EQ + IQ: The X-Factor Recruiters and Employers Look For in Every Candidate

There’s a moment that’s happened many times in my recruitment career. I am sitting opposite a candidate whose CV made me very excited when I first read it. First-class degree from a top university. Ten years at reputable firms and excellent professional qualifications. On paper, they’re golden.

Then the interview begins, and something’s off.

Not wrong, exactly. They answer technical questions correctly. They know ‘their stuff’ inside out, but there’s a distance there, an inability to connect. When asked about working with difficult stakeholders, their response is textbook perfect but feels oddly clinical.  By the end of our meeting, despite their impressive credentials, my evaluation of this candidate had changed.

I recently witnessed this unfold with another candidate when I was asked to be part of an interview panel. While their answers were technically faultless, they struggled to demonstrate how they’d work with people. There was no warmth, no evidence of collaboration, no sense that they understood the human side of the role.

The position was offered to someone else. Someone who, when describing a challenging project, lit up talking about how they’d brought their team along on the journey. Someone who noticed when one panel member seemed concerned about culture fit and addressed it directly, with authenticity.

That’s emotional intelligence in action.  It’s what makes the difference between getting the job and watching it go to someone else.

The Two Types of Smart

Here’s the thing about IQ: we all know what it is. It’s your ability to analyse, problem-solve, and process complex information. It’s what gets you through exams, helps you master technical skills, and generally makes you look good on paper. In recruitment, it’s what gets your CV onto the desk in the first place.

But IQ alone? It’s only half the story.

Emotional intelligence, EQ, is your ability to recognise and manage your own emotions while understanding and responding appropriately to others’. It’s reading the room, building trust, navigating conflict, and making people feel heard. It’s the difference between being technically correct and being someone people actually want to work with.

When you combine them, when you’re both technically capable and emotionally intelligent, you don’t just do your job well. You become the person others turn to, the one who gets tapped for leadership roles, the candidate who stands out in a sea of equally qualified applicants.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

If you’re applying for roles at any level, you’re likely to be working in diverse, fast-paced environments that would have been unrecognisable twenty years ago.

Teams are global now. You might be collaborating with colleagues across three continents, navigating different communication styles, cultural expectations, and working styles. Technical brilliance won’t help you bridge those gaps, but empathy and cultural sensitivity will.

Projects are more complex. Most strategic work involves juggling multiple stakeholders with competing priorities. You need diplomacy, adaptability, and the resilience to keep pushing forward when plans change, and they constantly do.

Change is the only constant. Whether it’s restructures, market shifts, or new technologies, the ability to stay composed under pressure and help others navigate uncertainty has become essential. Companies aren’t just hiring for what you can do today. They are hiring for how you’ll deal with tomorrow’s challenges.

What High EQ Looks Like

Here’s the practical bit. Emotional intelligence isn’t some mystical quality. It shows up in everyday behaviours:

• You genuinely listen in meetings. Not just waiting for your turn to speak, but absorbing what others are saying and building on their ideas.
• You read between the lines. When a colleague says they’re fine, but their body language suggests otherwise, you notice. When the room goes quiet after your suggestion, you pause to understand why.
• You keep your head when things don’t go according to plan. Missed deadlines, budget cuts, and last-minute changes. You stay calm and help others do the same rather than adding to the panic.
• You give helpful feedback. Not criticism disguised as constructive comments, but thoughtful observations that help people grow.
• You take feedback without your ego getting in the way. When someone points out an area for improvement, you don’t get defensive. You sincerely consider the feedback and make changes.

These aren’t extraordinary skills. They’re observable, practical behaviours that anyone can develop.

How to Build Your EQ

Unlike IQ, which is relatively stable, emotional intelligence can be developed throughout your career. It’s not about personality transformation; it’s about building habits.

Start with self-awareness. Take time to reflect on your reactions and decisions. When did you last lose your temper at work? What triggered it? Could you have handled it differently? Some people find journaling helpful, while others prefer structured feedback tools, such as 360-degree reviews. Find what works for you.

Practice genuine empathy. Make a conscious effort to see situations from others’ perspectives. When a colleague is struggling, don’t just offer solutions; try to understand what they are experiencing. When working with clients, consider not just what they’re asking for, but why they need it.

Learn to manage your stress. Whether it’s mindfulness, breathing exercises, regular exercise, or better time management, find techniques that help you stay composed under pressure. A calm professional is an effective professional.

Seek out mentorship. Working with experienced leaders can help you refine your interpersonal skills in ways that books simply can’t. Watch how they handle difficult conversations, navigate office politics, and build trust with their teams.

Food for Thought

Here’s the truth: recruiters and employers aren’t just assessing what you know — they’re also paying close attention to how you show up. Both EQ and IQ are powerful measures of potential, and the most successful candidates strike a balance between the two. Your IQ reflects your capability; your EQ demonstrates your capacity to connect, adapt, and lead.

If you want to stand out and secure the roles that excite you, invest in both. Continue to sharpen your skills and expand your knowledge, but also take time to cultivate your self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication. When your EQ and IQ work together, you don’t just perform well; you thrive, influence, and build the kind of career that feels both successful and meaningful.