Interviewing Tips From A Recruiter
As a recruiter, I listen to a lot of people; employers, job-hunters, HR professionals, etc. Speaking articulately and eloquently during an interview is a skill, one that should be top of mind and PRACTICED on a regular basis.
Have you ever listened to a person speak; one that you feel is smart, knows how to speak well, how to be around people, only to find that every other word they say is be, um, like, kind, and, that, almost, seemed, slightly, almost, perhaps, or may-be…
Can you imagine going to hear your favorite author speak about his new book. You have waited 4 months to hear him speak. His books are so eloquent, so well written that you just know his voice and words will just melt you. But then he speaks: His voice is just as great as you imagined, but then he really starts to talk. And every other word from him is a “filler.” It gets to the point that you start counting the “ums, ands, likes” and you start to lose interest in what he has to say. You find you don’t believe him as much anymore, that he is not as fluid as you wanted or expected him to be.
Can this habit be changed? Of course it can. Does it need to change? Yes, it does. Why? When speaking with others your goal is to always speak with meaning, purpose or direction. When a filler word is used your credibility is shot down.
How do you change it.? PRACTICE. Practice in front of a mirror, practice on your tape recorder (if you have one of those), practice on your notes app.
Think before you speak,
Know what you want to say,
Know the message you are trying to convey.
Is this easy? Not at all. In fact, most people don’t even know they are doing it unless someone points it out to them.
Will it happen on occasion? Yes, especially when you are nervous or not confident about what you are speaking about. How do you stop it? PRACTICE.
Ask a few people that you work with, live with, and even a few people you might network with. Ask for their honest opinion. If you find you are one of the millions who use filler words, PRACTICE.
Like any habit, once you practice it, and make it a priority, you will soon find that you don’t need “filler” words to be heard, but just your voice and intelligence will suffice.