In executive search, identifying the right leader goes beyond reviewing qualifications and experience. It involves a deeper understanding of a candidate’s emotional intelligence, authenticity, and cultural fit. One powerful tool in this process is the awareness of micro-expressions—subtle, involuntary facial movements that reveal true emotions.
Being mindful of micro-expressions can enhance our assessments, giving us deeper insights during interviews and interactions. This awareness was highlighted in a spectacular workshop by Job Boersma, an expert in the field, during the Annual Global Meeting in Amsterdam. His session emphasized the importance of recognizing micro-expressions to gain a better understanding of candidates’ true feelings and intentions.
What are micro-expressions?
Micro-expressions are brief, involuntary facial expressions that occur when someone is either deliberately or unconsciously concealing a feeling. Lasting only a fraction of a second, these fleeting expressions reveal genuine emotions like joy, anger, fear, and surprise, often betraying what the individual may not want to openly share.
Understanding micro-expressions offers a unique advantage in assessing candidates, especially in high-stakes interviews where individuals might be particularly careful with their words and body language. Recognizing these subtle cues allows us to interpret the full emotional range of a candidate, providing a clearer picture of their true thoughts, reactions, and suitability for leadership roles.
Why it matters in Executive Search
Executive recruitment is about more than just matching qualifications to a job description. It involves assessing leadership qualities, emotional intelligence, and cultural fit—all critical factors for long-term success. Candidates for senior positions are often skilled communicators, but awareness of micro-expressions helps us see beyond polished answers and scripted behaviors.By understanding micro-expressions, we can:
- Assess authenticity: Are the candidate’s verbal statements aligned with their emotional responses?
- Evaluate confidence and self-awareness: Do their micro-expressions reflect confidence or reveal underlying anxiety or hesitation about a role?
- Analyze emotional reactions to stress: High-level positions come with pressure. How does a candidate react to challenging questions, and how do they handle difficult topics? Micro-expressions provide clues.
How IESF stays aware of micro-expressions
At IESF, our executive search consultants remain aware of micro-expression detection techniques and how they can provide deeper emotional insights during candidate interviews. This knowledge informs our approach in key ways:
- Baseline awareness: We consider a candidate’s baseline emotional expressions—how they typically react in neutral conversations. Noticing shifts during more complex topics can reveal stress, discomfort, or hidden feelings.
- Behavioral interviews: Through targeted questions, we observe candidates’ reactions, watching for micro-expressions that might show deeper emotions than their words suggest.
- Cultural fit: Observing micro-expressions during discussions of company values and mission can help us determine if the candidate genuinely aligns with the client’s organizational culture.
- Holistic candidate assessment: Awareness of micro-expressions is part of our broader approach to candidate evaluation, complementing traditional interview methods, reference checks, and psychometric testing.
Building trust through transparency
At IESF, our goal is to build trust with both clients and candidates. By being mindful of non-verbal cues like micro-expressions, we enhance our understanding of candidates, ensuring that we present individuals who are not only qualified but also emotionally and culturally aligned with our clients. As the field of executive search evolves, so do the tools and techniques that support it. Staying aware of these cues allows us to improve the accuracy and depth of our candidate evaluations. This ensures our clients get leaders who are not only skilled but also emotionally intelligent and authentic. Special thanks to Job Boersma for his amazing insights!
