Emotional Intelligence may make or break your next job interview

When you first think "It's time for a new job!", a few things cross your mind first: resumes, cover letters, interview questions, and more. However, one small but significant detail you may miss but the one that can make or break your interview is your...??

emotions

How good are you at handling your emotions during the job search process? If you feel like you still have some work to do, this newsletter addition is for you!

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is like having a superpower in two parts. First, it's about being able to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions—basically, being the boss of your feelings. Second, it's about recognizing, understanding, and influencing the emotions of others—think of it as being a feelings whisperer.

Psychologist and science journalist Daniel Goleman dives deeper into this in his book, “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.” He describes it as a set of skills like self-motivation, empathy, social smarts in relationships, and impulse control.

It might sound like a lot, but don't worry! In a nutshell, emotional intelligence is about getting a grip on your own feelings and figuring out what makes other people tick. Simple, right?

Demonstrating Emotional Intelligence in an Interview

There’s no magic test to prove your EQ during an interview, but you can definitely show it off through your responses and interactions. Here’s how:

?? Actively Listen: To demonstrate EQ, start with active listening. This means really tuning in when the interviewer speaks instead of planning your next answer. Focus on their words and respond thoughtfully. Every word they say matters as much as your response.

?? Show Genuine Emotions: Interviewers want to see that you’re genuinely passionate about your work. Use questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want this job?” to show your enthusiasm and emotional availability.

?? Talk About Your Growth: No one loves discussing failures, especially in an interview, but showing you can learn from mistakes is a big EQ win. Embrace questions like “What’s your greatest weakness?” or “Tell me about a time you experienced failure.” Share what you learned and how you’ve improved.

?? Ask About Company Culture: The questions you ask can reveal a lot about you. Inquire about company culture and team dynamics to show that you care about the environment and the people you’ll be working with. It’s a great way to demonstrate your interest and EQ.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Find career opportunities that align with your skills and values at Antal.com .