You have an interview coming up and the job is perfect. Of course, you’re keen to show your interviewer how much you want the opportunity, but you want to avoid declaring: “ I really want the job! ”
You don’t want to appear desperate:
Or pushy:
Or completely hopeless:
Not good.
Why do you need to let you interviewer know you want the job?
This may seem like a question with an astoundingly obvious answer; no one will hire someone who doesn’t want the job. However, candidates don’t always put this across as explicitly as they should. Employers are passionate about their business and workplace. They want to see that you’re just as excited at the prospect of becoming part of the team as they are about working there. Therefore, this is what you need to demonstrate during your interview.
The good news is that, if you want the interviewer to know just how much you want the job, then you don’t have to tell them outright. In fact, actions speak louder than words. It’s better to show your interviewer, rather than simply say that you’re keen on the position.
So, you may be wondering how you do this. Do you prepare a PowerPoint presentation explaining how badly you want the job? Do you get a t-shirt printed especially, with the company’s logo on the front and wear it to the interview? Improvise a poem about your interviewer? No, you don’t have to go to extremes.
It’s all about the 3 Ps: preparation, presentation and personality.
1. Preparation
We all love a cheesy inspirational quote from time to time, here’s one to remember for every interview you attend.
Chance favours the prepared mind.
Oh, go on, you can have another.
Fail to prepare and prepare to fail.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of the motivational stuff, these things are always worth keeping in mind whenever you have an interview coming up. As cliché as they are, there is a lot of truth in the sentiment these quotes are trying to express. Solid preparation is crucial to interview success.
In the eyes of your interviewer, if you come prepared then you’ve earned yourself some points. Thorough preparation shows that you are taking things seriously and that you’re genuinely interested in the company and the role.
Here are some things to prepare for your interview to make sure they know how much you want the job:
- Your answers to generic interview questions
- Evidence to showcase your skills and achievements
- Thorough research into the company, its history and its values/culture
- Reasons as to why you’d be a good fit within the team
- Good questions (i.e. not ones you could have found the answer to after a quick Google search) to ask the interviewer throughout the interview (not just at the end)
All of these things will demonstrate that you have initiative and enthusiasm by the bucketload! But, most importantly, your interviewer will clearly be able to see that you are truly focused on getting this particular job.
2. Presentation
We hope that this goes without saying but, if you want the job, you’ve got to look the part. It’s not all about aesthetics; the way you present yourself as a whole says a lot about who you are, both personally and professionally.
How you’re dressed
Show up to an interview in old, battered shoes, a creased suit and with your hair all over the place, and your interviewer may decide that you are not someone they want representing their business. Additionally, turning up to an interview looking a little scruffy will lead a potential employer to make assumptions about how much you want the job. Turning up looking sharp takes more effort than rolling out of bed and into your clothes, this shows the interviewer you’re trying hard to make a good impression. Unless the employer explicitly tells you that you don’t need to wear business attire, dress to impress. Even if you’re not sure, it’s better to be too smart than too casual!
How you behave
Presentation isn’t just about your appearance, but how you behave during the interview.
Think about it: would you hire someone slumping in their chair, muttering and acting very nonchalant throughout the entire interview? No, because they’re clearly not bothered about whether they get the job or not.
What an interviewer wants to see is someone who is enthusiastic and attentive. Smile, offer a firm handshake, sit up straight, don’t be afraid to use your hands while talking, make eye contact and speak clearly. Someone who exudes energy and positivity appears more like they want the job than someone who doesn’t.
3. Personality
No one wants to work alongside a robot. Interviews are stressful situations, but no matter how much you’ve practiced your responses, try not to fall into the trap of reciting a script. You want to tell your interviewer all about your skills and experience, but don’t forget to show them who you are.
A candidate who simply answers the questions they are asked directly will seem to be just going through the motions. Whereas an individual who makes the effort to build a rapport with their interviewer (without sucking up to them, no one likes that) appears to go that extra mile. Plus, it will earn you some bonus points – employers are much more likely to hire someone they like!
Letting your personality shine will give the interviewer the impression that you are already comfortable in their work environment and that you’re raring to join the team. So, it’s worth trying to conquer your nerves, relax a little and be yourself – it’ll pay off in the end!
There you have it, you have so many different ways to show your interviewer how much you want the job! Incorporate these tips into your next interview and not only will your interviewer be impressed, but they’ll have no doubts about your enthusiasm surrounding the opportunity. Go ahead, give them a try and thank us later.
Do you think you’re interview ready? It’s time to take the jump!
