Here's how you can use emotional intelligence to excel in a competitive job market through resume writing.

1 EI Basics

Emotional intelligence is composed of four core skills: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. When crafting your resume, reflect on experiences that demonstrate these competencies. For example, illustrate self-awareness by mentioning a time when you received constructive feedback and used it to improve your performance. Highlight self-management by describing a high-pressure situation that you navigated successfully. To show social awareness, discuss how you've recognized team dynamics and contributed to a harmonious work environment. Lastly, exemplify relationship management by detailing how you've resolved conflicts or built lasting partnerships.

2 Tailor Your EI

Tailoring your emotional intelligence to the job you're applying for is essential. Research the company culture and values, then think about how your EI skills align with them. If the organization values teamwork, emphasize your collaborative projects and ability to work well with others. If innovation is key, highlight how your adaptability and creative problem-solving have led to successful outcomes. By making your EI skills relevant to the employer's needs, you demonstrate not only your qualifications but also your commitment to contributing positively to their team.

3 Action Verbs

Use action verbs that convey emotional intelligence in your resume's bullet points. Words like "mediated," "coached," "facilitated," and "negotiated" show that you're proactive in managing relationships and emotions in the workplace. These verbs help paint a picture of you as a dynamic and emotionally intelligent candidate who takes initiative and effectively interacts with others. Remember, the right action verbs can turn a list of job duties into compelling stories of your EI in action.

4 Quantifiable Achievements

While emotional intelligence is qualitative, your resume should still include quantifiable achievements. When possible, use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your EI. For instance, you might mention a project where your leadership and team-building efforts resulted in a 20% increase in productivity or customer satisfaction. By providing concrete evidence of how your emotional intelligence has contributed to tangible successes, you make a stronger case for your candidacy.

5 Personal Branding

Your resume should communicate a consistent personal brand that resonates with emotional intelligence. This means using a tone and language that reflect your interpersonal skills and professional demeanor. If you're known for being an empathetic leader, let that come through in the descriptions of your leadership style and accomplishments. Your personal brand on your resume should give employers a clear sense of who you are and how you will fit into their organization.

6 The Cover Letter

Lastly, don't forget the power of a cover letter to complement your emotionally intelligent resume. This is where you can tell a more detailed story about how your emotional intelligence has played a role in your career success. Share anecdotes that reveal your depth as a person and a professional, and how those experiences have prepared you for the challenges of the job you're applying for. A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in showing that you're not just a skilled professional, but also a thoughtful and emotionally savvy one.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?