Here's how you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the role during an interview.

When I applied for my current role at a leading tech company, I reflected deeply on why I was drawn to the position, realizing my passion for technology and innovation. During the interview, I shared a story about how, in a previous job, I led a team to develop a groundbreaking app feature that significantly enhanced user experience. My genuine excitement and detailed explanation of the process, including challenges and triumphs, highlighted my enthusiasm for the role and alignment with the company's mission, ultimately helping me secure the job.

When preparing for an interview with a leading healthcare tech company, I spent days researching their mission, values, and recent projects, which revealed their focus on innovative patient care solutions. During the interview, I referenced a specific project they launched and shared my own experience of leading a similar initiative in my previous job, highlighting the impact it had on patient outcomes. This thorough understanding and personal connection not only demonstrated my enthusiasm but also impressed the interviewers, ultimately helping me secure the role.

Body Language Tip from a Trial Lawyer: One way to maintain engaged body language is to sit at the edge of your chair and lean in. Resting “comfortably” on the back of your chair can look like - You’re not interested - You’re overly casual - You’re “just chillin’” - You’re sleepy - You’re tired - You’re bored And if you’re not any of those things, resting against the back of the chair can lull a busy person right to sleep! In trial, I sit at the edge of my chair, ready to stand and object quickly. This keeps me - Alert - Engaged - Thinking quickly As a practical matter, sitting on the edge of your chair requires some balance that causes you to naturally lean forward. The body language of leaning forward says “I’m invested.”

During an interview for a marketing manager position, I was determined to convey my enthusiasm and confidence through my body language. I made sure to maintain good posture, leaning slightly forward to show engagement. I kept steady eye contact, nodded to show understanding, and smiled genuinely throughout the conversation. When discussing a successful campaign I led, I used hand gestures to emphasize key points, which helped convey my passion and energy. The interviewer later mentioned that my positive and confident body language made a strong impression, contributing significantly to me getting the job.

During an interview for a project management role, I knew that engaging fully would be crucial. I actively listened to the interviewers' questions and responded thoughtfully, often linking my answers to specific details about the company that I had researched beforehand. I asked insightful questions about their current projects and challenges, showing genuine interest and eagerness to contribute. At one point, I referenced a recent article about the company’s expansion plans, which sparked a lively discussion. My ability to engage fully and connect on a deeper level impressed the interviewers, ultimately leading to a job offer.

When you share your personal story, try to connect it back to: - The responsibilities of the prospective job - Something on your resume that may not be obvious but is important - Something unique you discussed with the interviewer - The interviewer’s story, experience, resume, profile, or job responsibilities (things you found when you did your research beforehand AND/OR while you were LISTENING to them speak during the interview) Remember, your personal story in the interview really isn’t about YOU. It’s about making a connection with the interviewer - in a way that they won’t forget you, and so they could see themselves working with you. So, make sure when you’re talking about yourself it feels like you’re talking about “us.”

After a particularly promising interview for a marketing position, I made sure to follow up promptly and effectively. Within 24 hours, I sent a personalized thank-you email to each person I had interviewed with, expressing my gratitude for their time and reaffirming my enthusiasm for the role. In the email, I referenced specific aspects of the conversation that resonated with me, such as upcoming projects discussed or challenges the team was facing. This not only reinforced my interest but also demonstrated my attentiveness and understanding of their needs. The follow-up played a pivotal role in solidifying a positive impression, leading to further discussions and eventually securing the job offer.

It’s a conversation, not an interrogation. When you’re interviewing as a skilled professional, think of the interview as a conversation between colleagues. You want the interviewer to be able to imagine working with you and feel good about what that experience would be like long-term. So treat the interview like a genuine conversation with someone. That means you’re asking questions, not just answering them. Consider having every answer you give: - Incorporate something you learned in your prep research - End with a question or statement about something you’d like to learn more about *If the interviewer wouldn’t actually be working directly with you, empower them to pass on an enthusiastic vote of confidence to someone who would.