Your level of enthusiasm during a job interview may be just the thing that sets you apart from other candidates. This is especially true when you're competing with job-seekers who have similar experience and education. Give the hiring committee another factor to consider by showing your energy and excitement for the job.
Get Excited
Get excited before the interview. Dedicate some pre-interview time to thinking positively and getting yourself in the right frame of mind for this career-related challenge. Review your career goals and envision how this new job would be a step toward achieving them. Stroke your ego a bit by making a list of your strengths. Review the list and commit it to memory so you can pull from it come interview time.
Non-Verbal Cues
Provide non-verbal cues that convey your enthusiasm. Greet the interviewer with a kind smile and a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact throughout the interview, and nod your head occasionally to indicate that you are listening and that you agree.
Provide Evidence
Excitedly share stories that back up your claims. Instead of simply saying, “I am skilled at organization” or “I work well in teams,” provide anecdotal accounts of your success in these areas, suggests career coach Win Sheffield in an article for "Forbes." Be as animated as you can in sharing your story, because an enthusiastic account will convey your commitment and excitement for the job.
Communicate Passion
Communicate your passion for the position. You don’t just want a job, you want this job -- or at least that’s what you need the hiring committee to believe. Continually reiterate your dedication to the company for which you are applying. Cite the company’s key accomplishments to show that you are sincere in your admiration and that you are knowledgeable about the company.
Question the Interviewers
Ask questions. If you are enthusiastic and excited about the prospect of working for the company, you will surely have some questions for the hiring committee. Before the interview, prepare open-ended questions that reflect your knowledge about the company. For example, don’t say, “And what do you guys do here exactly?” Do say, “To what degree would the person who gets this job work on recruiting new clients, as I know this is a major company goal.”
