Since the dawn of time, humanity has recognized a clear link between social skills and career success. While some people are naturally better at applying emotional intelligence in the workplace, it is very much a learned skill. If you want to stand out to your employer and shine in your future work environment, it’s important to learn how to apply emotional intelligence in the workplace.Before you take the time to apply for a job, contact the human resource department or even ask business leaders for the time of day, spend a little time thinking about how you can become better at working and communicating with others. Here’s how.

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

According to Psychology Today, “Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. It is generally said to include three skills: emotional awareness; the ability to harness emotions and apply them to tasks like thinking and problem solving; and the ability to manage emotions, which includes regulating your own emotions and cheering up or calming down other people.”Emotional intelligence is also referred to as EQ.

How Can You Put EQ to Work… at Work?

Your goal at work, first and foremost, should be developing emotionally intelligent relationships. Until you know how to do this, you will have a hard time communicating your needs to others or meeting theirs. Studies show that emotionally intelligent people are not only more successful with peers, but in their studies as well. So in addition to helping you work well with others, EQ also helps you learn better.The first step is to learn to manage your emotions. While this might seem like a kindergarten pursuit, it isn’t. If you’re a manager, you have to learn to control frustration with your underlings and teach them kindly instead. If you have a boss you dislike but a job you love, then obviously your main goal needs to be striking the right tone in every interaction, even if it’s difficult.

What Exactly Do Companies Look For?

Companies look for skills like the ones above: the ability to work with people even when emotions are high or you are unhappy in the moment (though not long-term, which probably indicates you need a new job). Other skills they look for include:

• A willingness to talk about others more than yourself
• An interest in learning, even if it means being questioned or corrected
• An understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses
• An ability to move on from your own mistakes and those of others
• A lack of grudge-holding
• Curiosity about the needs and desires of others

Keep in mind that you will not be able to demonstrate all of these skills in the interview. In fact, many companies are frustrated by the fact that interviewees will present one face and then show another on the job. Don’t let that be you: Make an effort to instill these skills in your everyday personality, and you’ll go further.Don’t underestimate the power of a staffing company to help guide you toward a stronger place of emotional intelligence, and to find you the job that fits your EQ strengths. Here at Premier Talent Partners, that’s exactly what we do: create change in your life and enable you to better your organization each and every day. If you’d like to learn more, we invite you to reach out and get in.

Questions? We're here to help.

• Explore our Resource Center
• Learn how we help job seekers
• Find an office near you
• Download: Employer Recruiting How-To Guide
• Download: Talent Interview Prep Guide