How are your listening skills? Listening may seem like an easy skill to have, but it takes a lot to practice in reality. Hearing what someone is saying is a lot different than earnestly listening.

If you're looking for a job, listening is especially a critical job search skill to have. It helps you zero in on the hiring manager and absorb what they want in a candidate. And it'll help you read between the lines and show the company you're serious about the position.

To improve your listening skills, read on to perfect this vital skill set!

1. Maintain Eye Contact

To show a hiring manager you're listening, maintain eye contact. It's a simple communication trick that tells them that you're comprehending what they're telling you. And even if you, ahem, doze off for a minute, your eye contact will make it seem like you were listening.

2. Ask Questions

Responding to your interviewer by asking questions shows them you're listening.

When they finish elaborating on the position, speak up. Asking questions will show them that you're interested in learning more!

For example, if you’re a doctor, you could ask what about the hospital makes it the ideal place to work. And, you can inquire what your day-to-date activities would look like (besides seeing patients, that is).

3. Don't Interrupt

Not only is it rude to interrupt someone who is speaking, but it conveys you're not listening.

The next time you have a question, wait until they pause before asking it. Otherwise, it can come across as if you weren't listening to a thing they were saying.

If you're trying to impress an interviewer, the worst thing you can do is interrupt.

Besides interrupting, you also don't want to come across as a know it all. Don't suggest solutions unless it'll benefit you during the interview.

For example, if the hiring manager asks for your opinion, it would make sense for you to offer one. You may have workforce information and solutions that'll improve a company. In that case, expressing yourself is a positive thing. It’ll show the company you care about and have ideas on how they can improve their business.

4. Summarize What They Explained to You

Summarizing what's communicated to you is another way to show you're listening.

For example, an interviewer may explain what skills they're looking for in a candidate. If they should say that, paraphrase their thoughts back to them.

Say something like, "So you're looking for someone with strong communication skills. I took several classes that taught me how best to communicate with clients."

Letting them know that you heard what they were saying through paraphrasing is an excellent way to win the job.

5. Have a Soft, Open Posture

Did you know your posture says a lot about your listening skills?

The next time you speak to a person, observe how you're sitting or standing.

If your posture is soft and open, then that shows you're listening carefully. In contrast, if you're folding your arms and pursing your lips, you're coming off as disinterested.

To ensure you have an open posture for your next interview:

Pay attention to how you sit or stand.
Keep your body loose, but not too much to where you look lazy.
Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and lean forward.

All these actions will show that you're intently listening.

Conclusion

Now that you have plenty of listening skills in your toolbox, your interviews should go well. Of course, there's always room for improvement.

To continue to perfect your skills, practice with a friend. They'll be able to provide feedback on how you look and whether they feel you’re listening to them talk.

The more in tune you are with the speaker, the more you'll convey your interest. Be an attentive listener, and you'll no doubt have your dream job in the bag!