Listen With Curiosity

Asking profound questions is the icing on the cake. Many employers believe that the questions an applicant asks can distinguish true leaders from aspiring ones. Great questions usually come from two sources: diligent research in advance, and active listening in the moment. The first task can and should be done by anyone who truly wants the job — combing the website and reading through archived materials. But the second task is a skill that can be practiced and learned. If an employer hears you connect the dots or build on ideas during an interview, that can sometimes be the nudge that puts you over the top toward the next hiring round.