Why is emotional intelligence a crucial skill in the recruitment process?
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Why is emotional intelligence a crucial skill in the recruitment process?

At a time when Artificial Intelligence has made technical skills a fundamental requirement in the search and selection process, the focus on emotional intelligence has created the conditions for a change of course and a parallel path.

According to The Future of Jobs report by the World Economic Forum, emotional intelligence will be one of the most sought-after skills in 2020, as well as one of the most valued.

Ranked among the soft skills of candidates, emotional intelligence (EQ) is considered a key added value and can make the difference when it comes to recruiting, but why?

What is emotional intelligence?

The concept was first introduced in the 1990s and became established with the publication of Daniel Goleman’s book Emotional Intelligence.

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to perceive, recognise, evaluate and manage one’s own emotions and those of others. It does not only concern emotions as such, but also encompasses aspects relating to the personal sphere (self-awareness, motivation) and the intersubjective sphere (interpersonal and empathic skills).

EQ is the added value that marks the difference between man and machine (robot): this topic, along with the possibility of machines being able to perceive and simulate human emotions, is at the heart of the debate on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The role of emotional intelligence in the recruitment process

Among the countless benefits derived from its application in the HR field, Artificial Intelligence has called for the enhancement of more human aspects to foster connection between people not only on a technological level but also, and above all, on an emotional and interpersonal level.

emotional intelligence collaboration

In the search and selection process, with equal merit for technical skills, recruiters and HR teams make emotional intelligence a decisive skill that can guide the hiring process towards the final hire.

According to the World Economic Form report, EQ is one of the most in-demand skills for the next few years where there will be, in principle, a need to train and re-train:

By 2022, no less than 54% of all employees will require significant re- and upskilling […] Proficiency in new technologies is only one part of the 2022 skills equation, however, as ‘human’ skills such as creativity, originality and initiative, critical thinking, persuasion and negotiation will likewise retain or increase their value, as will attention to detail, resilience, flexibility and complex problem-solving. Emotional intelligence, leadership and social influence as well as service orientation also see an outsized increase in demand relative to their current prominence.

In this sense, it is essential to take into account the benefits that EI can bring after recruitment and entry into the company.

The importance of emotional intelligence for human resources

EQ is not innate: it is possible to educate a company’s employees to practice Emotional Intelligence because it is not only practical skills that count in order to do one’s job, but also the ability to adapt to changes (new company roles, new skills and performance).

But to what extent can the emotional intelligence of candidates become an added value for the benefit of their company?

  • The use of questionnaires during the recruiting process makes it possible to capture soft skills and aspects of candidates’ personalities that are indicators of emotional intelligence. Recognition of specific skills and attitudes allows predictive analysis of the future employee’s performance in the workplace.
  • EI shapes the behaviour of the individual and influences interpersonal relationships. In this sense, the predisposition to recognise, manage and value emotions favours collaboration within the work team. An increased open-mindedness associated with EQ also leads to a decrease in conflicts between employees or, at least, to a better ability to manage them.
  • The practice of EQ is a prerequisite in all departments of a company, but there are some professionals who, in order to do their job properly, need to build stable and transparent relationships with others. It is important to be able to listen to customers, to create an empathic relationship with them, real, honest and authentic, based on mutual trust. This will bring benefits, on a quantitative level, on company productivity and, on a qualitative level, on employee engagement and personal satisfaction.
  • The development of emotional intelligence has a positive impact on the company’s business: it helps increase the productivity and efficiency of its employees.