Asking the Nod: How Can I be "More Enthusiastic" in an Interview?
Tips for how to share your excitement and enthusiasm in an interview setting (esp. when you aren't naturally expressive)
Photo by Stephen Andrews on Unsplash
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Hey Nod,
I managed to get feedback from a recent job interview (for a job I didn't get) and their feedback was that I didn't demonstrate my enthusiasm for the company/position. I thought I did that but apparently not. I'm not a smiley or jokey person in general and there wasn't a lot of opportunity to build rapport in this interview. Do you have any ideas on how I can demonstrate that I am excited about the role that don't involve me pretending to be a overly excited golden retriever in person form?
Thanks,
Formulating Lively Attitude Tactics
Thanks FLAT,
That's great that you managed to get feedback from your interview. That isn't common. What you're describing isn't uncommon either. Between nerves, trying to find the exact right answer, and fear of judgement or rejection there sometimes just isn't enough brainpower left to show your excitement. Here are three ideas that might help you out, and none of them require you to force a smile or otherwise be an actor.
Just say it
This may seem obvious, but you can always just say you're excited/enthusiastic about the role. You've got your reasons for why you applied (more on that below), but it's fine to just say upfront that you're excited about the role and the company. You can even use that as a bit of cover for your nerves. "Nice to meet you. I'm a bit nervous since I'm excited about the role but I'm looking forward to learning more today." That is a tiny moment of vulnerability but it can help neutralize your nervous energy and will often soften the interviewer, who will usually respond with a smile and say something meant to be comforting. In any case, you're setting the stage right up front that you're enthusiastic.
Ask the Two Whys
Make sure you have answers to two questions at the ready (some more for yourself than for the interviewer).Why did you get into this field?
Why this role?
Why did you get into this field?
There's usually some deeper reason why you chose to do what you do. It's not necessarily complicated either. Because I've asked this question a lot, it's usually a simple answer, some childhood experience or interaction that just pushed the right buttons. Is it because you liked certain subjects in school? Had a hero you idolized? Or just because it's fun? Whatever that core reason is, remind yourself of it and then connect that to what you're doing. It'll be almost subconscious the way you come across more excited.
I'll use myself as an example. Why did I get into engineering? Because growing up every Wednesday night I'd watch American Scientific Frontiers on PBS. Whether it was space expeditions, college competitions, or building a bridge, it was always incredible to see so many smart people come together to do a thing. How could I not want to do that?!
Similarly, why did I get into career consulting? Because I used to tell actual applicants in screening calls I wasn't going to proceed with them and then I'd spend the rest of my scheduled time them anyway. We'd discuss their career goals, ideas to get more experience, and what I as a hiring manager see as their strong points and I'd recommend other roles that might be of interest and how to get there. I'd get off of those calls buzzing because it felt like an impactful interaction, the most productive rejection the candidate has ever had. Now I strive to get to that place with every client interaction (minus the rejection part).
(Side note: If you need to see more about finding purpose, watch episode 7 of the second season of The Bear).Why this role?
Breaking this down a little, this is about the role you're leaving (or the break you're ending), the hiring company, and the specific role for which you're applying.
In terms of what you're leaving, there's no need to speak ill of your prior (or current) situation. It's a bit of a red flag to do so anyway. Rather than making this about what you're coming from, make this about where you're going. It's not "my organization is toxic and I'll never get promoted," it's "I'm looking to take the next steps in my career in a supportive company culture." The latter is far more optimistic which can be a proxy of sorts for enthusiasm.
Then you can expand on where you're heading, explaining how this new role and company can fill that void. Have specifics that contrast your old or current situation with what you hope to be doing. Even if it's a lateral move, there's *something* that is prompting you to make the change. Say that thing. Got laid off? You're looking for stability. Didn't get promoted and not sure if it will ever happen? You're looking for career growth and mentorship. Leaving a small company for a bigger one? You're looking for experience at a larger scale or in a specific area. You get the idea. Then tie that to the new company. By being explicit about what the upside is for you making this transition you're literally explaining what's got you excited. It might be a "rational" variety of excitement but it still counts.
Ask questions
This might be another obvious one. You'll never be able to learn everything about a company from a job ad and their web site. No, you need to hear about people's experiences. As silly as it sounds, it also makes you seem more serious about the role. The fact that you're asking questions implies that you're already thinking past the interview and trying to place yourself there. Depending on the questions you ask, you might also be able to disarm the interviewer and get them into a "happy" place. You'll also learn a lot about the company by what and how someone says in response (and what they leave out).
You can Google for more questions but here are some examples:How long have you been at the company? What's your favorite part of working at the company?
What does someone need to do or be to succeed at the company or in this role
Why is this role open? Is it new or a replacement?
What needs improvement about the company?
Can you explain the company's commitment to DEI?
How does the company support employee career growth?
Hopefully the above help you in your next interview. If any readers have other ideas that are helpful, feel free to comment or send me a note.
If you need help working through any of the above, other parts of interviewing, or more general career direction, please set up a coaching session or purchase a session package.