How to Show Empathy on Your Resume as an INTJ
When it comes to empathy and emotional intelligence, INTJs often get a bad rap. As rational thinkers, they tend to rely on logic and reason rather than emotions in their decision-making. Their instinct is to ‘solve’ a problem as opposed to empathizing with someone in the traditional sense, where they share in and fully feel another person’s emotions.
However, empathy is not one skill but a combination of behaviors and qualities that help us understand and connect with others in the workplace. And despite their reputation as being "cold" or "unfeeling," INTJs actually possess dozens of the qualities that make them well-suited for showing empathy in a professional setting. Here are the top 10 empathetic person traits to highlight on your resume.
#1: Inquisitiveness
INTJs are known for their constant quest for knowledge and understanding. This trait can be beneficial in developing empathy, as it drives you to learn more about different perspectives and approaches for achieving a common goal. Highlight your curiosity and willingness to seek out new information on your resume. This will showcase your likeliness to see things from others' points of view.
#2: Active Listening
Active listening is a crucial skill when it comes to understanding others' concerns and needs. As an Introvert, you are naturally inclined towards paying close attention to what others have to say, and listening before you respond, which makes you an excellent active listener. On your resume, highlight this talent by mentioning how you actively listen to others, ask clarifying questions, and use non-verbal cues to show that you are engaged in the conversation.
#3: Analytical Thinking
The analytical mindset of INTJs allows them to see things from different angles and evaluate situations objectively. This skill comes in handy when trying to understand someone's perspective or situation without letting your own emotions cloud your judgment. Mentioning your ability for analytical thinking on your resume shows potential employers that you can approach complex situations with empathy and understanding.
#4: Problem-Solving
One of the most common traits of an INTJ is their problem-solving abilities. You excel at breaking down complex issues and finding logical solutions. This skill is essential in showing empathy, as it allows you to understand the root cause of a problem and offer practical solutions. On your resume, mention specific examples of how you have used your problem-solving skills to help others.
#5: Patience
INTJs have a reputation for being short with those who cannot keep up with their quick thinking. However, you can also possess remarkable patience when it comes to trying to figure out where other people are coming from, especially when they see problems in a completely different light than you. Mentioning your ability to remain patient and calm in challenging situations on your resume will showcase your empathy towards others.
#6: Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness is a crucial trait when it comes to building relationships with others. As an INTJ, you value honesty and integrity, making you someone that people can rely on and confide in. On your resume, mention examples of how you have been trusted by colleagues or superiors to handle sensitive information with care.
#7: Avoids conflict
INTJs are a conflict avoidant personality type – you will not get involved in disagreements for the sake of it, and will only engage if necessary. This quality can be seen as a weakness by some, but it actually shows a high level of prioritization (you will argue only when the issue is important), control (you keep yourself in check), and selflessness (you don't need to be right). This trait can also lead to better conflict-resolution skills, as you are more likely to listen and understand the other party's perspective before reacting. Mention your ability to avoid conflicts while still understanding others' viewpoints on your resume.
#8: Adaptability
Adapting to new situations is not always easy for an INTJ, as you prefer structure and routine. However, your ability to adapt when necessary shows empathy towards others' needs and the willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Mention examples of when you have adapted to a new situation on your resume, highlighting how this trait has helped you understand and connect with others.
#9: Non-judgmental
INTJs are known for their impartiality and ability to evaluate situations objectively. This quality makes you non-judgmental towards others, allowing you to understand different perspectives without bias. On your resume, mention how you approach situations without judgment or personal biases, showcasing your empathy towards others' experiences and backgrounds.
#10: Reflectiveness
INTJs are introspective and self-reflective, always striving to better understand themselves and their place in the world. This quality also translates into an ability to reflect on others' emotions and experiences, allowing you to empathize with different situations. On your resume, highlight how you use reflection as a tool for understanding and connecting with different points of view.
In summary, while conventional empathy may not come naturally to INTJs, you possess several qualities that are in high demand by employers who value empathy in their employees. Empathy consistently ranks as one of the top soft skills sought after by employers, so it's important to showcase these traits when looking for your next career opportunity.
Even if you think you are weak in some of these areas, remember that emotional intelligence is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. Take an emotional intelligence test to find out where you stand today and identify areas where you can improve.
