Most people can agree that job interviews are nerve-wracking. Both the interviewer and the interviewee have problems that amount to a job interview. Interviewers should sift through all potential hires and find the right fit for the position, including making sure the candidate has emotional intelligence.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the table is a potential employee. They have to answer all sorts of questions and essentially sell themselves to the job. However, few would call it a fun activity. But for the one being interviewed, this article will be helpful.
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What is emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is “the ability to recognize, control, and express one’s emotions, and to conduct interpersonal relationships intelligently and with empathy.” Now, that sounded like a lot, but it’s really quite simple. This means that you need to use emotions when it comes to interviews.
Not only do you use emotions, but you also talk about being personal, friendly and human. If you don’t believe that emotional intelligence is what you need, here are some statistics for you.
2018 interview says 71% of 2,600 employers surveyed rank emotional intelligence above IQ. A few other statistics:
- 75% would promote someone who is emotionally intelligent.
- 59% would pass a candidate with a high IQ but low emotional intelligence.
What’s more, the respected World Economic Forum’s report on the future of jobs states that emotional intelligence is among the ten most important skills needed in 2020.
But here we are a few years later. We are still dealing with a pandemic and there are other issues in the world, from food to housing to energy. The point is, the world is at a dead end, and demonstrating emotional intelligence is what will help the planet, society, and the workforce.
So let’s look at four ways to be more emotionally intelligent in a job interview.
Active listening
When it comes to an interview, questions are the most important part. The company wants you to feel in order to understand who you are and if you are the right fit.
This is where active listening comes in. Active listening requires you to really pay attention to what they are saying. A good way to use this is when they ask a question, focus on the question, not the answer. You want to give them a thoughtful answer, not blurt something out. If anything, repeat the question yourself so that you understand it and can answer it correctly.
Show emotion
Unfortunately, many who go to interviews tend to be nervous. This can lead to people having short answers or a wooden personality. Honestly, the best thing you can do is be yourself and be polite. Show appropriate emotion, because that’s how you’re going to connect with the interviewer.
To be delighted with the work is great, especially if it is real. The interviewer will probably understand if you are being hypocritical. Let the interview come naturally. Like a conversation.
Talk about conflict
Now we are not talking about a full-scale war, but rather about what and how you solve problems. The interviewer loves to hear about your strengths and how you use them to overcome adversity. But what they also like is when you admit your weakness. Revealing what you can’t do is a great way to come to terms and admit that you can’t do it. Employers like to see this because it shows honesty.
But if you have a weakness, you also say that you are working to eliminate that weakness. As long as you are open about conflicts and weaknesses, everything will be positive in your future.
Ask about the company
This is usually good for ending the interview. You know when you ask any questions. This allows you to demonstrate your emotional intelligence. Here are some questions you can ask about the business.
- What are the company’s values?
- What is the work culture here?
- How to become successful in business?
There are many other questions, but they can help you figure out what you’re getting into. You can also talk about past experience with the company (if any). This will alert the employer that you are paying attention.
Conclusion
Demonstrating emotional intelligence is much easier when done rather than explained. All you have to do is be honest, open and sincere.
Showing these emotions tells employees that you are serious about this prospect and that you want to succeed in it.
