Expressing genuine interest during your job interview is a sure way to stand out in a positive light. But what are the best ways to express interest during an interview? And how do you express interest without seeming desperate?
Conveying your enthusiasm is a combination of saying the right things and doing the right things. And the process should begin before you even walk into the interview.
Research the company before your interview
Your interview will progress more successfully if you’re not winging it. And while you may expect your enthusiasm to shine through regardless, preparing in advance is the best way to ensure you come across right.
Research the company before your interview. Read through its website, social media pages, and press releases to familiarize yourself with its mission and work.
Demonstrating knowledge about the company shows the interviewer you were curious enough to look it up in your own time. It will also help you better articulate what drew you to the company in the first place and describe why you’re interested in the position.
Your knowledge will also give you an overall better impression, which will boost your chances of securing the job.
Express interest with nonverbal cues
During your interview, be mindful of your nonverbal cues and the impression you convey with your body language. Nonverbal cues play a large role in communication, and, unsurprisingly, you will seem more enthusiastic if you act enthusiastic.
Boost your energy level during your interview. If you’re quieter or more introverted, you don’t need to reinvent your personality to seem like a charismatic people person. Just turn it up enough to show you’re excited to be there.
The little things, like smiling, can go a long way. Nod your head as the interviewer speaks, maintain good eye contact, and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake. Not only will you seem more agreeable, but you’ll clearly communicate your enthusiasm.
Maintaining good posture can also convey interest. Sit upright throughout the duration of the interview. Avoid slouching or appearing tired or else you will look like you’re not happy to be there.
As you monitor your nonverbal cues, pay attention to your vocal cues as well. Talk a little louder than you normally would, use a little more inflection, and avoid speaking monotone. You’ll sound more cheerful, and your passion will show through your livelier demeanor and speech.
Ask a lot of questions
By gathering information in your interview, you demonstrate you are serious about the role and actively considering it for your next job.
There are many questions you can and should ask of the interviewer, such as what the job duties and responsibilities are. You can also ask what gap they’re trying to fill with the new hire, what milestones they want the new hire to reach in their first few months, and what the performance review process is like. Make sure to ask about the company, too, such as its culture, mission, goals, and employees.
Prepare your questions in advance. If you can’t think of any on the spot, you’ll seem like you don’t want to learn more. Which, to the interviewer, signals you don’t really care.
Just tell them
Expressing your interest in a role isn’t all mind manipulation and strategic signaling. You can and should verbally express interest, too.
If the employer mentions something you really like about the role, don’t hesitate to tell them. This kind of specific feedback demonstrates not only that you are interested in the role but explains why.
Tell the interviewer what compelled you to apply in the first place. Anyone can say, “I really want this job,” but not everyone will go one step further and prove it.
This is also the time to pay the company a compliment or two. Compliment the company’s achievements, mission, or, better yet, its products, especially if you’ve used them before. This is where your research will come in handy. Find a way to tell them you see what they’re like and you like what you see.
Follow up with a thank-you note
Sending a thank-you note after your interview is good interview etiquette and a great way to emphasize your interest in the role. It can also help you stand out from other candidates. if you don’t have a physical address, email is fine.
Make sure to personalize your note. Again, share something specific you liked about the company or reiterate what drew you to the company in the first place.
In a competitive job market, expressing genuine interest and passion can set you apart from other candidates. By amping up your energy, managing your body language, asking questions, and communicating what you love about the company, your enthusiasm will shine through and increase your chances of getting an offer.
This article was written by Danielle Murphy.
Danielle Murphy is a content writer and copywriter with a passion for helping businesses meet their marketing goals with writing. When she’s not working (or writing for fun), she’s hiking or hobby farming around her home in New Hampshire.