EQ- THE ULTIMATE KEY TO PLACEMENTS AND INTERNSHIPS

It’s been a mindset for quite a while that only if an individual is academically bright or high on intelligence quotient, can they succeed in all directions of life. This misconception is being debunked now. When it comes to cracking interviews, especially ones for placements and internships, a person’s emotional quotient plays a significant role. Workplaces present a spectrum of complex situations and problems that cannot be solved with technical knowledge alone.

Recruiters are not only looking for skilled candidates. People who have upgraded themselves with skills and courses are plenty. So, what sets you apart from others? It's your emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is an attribute in high demand these days.

So what is the emotional quotient? EQ is a person’s indicator of how well they know themselves and others around them and how they use this awareness to manage their behavior and interpersonal relationships.

There is a clear difference between EQ and IQ. IQ tells you a person’s logical ability. It indicates how fast can a person understand and apply knowledge. EQ focuses on the emotional reasoning aspect.

HOW IS EMOTIONAL QUOTIENT IMPORTANT FOR PLACEMENTS AND INTERNSHIPS/ ATTRIBUTES THAT YOU CAN SHOW YOU HAVE DURING INTERVIEWS

The best way to bag internships and placements is by getting to know what recruiters really want from us! The key to making a long-lasting impression on the recruiter is developing and showing them the attribute they’re looking for – emotionally intelligent candidates.

• Corporate settings require subordinates who are adept at working efficiently even under pressure. It's necessary that you know how to handle work and get tasks done even under high tension. A person high on emotional intelligence will be able to navigate through their work well even in stressful situations. He/she will be able to put his own emotions and feelings aside and look at the situation as it is.

• One needs to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Strengths, so that they can be amplified even further and used to an advantage and weaknesses so that they can be kept an eye on and improved.

• The interpersonal skills hold a lot of significance as well. The interviewer will also check how well one coordinates with his/her peers. Hence, getting good at picking up on other people’s emotions and feelings and managing relationships accordingly is a prerequisite.

• How one handles conflicts or disagreements of any kind will also play a major role in the selection process. Emotionally intelligent people try to work together with their subordinates in situations of conflict, instead of distancing from them. Workplace conflicts are bound to happen; one needs to be able to work together collaboratively if such a situation arises.

• It is also a rising trend now that employers give the candidates situation-based questions to analyze their presence of mind. Working on problem-solving and decision-making abilities can be of great help.

BODY LANGUAGE- THE OVERLOOKED COMPONENT OF EQ

Everyone knows about the stress that is being put on the importance of body posture in interviews these days. But still many are not aware of the extent to which it is significant. Body language is also an aspect of EQ since it gives cues as to what you are feeling.

• Eye contact- Maintaining eye contact will take one a long way not just while sitting for placements and internships, but also in all aspects of life. Maintaining a constant level of eye contact with the interviewer gives them the idea that the individual is confident and calm.

• Body posture- Slouching and sitting with shoulders crouched in an interview is a big no. Instead, sitting up straight with shoulders squared presents a good impression. One should never sit with hands crossed as it may come off as a defensive posture.

• Hand Movements - Always having a firm handshake with the recruiters is important. A strong handshake can imply that the individual is too aggressive or forthcoming, while a limp handshake may indicate a lack of interest.

• Facial Expressions- Having a serious or tense face can come off as aggressive and defensive. It is recommended to relax the face and maintain a neutral expression, which helps create a more approachable impression.

To sum it all up, if a person is someone who communicates well with others, knows their worth, and knows how to handle themselves even under extreme stress, then they have already got down a major aspect of selection procedures.