Sure You Can Do the Job, But Will You Fit in With the Rest of the Team, Too?
For today’s employers, a “rock star” candidate is someone who can do the job and fit in with existing employees.
Much has been written lately about employers offering jobs to underqualified candidates who nonetheless have personalities that make them ideal for their existing teams. According to Lisa Caldas Kappesser, author and president of EQ Coaching Solutions, employers are more impressed with people who are emotionally intelligent – meaning they are self-aware, self-managing, socially aware and socially skilled – over people who are highly skilled technically but lack emotional intelligence.
Since the hiring process is expensive, it’s no surprise that employers are more willing to chances on trying to teach necessary skills to new hires who can get along well with coworkers than they are to take chances on people who are great technically but might not fit in with coworkers.
So, says Kappesser, employers are asking questions during interviews that are designed to help them determine candidates’ emotional intelligence (EQ for short).
In her book, The Smart New Way to Get Hired: Use Emotional Intelligence and Land the Right Job, Kappesser offers the following tips for job seekers to help them demonstrate their emotional intelligence during interviews:
- Focus on three main points. Pick three points or messages that should be highlighted throughout your overall interview performance. Plan how you will get these points across through your answers to interview questions.
- Research what the company needs and share how you meet those needs. Employers admire candidates who show genuine interest in their company by being knowledgeable.
- Know your brand. You distinguish yourself from others by branding yourself and showing what makes you unique or different. Ask yourself how you want others to think of you and remember you when you leave the interview.
- Create a good communication flow. Keep your answers short, clear and to the point. Let the interviewer ask for more detail about any information you share. When you don’t fully understand a question, ask for clarification. This shows good listening and communication skills.
- Smile and show a sense of humor. This helps create a positive connection with the interviewer which can give you the edge over other qualified candidates.
Knowing how to do a job well is great, but employers today are increasingly interested in hiring people who also know how to get along well with coworkers and really care about their companies and their future success.
Lisa Caldas Kappesser, is president of EQ Coaching Solutions, where she provides quality career and executive coaching services and educates organizations on the importance of emotional intelligence in career success. She has a M.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and is a certified career coach through The College of Executive Coaching. To schedule an interview with her or to request a copy of her book, contact Selena Dehne.
