Listen more talk less

Just a thought... I noticed that some people find it easy to talk about other people's weaknesses rather than talk about themselves. Some find it hard to look for the right words to describe themselves during the interview.

We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen more talk less. Talking is easy, if you know what you're talking about. Often, an objective description of your personality is hard to acquire if you don't take your environment into consideration. When I say environment, I mean the people around you. Your friends, classmates, co-workers and of course your family. They can help you get a glimpse of your personality. Their comments are tantamount to establishing factual details of your persona that you might not be aware of at the moment. Efforts to get an objective opinion about yourself may prove futile if you fail to listen to these people.

Keep in mind that the interviewers doing your evaluation are most likely those with a degree in psychology. They study human behavior and assess if your attitude fits their qualifications of a desirable candidate for the position. From body language to consistencies in the way you address the questions being thrown at you, they are observing everything. Having said that, you don't want to come off as someone whose defensive nor cocky. If your the type of person who complains a lot and finds it difficult to accept constructive criticism, then I suggest that you re-evaluate yourself. If you know you're good but other people are getting ahead of you and you feel that you're better than those people who get accepted, think again. They may not have the best skills but it's their attitude that got them through.

So... what "desirable" qualities must an employee have?

Interviewers find it easier to communicate with someone who is enthusiastic about the job than with someone who is very tensed and uptight. A bubbly personality (take note: not perky) can work wonders during the application process. Would you rather work with someone who complains a lot or with someone who can lighten the mood during a very stressful situation? Confidence is always good, but this one's quite tricky. Remember that their is a thin line between confidence and overconfidence. If you're confident about your skills and you find it very easy to talk about yourself and casually manage to turn EVERY single discussion into something that relates to yourself, then that's not confidence, that's conceit. Not everything is about you, keep that in mind. Oftentimes, people find it annoying when others talk more about themselves and seem pretty uninterested with other people's stories or opinion. That's why listen more and talk less. You will always get your share of the limelight, don't be greedy. In order for you to effectively build rapport with others, listen to what they have to say and give feedback when necessary.

These are just some things that I think you should keep in mind when applying for a job or when relating to others.

Until my next blog, good luck!