How do you define empathy?

"I would say that empathy, whether it comes naturally to you or not, is a necessary soft skill to possess as a professional. You can't possess empathy unless you are truly self-aware and emotionally mature. One can identify when others are being governed by their emotions, at which point it is necessary to adapt your communication style to theirs, as appropriate to the situation. You would then employ enhanced communication skills with empathy, ensuring they feel heard and validated. Only when you've effectively done this can you help them."

Wells Fargo puts a lot of emphasis on empathy, as it is the backbone of its core values. So spend time before your interview examining how you employ the practice of empathy in your professional dealings, whether with your teammates or with your clientele. Perform your research on their company and identify how you already embrace their philosophy.

Here are some of the ways Wells Fargo details their approach to empathy; "The importance of soft skills: Transformational leaders need to be good at more than just business. They must also possess soft skills, or habits based in emotional intelligence (EQ). A recent study looked at 12 soft skills proven to impact business performance, including empathy, self-awareness, mentorship, adaptability, conflict management, inspiration, and teamwork. Embracing soft skills can help navigate big decisions, high-pressure situations, conflict resolution, and constructive criticism."

Try to exhibit an emotionally mature perspective. Focus on the positives. Nonverbal cues for empathy are smiling softly and slightly raising your eyebrows while maintaining eye contact and slightly tilting your head while nodding slowly. Posture yourself in a relaxed and comfortable position while keeping your palms open.