Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is a term with increasing importance for hiring managers. It refers to a person’s ability to control their own emotions; and to sense, understand and react to the emotions of others. As a key factor in successful relationships, emotional intelligence is a vital skill for the workplace. At CareerWise, we are experts in smoothing the recruitment process, and helping recruiters assess the emotional intelligence of potential employees. Here are our ten tips for hiring managers looking to recruit an emotionally intelligent team.
Emotional intelligence is defined as a person’s ability to read and understand the emotions of the people around them, as well as their own.
A recent survey found that 71% of employers valued emotional intelligence (EQ) over IQ, while 61% of employers are more likely to promote workers with high EQ over those with high IQ (see http://press.careerbuilder.com/2011-08-18-Seventy-One-Percent-of-Employers-Say-They-Value-Emotional-Intelligence-Over-IQ-According-to-CareerBuilder-Survey ) So why is this skill so important in the workplace? The employers surveyed stated they favoured those with high emotional intelligence because:
A team will always be stronger than an individual, no matter how brilliant. While you need employees to be confident in their own abilities, arrogance doesn’t translate well into a team context. An interviewee who gives credit where it is due to mentors and colleagues, and who is open to learning new skills, will likely be far more emotionally intelligent.
Someone who is able to recognise their own true weakness has spent time in self reflection. They have developed their critical thinking and have learnt to process criticism. The question “what is your greatest weakness?” might seem tired, but it can be a valuable tool for a hiring manager.
It can be hard to distinguish candidates when they all hold similar qualifications and experience. So take note of the candidate who starts to build a relationship with the company, perhaps through showing an interest in company culture; reflecting on a question they wish they had answered differently; or delivering a handwritten note after the interview. These will be the people swift to build successful working relationships too.
Notice the candidates who pause before answering your questions, even if the silence seems uncomfortable. They are the ones who think through their answers before replying, indicating high emotional intelligence.
A candidate who asks you thoughtful questions about the company and the role isn’t just going through the motions. They are demonstrating a depth of perception corresponding with a high EQ.
Finding out what they thought and felt in previous relevant situations can demonstrate whether they possess a good level of emotional intelligence.
This can be a clear indicator of someone’s ability to understand the viewpoints of others.
Here you are really interested in the way the mistake was dealt with, and whether the candidate has learnt from the experience.
By creating a stressful situation, you will force an emotional response from the candidate, and be able to assess their EQ.
Once again, this approach will reveal the candidate’s ability to negotiate complex relationships using their emotional intelligence.
Are You Looking For A Job In Ireland?
CareerWise is Ireland’s leading specialist recruitment firm, based in Cork, Shannon, Galway, Mayo and Dublin and we can help you to find your ideal new job in Ireland. We specialise in the Engineering, Supply Chain, Science/Pharma, IT and Accounting industries in Ireland, and we look forward to working with you. Contact us online now or call us on +353 (0) 21 206 1900 to arrange a consultation.
Mike Morrissey has extensive knowledge of production, quality and engineering, having worked for Dell, Creative Labs and Tyco Safety Products /Sensormatic.
His expansive operational experience is grounded with training as a Six Sigma Black Belt.
As a lead auditor, he is very familiar with compliance and quality standards and has project managed the implementation of the environmental standard ISO14001. He has successfully utilised his project management and team leading skills in implementing numerous cost-saving and process improvement projects.
Since joining CareerWise Recruitment, Mike has graduated with a Diploma in Personnel Management from UCC and is a Chartered member of the CIPD.
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Phone: +353 (0) 21 206 1900
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