21 EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ) Interview
Questions & Answers

About Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Interview Questions and How to Answer Them!

Emotional Intelligence interview questions are being used more and more by Hiring Managers because they enable them to quickly find out more about a candidates true personality and values.

Emotional intelligence is your ability to manage your emotions whilst dealing with situations you are likely to face on a daily basis. Situations such as overcoming difficult challenges, responding to feedback, communicating effectively, and defusing conflict with other people are all examples when you would need to utilize effective emotional intelligence skills.

With Emotional Intelligence interview questions, there are no defined right or wrong answers. However, your answers will have a significant impact on whether or not the hiring manager takes you on in the role. The following tips will give you some useful ideas how to answer the 8 most common EQ interview questions!

Q. How do you respond to failure?

TIP: This emotional intelligence interview question is assessing your mindset. Are you a victim when things don’t go your way, or do you see failure as a chance to learn and improve? 

Q. What makes you angry or annoyed?

TIP: You cannot answer this emotional intelligence interview question by saying you never get angry. We all get angry from time to time. Anger is a natural human emotion, but the things that trigger our anger could be an indication as to the type of employee we will be. Don’t say you get angry by ineffective co-workers, or drivers who go below the speed limit. Instead, give a smart answer that shows the interviewer your anger could be an asset to their team! 

Q. How would your previous co-workers describe you?

TIP: The trick to answering this emotional intelligence interview question is to give three positive things they would say about you, and one area of improvement. 

Q. Tell me about a time when you had to work closely with someone you didn’t like.

TIP: The truth is, we all dislike people from time to time; it’s normal, especially in the workplace. However, this emotional intelligence interview question is assessing whether we can put our differences aside for the sake of the wider team.

Q. How do you respond to feedback or criticism?

TIP: Feedback is the breakfast of champions! Without feedback, it is difficult to improve. Therefore, in your answer, tell the interviewer you are someone who is open to constructive feedback and that you use it as a tool to help you develop, grow and develop.

Q. What does success mean to you?

TIP: Some people view success as having an expensive car, or a big house! In my opinion, none of these things represent success. This emotional intelligence interview question is assessing your values and what you are striving to achieve in your life. Be careful how you answer it!

Q. How do your greatest strengths benefit you both at work and in your personal life?

TIP: This emotional intelligence interview question is assessing your awareness of your strengths, and more importantly, how they impact your daily life, both inside and outside of work. In your answer, demonstrate an awareness of your strengths and how these can work to your and your employer’s advantage.

Q. What areas do you need to improve on right now?

TIP: Do not say you don’t have any areas that you need to improve on. By being aware of the areas you need to develop means you will always be the type of employee who moves forward in their role and who can help the business to thrive. The key here is to give improvement areas that won’t affect your ability in the position.