7 ways to
show emotional intelligence in a job interview
It’s
one of the top job skills of the future, but how do you convey something
intangible like EQ in a job interview?
Yes, having solid technical skills is important in landing a job,
but maybe not as important as you might think. In fact, in a recent survey of more than 2,600 hiring managers and human resource professionals,
71% stated they valued emotional intelligence in an employee over IQ. What’s more,
75% said they were more likely to promote a highly emotionally intelligent
worker; and 59% claimed they’d pass up a candidate with a high IQ but low
emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence is going to be even more relevant for job
hunting in the future too, the Future of Jobs Report from The World
Economic Forum ranked emotional intelligence in the top 10 job skills required
for 2020. Since more companies are paying attention to hiring people with high
emotional intelligence, if you’re looking for a job it’s an important skill to
demonstrate in your interview.
Here are 7 ways that to demonstrate emotional intelligence in a
job interview.
1. ACTIVELY LISTEN
Instead of focusing on a response to the question being asked,
give all your attention on the question itself. Don’t give in to the urge that
you have to answer the question immediately. Interviewers are looking for a
thoughtful response, instead of an immediate one that indicates that you are
giving them an answer that you have rehearsed. Repeat the question back in your
own words to make sure that you understand it the way that it was intended. If
you are not sure if you are answering the question ask the person asking it.
2. SHOW EMOTIONS
Many interviewees, due to nervousness, can came come across as
wooden and tightly controlled. It’s not only okay to show some emotion, but the
right emotions will form a connection between the interviewer and you. Smiling,
as long as it doesn’t appear forced or inauthentic, is always good. Showing
enthusiasm and some excitement is also good if it is real. The caveat is not to
force any emotions. If the interviewers get a whiff that you are coming across
as someone other than yourself, it will cause them to mistrust you and decrease
your chances of getting the job.
3. SHARE THE CREDIT FOR YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS?
Take a cue from professional athletes when they are interviewed
after a win or achievement. They always credit their team mates, their team,
rather than taking personal accolades. When asked about a project that you are
proud of, or that was successful, be sure to share credit with the team, unit,
and others who were involved in the project. Make it clear that you are proud
to be a member of the group that was involved in the success. This gives more
credibility to you being a team player, than if you simply claim that you are,
which everyone does.
4. SHARE HOW YOU ARE TRYING TO IMPROVE YOURSELF
The typical advice for answering a question about your weakness is
to frame it as something that is actually a strength. For example, claiming to
be a perfectionist, or becoming too involved in your job, which can be seem as
strengths by an employer. These answers do not cut it any more, as interviewers
are looking for something more substantial. When disclosing a weakness be sure
to indicate what you are actively doing to work on it and give examples of
making progress. Interviewers know that we all have weaknesses and suspect that
we may try to hide those in the interview. As long as your weaknesses do not
raise any red flags, being honest, open and genuine will help gain their trust
and respect.
5. DON’T SHY AWAY FROM TALKING ABOUT CONFLICT
For the question about your strengths, rather than only focusing
on your qualifications or technical ability, talk about your ability to work
well with others in a teamwork setting. Your ability to adapt to change or
setbacks and work well with coworkers and customers is important to bring up. Instead
of simply mentioning these things, be prepared to come up with examples of when
you had to use those skills. Perhaps there was conflict within your unit or you
had to deal with an irate customer. Talk about how you used your soft skills to
effectively deal with these situations
6. SHOW THAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES
When the interviewer asks about a situation where things went off
the rails, the worst thing you can do is to blame others for the situation.
State what happened but avoid casting blame. Before answering this question, it
is okay to acknowledge some emotions through your expressions and body
language. It will send the message that the situation was real and not
something that you made up that was of no real consequence because you had to
answer the question. Let it be known that it was a difficult time and you
struggled if that was the case. What the interviewer wants to know is how you
reacted and if you did anything to improve the situation. If asked what your
part in it was, be prepared to accept your share of the responsibility but
speak in terms of what you would’ve done differently looking back on the
situation. Interviewers expect people to make mistakes, but want to know if you
are someone who learns from mistakes and took away the lesson.
7. ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT CULTURE AND VALUES
At the end of an interview we are typically asked if we have any
questions. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your emotional
intelligence. Ask questions around the culture, values of an organization and
what it takes for people to be successful in it. Bring up any positive
experiences with people in their organization or their customer you have had in
the past and your observations. It will show that you are not only interested
in a job but are looking to see how you will fit into the company. This
indicates to them that you are aware of yourself and the importance of matching
their needs with those of your own. They are also trying to assess this, and
your awareness will help them in deciding. If you are a fit, it will work in
your favor. If not, you are better off knowing at this point and spending your
time and energy looking elsewhere.
BY HARVEY DEUTSCHENDORF https://www.fastcompany.com/90214170/7-ways-to-show-emotional-intelligence-in-a-job-interview?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Fast%20Company%20Daily&position=6&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=08092018
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