You want to ace your CSR interview. How can you use emotional intelligence to impress your interviewer?

2 How to assess your EI level and improve it?

Before you apply for a CSR job, you should assess your own EI level and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can use online tools, such as the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), or ask for feedback from your colleagues, friends, or mentors. To improve your EI, you can practice mindfulness, which is the awareness of your present thoughts and feelings, and how they affect your actions and reactions. You can also seek opportunities to learn from diverse people and experiences, and reflect on how you can handle different scenarios more effectively.

4 How to prepare for EI-related questions in your interview?

During your interview, you will likely face some questions that aim to assess your EI level and how you apply it in various situations. You should prepare for these questions by reviewing the job description and researching the company's CSR goals, values, and challenges. You should also think of some examples from your past or present work or life that demonstrate your EI skills in action. You can use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and show how you used your EI to achieve positive outcomes.

5 How to use your EI during your interview?

In addition to providing answers, your Emotional Intelligence should be used during the interview process to build rapport and trust with the interviewer. Demonstrate enthusiasm and interest in the company and role, listen actively and attentively to what is being said, ask relevant and insightful questions that demonstrate your curiosity and understanding, express gratitude for the opportunity and the interviewer's time, and use positive body language and eye contact to convey confidence and sincerity. This will help create a positive impression with your interviewer.

6 How to follow up after your interview?

After your interview, you should send a thank-you note to your interviewer within 24 hours. You should restate your interest and enthusiasm for the role and the company, and mention one or two specific points that you discussed during the interview. You should also emphasize your EI skills and how they can benefit the company and its CSR objectives. You can also ask for feedback or clarification on any aspect of the interview or the role, and indicate your availability for further communication.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?