At Integrity Staffing Solutions, we take great pride in our cutting-edge technology stack, which helps us find, screen, select and on-board the best candidates available for any given position. AI (artificial intelligence) plays a big role in those processes — extending our reach, refining our targets and improving our communications, all while cutting out much of the low-level busywork and human error.
However, we’re fully aware that computers alone cannot decide which candidate will ultimately make the best employee. For that, you need EI (emotional intelligence, which only experienced, empathetic hiring professionals can provide.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
According to behavioral scientist Daniel Goleman, who wrote the best-selling book on emotional intelligence, it is comprised of five key traits:
- Self-awareness
- Self-regulation
- Motivation
- Empathy
- Social skills
In the workplace — and especially in the HR department — people with high EI are better at judging a candidate’s true worth, cross-cultural understanding and training people or groups. They also do better at leadership and stress management than less socially aware types.
Finding the Right Fit
Once our AI systems deliver the candidates who look best “on paper,” Integrity’s hiring teams deploy their own EI to match candidates with roles. Someone may have every job skill you asked for, but still not be able to function effectively within your corporate culture.
That’s why it’s equally important to identify the soft skills you require — if not in the job posting, then for the hiring team.
Using EI in the Interview
When interviewing job candidates, you can include some questions which give insight into their character. For example:
- How did you resolve a conflict with your supervisor?
- How did you handle it when someone criticized your work?
- How did you get along with your team?
- How would you react if xxxxx (scenario that relates to your company or the position) happened?
Pay attention to the candidate’s verbal and body language as they respond to this type of question. If they give you short, generic answers that they think you want to hear, follow up by asking for more details. These clues will help you understand how that person will really perform in your workplace.
Integrity employs a one-of-a-kind synergy of AI and EI to not just fill roles but place the right people in the right positions. To learn more about our staffing solutions, visit our website, email us or call 1.888.446.1300.
