How do you combat your job-search comfort zone?

Advanced common sense

Have you been exposed to people in the workplace who have the gift of intelligence but lack common sense?

If so, you are likely observing someone who hasn't fully developed the emotional skills needed for relating to others.

Common sense gives us the ability to make good decisions and adapt to changing situations under pressure. Emotional intelligence is described as advance common sense.

Studies have been conducted for years that indicate at least 27 - 45 percent of your success in your job and satisfaction in life relates to your ability to use emotional intelligence when relating to others.

In a job search, you often see the phrases "people skills" and "technical skills" in job postings, and there is a tendency to dismiss the people skills side and focus on the sell technical abilities.

People skills also may be called soft skills, and when you hear the word "soft" you might think that in a tight job market such as this one, soft skills could be viewed as passive or less competitive.

The fact is soft skills actually drive employers' hiring decisions. Employers are looking for candidates who get along with others.