Emotional Intelligence in Job Interviews: What Really Matters

So, you’ve got the technical chops for the role—that’s fantastic. But being good at what you do is just the start. Interviewers are on the lookout for something more, something that gives them confidence you’ll fit in with the team and handle the ups and downs. That’s where emotional intelligence, or EQ, comes into play.

This isn’t just another buzzword. In professional office environments—whether that’s finance, financial services, insurance, risk & compliance, legal, consulting, or administrative roles—your EQ can be the difference between getting a polite rejection email and getting the offer. So, let’s dive into what emotional intelligence really means for your interview and how to let it shine.

Why EQ Matters in an Interview

In a nutshell, EQ is your ability to manage your own emotions and understand the emotions of others. People who can handle pressure, build genuine connections, assess individual’s response to your communication and actions and adapt to changing situations tend to make a strong impression. Office-based jobs can be intense, and employers want to know you’ll thrive, even when things get tricky. Showcasing your EQ can set you apart from candidates who only focus on the technical side.

Self-Awareness: Start with Knowing Yourself

One of the easiest ways to show EQ is by being self-aware. A self-aware candidate knows their strengths and their limits and isn’t afraid to admit to a learning curve. When asked about past experiences, don’t just talk about what happened. Share what you learned about yourself. Maybe it’s a story about when you missed a deadline or handled a difficult client, and, instead of deflecting, you talk about how it made you a better communicator or improved your time management.

Tip: Prepare a story where you learned something valuable, even if it was a bit of a faceplant moment. Show you can laugh at yourself, learn, and grow—that’s what people want to hear.

Handling Pressure Without Melting Down

Professional office roles can be pressure cookers. The interviewer’s going to be thinking, “Will this person stay cool when things heat up?” Think of a time when you had a heavy workload or a last-minute change that threw things off. How did you handle it? Were you able to adapt, ask for help if needed, and prioritise?

Tip: When you get questions about how you handle pressure, don’t just say, “I’m good under pressure.” Give an example of a real situation. Paint a picture of how you tackled a difficult moment—show that you’re proactive about managing stress, not just winging it.

Building Genuine Connections

People skills are a massive part of EQ. Office roles are often relationship-driven, whether you’re working with clients, colleagues, or other stakeholders. A great way to demonstrate EQ is to focus on listening actively, showing empathy, and asking thoughtful questions that show you’re curious about the role and the team.

Tip: During the interview, listen as much as you speak. If the interviewer talks about the team or clients, ask about how those relationships play out. This shows you’re already thinking about how you’d fit in with the people side of the job.

Adaptability: The Ability to Roll with Change

Let’s be honest—professional office roles come with their fair share of change. Regulations shift, client needs evolve, and sometimes projects take unexpected turns. Being able to adjust and keep a positive outlook shows that you’re not easily thrown off by change.

Tip: Have an example ready about a time you had to adapt quickly to a new situation or change your approach on the fly. Talk about what went through your head and how you handled it. This shows you’re flexible and can keep your cool.

Taking Feedback Like a Pro

Nobody’s perfect, and part of having strong EQ is knowing that and being open to learning. Receiving feedback is a biggie in office environments. In an interview, show that you’re willing to take feedback on board, even if it stings a little.

Tip: If you’ve got a story about a time you got some tough feedback and used it to improve, share it. Be honest about how it felt but focus on how it helped you grow. It shows you’re serious about getting better, not just getting by.

Wrapping It Up: Practise Your EQ with Mock Interviews

Think of interviews as practice runs. Try doing a couple of mock interviews, especially with someone who can give you feedback on how you come across. This helps you fine-tune your answers and make sure your EQ is coming through naturally.

Final Thought: An interview isn’t a one-way street. It’s not just about showing your skills but also about building a connection. The more authentic you are and the more you focus on making a genuine connection, the more your EQ will shine through.

Find out more about Tyler Wren’s:

• Public Practice Recruitment (NZ)
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• Legal Recruitment (NZ)
• Legal Recruitment (AU)
• Risk and Compliance Recruitment (NZ)
• General Insurance Recruitment (NZ)
• Wealth Management Recruitment (NZ)
• Life & Health Recruitment (NZ)
• Banking and Finance Recruitment (NZ)

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