SalesHQ

Sales Jobs >> Browse Articles >> Sales Interview Tips

Five Ways to Increase Your Hireability EQ

You may have done all your research. You may have the best experience. You may be prepared for every question thrown at you. None of that will matter if you fail the personality test that happens in every interview.

This is not a “test” like the SATs. It is given over the course of an interview as your personal demeanor or “EQ” is assessed while you answer direct questions.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to deal effectively with other people and their feelings as well as your own. In job hunting, a high EQ can produce a successful interview and ultimately a job offer. Unlike your intelligence quotient (IQ), which is genetically predetermined, you can increase your EQ through awareness. And EQ may be as much a predictor of success (if not a better one) than your IQ, especially in job hunting, where personal interaction plays an important role.

According to an interview published in Selling Power magazine, noted EQ researcher Rob Scher points to five elements of EQ particularly applicable to interviewing.