A manager is evaluating two candidates for a customer$-$facing role requiring interpersonal skills. Candidate A has high cognitive ability and average emotional intelligence, while Candidate B has average cognitive ability but high emotional intelligence. Based solely on intelligence assessments, which candidate is likely to perform better, and why?

A manager is evaluating two candidates for a customer$-$facing role requiring interpersonal skills. Candidate A has high cognitive ability and average emotional intelligence, while Candidate B has average cognitive ability but high emotional intelligence. Based solely on intelligence assessments, which candidate is likely to perform better, and why?

Candidate B$,$ because high emotional intelligence is essential for roles involving social interaction.

Candidate B$,$ because cognitive ability is not relevant to customer$-$facing roles.

Candidate A$,$ because cognitive ability is the strongest predictor of job performance.

Candidate A$,$ because cognitive ability correlates with verbal skills.