Since school days people have been trained to make notes, to study them and refer to them in their speech. It is the best way to acquire and retain critical information.
The word interview comes from Latin and Middle French, which means "to see between" or "to see each other." Generally, an interview means a private meeting between people when questions are asked and answered.
The person who answers the questions in an interview is called the interviewee. The person who asks the interview questions is called an interviewer. Both people, for the success of the interview, can take notes.
A meeting in order to get a glimpse of the other person or to get to know each other requires a tool that allows you to remember the smallest details of the conversation after it is over.
When you normally think of an interview, you imagine an environment in which an employer tries to classify an applicant for a job, but there are also interviews of journalists with important personalities in their area, etc.
Therefore, in any of the situations it is very important to pay attention, answer the questions correctly and for the interviewer to ask the right questions. For this to be accomplished, the use of note taking by both parties is helpful.
Reasons to take notes during an interview
On many occasions, note-taking allows you to be more detailed and meet all the goals proposed for the interview.
Each of the reasons why it is good to take notes during an interview will be discussed below.
1- It shows that attention is being paid, indicates that the words of the other person are considered so important, that they are worthy of writing or taking into account.
2- Important details about the job will not be forgotten. You don't make a good impression if you have to ask the potential boss the same questions repeatedly.
3- The follow-up itself will be more powerful when it refers to the discussion of the interview, thus avoiding falling into the same topics again.
4- The preparation of notes can be exaggerated, so when you decide to take, you should never stop establishing a personal connection, and look more at the sheet than at the person.
5- In some cases it may seem too detailed, so taking notes in moderation is the key.
6- If the notes are accompanied along with a previous investigation of the person or the company, the interview will flow more naturally, since there will be more trust between both parties.
7- They serve to look even more attentive, you can answer possible questions before the interview in the note sheets, and have them prepared so as not to be distracted.
8- Indicates respect and admiration for the person who is interviewing or who is interviewing.
9- It allows to realize lies or false truths, asking different questions for the same answer and with the notes checking the similarity of these.
10- Note taking helps to give the interview necessary pauses, since you cannot ask questions without stopping, giving the other person rest.
11- When notes are taken, others have the positive feeling that they are being actively listened to.
12- Taking notes gives you control and allows you to manage the interview effectively.
13- Taking notes develops a certain rhythm in the interview, since it establishes a certain structure and organization.
14- Create a feeling of pleasant empathy with the other person
15- In case of going to a job interview, the elaboration of notes helps to lose the nerves and to concentrate.
16- To see yourself as a person who knows what he does, demonstrates security, demonstrates competence. You know what you are doing.
17- With so much in mind, it is easy to forget something during an interview. By taking notes, this time as reminders, he makes sure to keep all the necessary information in mind.
18- At the end of the interview, the notes are a valuable tool for making decisions based on what has been discussed.
19- For the interviewer (s), taking notes makes the interviewee see that he must be careful with his words, and he will speak politely and explain his answers in the best possible way.
20- At the time of an itinerary question, preparing a note will help to remember the exact day or time for which it was questioned.
21- Taking notes will gain experience for a future interview, and it can be revision material to remember the questions that were asked.
22- To improve listening skills, taking notes is an excellent technique.
23- When asking the question: Do you mind if I take notes ?, it makes the interviewee feel more comfortable upon receiving permission and vice versa.
24- Writing can help reduce the large amount of material you will have available to the key concepts you will need to study later.
25- Taking your own notes allows concepts to be put into your own terms, making them easier for you to understand.
26- It is a way of showing that you are a person who does not allow important issues to be left out of your care.
References
- Peter, R. (2015). "12 basics of interviewing, listening and note-taking". Recovered from poynter.org.
- Veres, J. (2014). "Note Taking During Interviews." Recovered from blog.jobfully.com.
- WorkPlace Editor Team. (2016). "Is it ok to take notes to an interview." Recovered from workplace.stackexchange.com.
- Klappholz, A. (2010). "Taking Notes in the Job Interview." Recovered from theladders.com.
- Wroblewski, M. (2017). "How to Take Notes During an Employee Interview." Recovered from work.chron.com.
- Yard, M. (2011). "Would you take notes during an interview?" Recovered from work.chron.com.
- Mitten, L. (2006). "Taking notes at an interview." Recovered from ask.metafilter.com.