spread the fees over time, providing flexibility to meet your financial planning needs.
By combining our  comprehensive recruitment process with these client-centric policies, TRBtalent ensures you receive exceptional value and security in your hiring decisions.
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