Seventy-one percent of hiring managers say emotional intelligence is more valued than IQ, while 34 percent say more emphasis is placed on emotional intelligence when hiring and promoting employees post-recession, finds a new CareerBuilder survey.
Of those surveyed, 59 percent of respondents say they would not hire candidate possessing low emotional intelligence, despite having a high IQ. When employees are up for a promotion, 75 percent of respondents say the candidate with higher emotional intelligence will often beat out the high IQ candidate.
"The competitive job market allows employers to look more closely at the intangible qualities that pay dividends down the road – like skilled communicators and perceptive team players," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. "Technical competency and intelligence are important assets for every worker, but when it's down to you and another candidate for a promotion or new job, dynamic interpersonal skills will set you apart.
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"In a recovering economy, employers want people who can effectively make decisions in stressful situations and can empathize with the needs of their colleagues and clients to deliver the best results."
Respondents say emotional intelligence is more important than high IQ because employees with high emotional intelligence are more likely to handle pressure well, resolve conflict effectively and lead by example. High emotional intelligence employees are also more empathetic to their team members and typically make more thoughtful business decisions.
According to the survey, respondents measure emotional intelligence by certain behaviors and qualities, including admitting and learning from mistakes, controlling emotions and taking criticism well. Respondents also analyze if employees listen as much as they talk and how they show grace under pressure.
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