Taking Notes Instead of Listening

The best information comes from the follow-up: the “tell me more” after a vague answer. While you’re writing, the vague answer goes by unnoticed.

Whatever you didn’t ask is gone for good. No note, however complete, can hold an answer the candidate never gave.

People notice when you’re typing instead of listening. The conversation gets shorter and more guarded.

You take detailed notes because you know you’ll need them later. Nobody else is keeping a record of the call, so it falls to you.

But attention is limited. While you’re writing one answer down, the candidate has moved on to the next, and the moment to ask “what do you mean by that?” has passed.

So the notes come out thorough and the conversation comes out thin. You have everything the candidate said, and nothing they would have said if you’d asked.

You’re the only record of the call, so you can’t fully be in it.

• You realize after the call what you should have asked.
• You ask people to repeat themselves so you can write it down.
• Your notes are long, but your follow-up questions are few.
• On video calls you’re looking at your notes more than at the person.

• No plan for the call. Without a set of questions, writing becomes the only structure.
• You’re screening and selling at once. Pitching the role and assessing the candidate on the same call splits your attention.