How To Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence In A Job Interview

The landmark Hiring For Attitude study showed definitively that technical skills are not the only focus of an interview. Emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and those of the people around you, is one of the most important attributes that good employers are seeking.

As a candidate, showcasing your emotional intelligence can significantly set you apart from the crowd. But how do you convey these abstract qualities in the span of an interview? Let's delve into responses to common interview questions, highlighting the dos and don'ts with practical examples.

Demonstrating Self-Awareness and Accountability

Interviewers often probe your emotional intelligence by asking about a time you made a mistake. They’re not primarily interested in the error, but rather how you handled the situation. It's an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness, accountability, and your ability to learn and grow from failures.

You might get a question like, “Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work.” The temptation will be to only describe the mistake, but what interviewers are really after is what you did after the mistake. Let’s look at some ineffective (and effective) responses.

Ineffective Response: I was informed that a client report I created was incorrect. But it wasn't my fault because the instructions weren't clear, and I did it based on what a former colleague suggested. To avoid future blame, I've made sure to cover my tracks so that someone else’s mistake doesn't reflect poorly on me.

This response shifts blame, demonstrating an inability to take personal accountability. It reflects a defensive attitude and an external locus of control, where the individual sees themselves as a victim of circumstances.

Effective Response: Once, I made a hasty decision that caused a production halt. Initially, I felt overwhelmed and embarrassed, realizing a colleague could have quickly resolved the issue. This experience was humbling and insightful. I learned the importance of seeking assistance and not allowing stress to cloud my judgment. It was a growth opportunity in decision-making and emotional self-regulation.

Here, the candidate owns their mistake and expresses genuine reflection on their emotional journey. They share what the incident taught them, highlighting a positive, proactive attitude and a willingness to learn, which are key indicators of high emotional intelligence.

Handling Criticism with Grace

Your reaction to feedback, especially when it's tough, reveals a great deal about your emotional intelligence. Candidates who receive criticism positively illustrate emotional maturity and a commitment to personal and professional development. This is often tested with some version of the question, “Tell me about a time you received tough feedback from your boss.”

Ineffective Response: My boss criticized my behavior out of the blue. I found it unjust and confronted him, but he couldn't even provide concrete instances of the issue. We dropped it, but I insisted it be removed from my review. It was unfair and unfounded.

The defensive stance and confrontation with the boss show a lack of self-reflection and open-mindedness. This candidate resists feedback instead of seeing it as an opportunity for growth, indicating low emotional intelligence.

Effective Response: I once led a training session after extensive preparation, but my manager felt it was too detailed and not sufficiently high-level. I was surprised and admittedly disappointed. However, I recognized the value in his feedback. It taught me to better tailor my presentations to my audience's needs, and I've been mindful of this in subsequent sessions.

Despite the initial disappointment, the candidate shows openness to constructive criticism and a readiness to adapt based on feedback. They acknowledge their emotions but don't let these feelings hinder their professional development. This response reflects high emotional intelligence.

Additional Tips

Pause Before Responding: High emotional intelligence is often associated with thoughtfulness. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering a difficult question, as it shows that you're considerate and intentional with your responses.

Reflect on Your Interactions: Prepare for your interview by reflecting on past professional interactions, both positive and negative. Consider what you've learned from these experiences and how they've contributed to better workplace relationships and personal development.

Be Genuine: Authenticity is compelling. Be honest about your experiences and emotions, but always tie them back to your growth and learning. It shows resilience and a positive attitude in the face of challenges.

Showcasing emotional intelligence can be a game-changer in your interview. Smarts and experience are necessary, but so too is how well you manage yourself and relate to others. Remember that emotional intelligence is not merely a skill but an ongoing journey of learning, growth, and self-improvement.

Source; Forbes