The #1 Skill Hiring Managers Secretly Look For—And it’s Not on Your Resume

I have hired and interviewed tons of candidates. Some I couldn’t wait to close my Zoom on, and some we offered a job to on the spot.
What made the difference?

Of course, you have got to know your stuff.

But the true deal maker? The ones who stood out? They had something even more powerful: Emotional Intelligence (EQ).

During a recent job interview, one candidate completely impressed us with how composed and clear she was, especially when we threw some tough questions her way. You could see her pause, take a breath, and respond in a way that was thoughtful, honest, and super well-articulated—never defensive, never flustered. It was clear she knows how to regulate her emotions and stay grounded under pressure, which says a lot about how she'd handle real-life challenges on the job. On top of that, her communication skills were top-notch—clear, confident, and really easy to connect with. We left the interview thinking, “We need to hire her—now.”

While some candidates looked perfect on paper—impressive degrees, stacked resumes, all the right buzzwords—their interviews fell flat. Every single time we unanimously agreed to hire someone right away, it was because their communication skills, self-regulation, and motivation to learn blew us away.

3 Ways to Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence During a Job Interview

You know how to read the room.

Ever been in a meeting where someone completely misread the vibe? EQ helps you pick up on unspoken cues—so you know when to speak up, when to listen, and when to pivot.

During an interview, if you start to notice your interviewer's eyes drifting off-screen to their email, checking their phone, or just glazing over, ask yourself if you are rambling. Take a breath and determine if your answers could be more concise. Long-winded answers happen a lot when interviewers are nervous, but it’s a huge pet peeve of a busy executive.

Learn to provide concise answers full of value, and take in the cues when the conversation starts to go off track. If they lean in or smile, you’re on the right path. If they fidget or glance away, it’s your sign to pivot.

You handle feedback like a pro.

People with high EQ don’t crumble when given constructive criticism—they use it as a growth tool. Instead of getting defensive, they ask: How can I improve? That attitude? Game-changing.

During interviews, I always look for humble applicants. I want to hear about feedback they got and how they took that information to improve themselves. It’s a sign of an employee who can work well with others and continuously grow within their role.

Don’t be shy sharing about something you weren’t always good at. Share a quick story about a moment you messed up, how you received feedback, and what you did to fix it. And at the end of the interview, a great question to ask is, “Are there any concerns about me being a fit for this role?” Listen to the feedback and provide a solution that will ease their mind, even if it means committing to additional training over the next few weeks.

You build trust with leadership.

Want to be the person your manager actually trusts with big projects? EQ helps you understand their priorities, communicate clearly, and solve problems before they even become issues.

That’s how you become indispensable.

If possible, do your research about the company you’re interviewing with before you start chatting. Try to understand what their current challenges are: AI, employee turnover, a strong competitor, shifting consumer habits—you name it. 

Then during the interview, confirm your suspicions. Ask something along the lines of, “It looks like AI may be helping other companies outpace the industry right now. Are you finding that to be a challenge?” If they say yes, provide a solution or thought you’ve prepared. If they say no, respond with, “What challenges are you finding most difficult right now? I’d love to align my perspective with it should I move on to the next steps for this job.”

Bonus tip: After the interview, follow up with a thoughtful thank-you email. Reference part of the conversation where you connected or learned something new. It shows attentiveness and emotional intelligence—qualities that leave a lasting impression.

Emotional Intelligence Makes or Breaks Careers

Most people focus on hard skills. The smartest professionals? They master EQ.

EQ doesn’t just help you land the job—it helps you thrive in it. High EQ employees are better at navigating team dynamics, managing stress, and communicating during high-stakes moments.

Want to become the person everyone wants to work with? I break down EQ-backed career hacks every week in The Independence Lab Newsletter. Get the exact strategies I used to land my dream job & 5x my salary—straight to your inbox. Subscribe for free.