Walking into a job interview can feel like a performance. You want to highlight your best skills, of course, but you also want the interviewer to like you.
Likeability is actually a huge factor in hiring. When I’m considering a candidate (which I’ve done a lot over the past 10 years), I ask myself, “Would I want to spend a long layover in an airport with this person?”
So, you want to come across as confident and accomplished—but also genuine and excited. That can be a tough balance to strike in just 30 to 60 minutes.
But remember: The skills on your résumé got you the interview. Now, the meeting is about connecting with interviewers on a real, human level. That’s where emotional intelligence (EQ) comes in.
When you demonstrate high EQ in an interview, you show your potential employer that you’re not only skilled but also self-aware, empathetic, and adaptable.
Here’s a breakdown of 10 EQ-driven hacks to elevate your interview from standard to standout.
How to Show High EQ During Job Interviews
1. Arrive Early—But Not Too Early
Starting off strong is about more than being punctual. Show up 10–15 minutes early so you have time to breathe, settle in, and assess the office or virtual environment. This small step sets a calm, confident tone from the start.
Pro Tip: Don’t arrive too early—20 to 30 minutes beforehand can feel awkward if no one’s expecting you.
2. Use Their Name (Naturally!)
Names are personal. Using your interviewer’s name naturally during the conversation makes the interaction feel more authentic. Listen carefully when they introduce themselves, and sprinkle their name in occasionally to show you’re engaged.
3. Acknowledge the Company’s Challenges—Then Relate
Go beyond surface-level research. Look into recent projects, industry trends, or challenges the company is facing. Then, weave this into the conversation:
"I saw that [Company Name] is navigating [challenge] right now. Here’s how I think I could help."
Backing this up with a relevant story—whether from a past job, a volunteer role, or a freelance project—shows you understand their needs and how you can contribute.
4. Share a Time You Needed Help—And How You Sought It
One of the biggest things I look for in a new hire? Humility.
Don’t hesitate to share a story about when you needed guidance and how you sought it out. Emphasizing your self-awareness and willingness to learn shows that you’re coachable—a quality every great team values.
5. Give Specific, Genuine Compliments on Their Work
People want to work with people who are excited to be there. Before your interview, research what draws you to this company.
- Is it their commitment to sustainability?
- Their marketing strategy?
- A recent product launch?
Highlighting specifics about their work isn’t just flattery—it’s proof that you respect what they do and want to be part of it.
6. Show Your Process—Not Just the End Result
Great interviewers will ask about relevant scenarios from your past roles. When you answer, provide enough detail to:
- Show you know what you’re talking about
- Prove your impact on the outcome
- Keep it concise (no rambling!)
Walk them through your approach, teamwork, and how you adapted to roadblocks. This allows the interviewer to see your problem-solving and collaboration skills in action.
7. Acknowledge the Skills You’re Working On
This goes back to humility—no one is perfect. Instead of brushing over areas for improvement, own them:
"I’m working on improving my project management skills, so I’ve been diving into [specific tool or method] to streamline my workflow."
This shows you’re self-aware and proactive—two traits hiring managers love.
8. Smile and Nod—Even Virtually
Nonverbal cues matter. Smiling, nodding, and maintaining eye contact help create a positive, engaging interaction.
If you’re interviewing virtually, these cues are even more crucial since body language is limited.
9. Use “We” Language to Highlight Teamwork
When discussing past achievements, shift from an I-only mindset to a we approach whenever possible.
Instead of: “I led a project that increased sales by 20%.”
Try: “Our team developed a strategy that increased sales by 20%, and my role was [specific contribution].”
This small language shift signals that you’re a team player who shares success.
10. Ask Thoughtful Questions That Show Empathy
Wrap up your interview with questions that show you’re thinking beyond yourself:
- “How does the team stay connected and motivated?”
- “What’s something new hires often struggle with, and how do you support them?”
These types of questions reveal a collaborative mindset and show that you genuinely care about fitting into their culture.
Bonus Tip: Ask 3–5 well-thought-out questions—but pay attention to the interviewer’s cues. If they seem pressed for time, be mindful and wrap it up.
Seal the Deal with Emotional Intelligence
By adding these EQ-driven hacks to your next interview, you’re doing more than proving you’re qualified—you’re showing that you’re a thoughtful, adaptable team player who will elevate the work culture.
Remember, EQ isn’t about putting on a show. It’s about being the kind of person people want to work with.
Get the exact strategies I used to land my dream job & 5x my salary—straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.
.png?width=195&height=70&name=image%20(58).png "image (58)")
