Communication & Learning to be Concise

by Ben Lambert, Vice President

Let’s Get Back to Basics: Communication Skills

From our perspective as a retained executive search firm that identifies and interviews senior-level candidates every day, here are the key factors that go into our process of assessing talent and determining fit. The most essential, regardless of industry or area of expertise, are communications skills and expertise.

While effective communication skills alone may not win you the position we are handling, poor communications skills can certainly lose it for you. Tone, pace and body language all play a part, not to mention grammar and content. Know your audience and know what you want to say. Written materials are good to bring –not just a well-written resume, but articles, speeches, strategic plans—we review all.  Prepare well in advance.  Lack of preparation often leads to disjointed rambling, which can sink an interview. Learn to be concise.

Lastly, communications also means being an active listener. Listening is a crucial part of communication that is seldom given proper consideration.