The importance of showing passion in a job interview

It can be hard to demonstrate your passion for a role in a job interview, especially since you will usually be very nervous. However, showing your passion in an interview will go a long way toward helping you land your dream job.

In some cases, appearing passionate may help you to overcome a deficit of skills or experience. A study by Seek revealed that 61% of employers expressed their willingness to hire a candidate who may lack the necessary experience but is highly passionate about the role.

43% of employers said that, in certain cases, passion was more important to them than skills. In contrast, four out of ten employers said they instantly reject candidates who show no enthusiasm in an interview.

So why is it important to show passion in an interview and how do you show it?

Why is it important to show passion in an interview?

There are several reasons why employers are looking for candidates who show passion. These include:

Shows you care about the company

Employers want to hire employees who genuinely care about the role and company they are applying for.

It makes you memorable

Candidates who appear passionate in an interview are more likely to leave a lasting impression on the interview panel.

Increases productivity

Being passionate about your role will often give you more energy to complete it. Therefore, an employee who is highly passionate about a role is more likely to be productive in that role.

How do you show passion in an interview?

Have a compelling origin story

Tell the employer why it is that you want this particular role at this particular time. Try to think of the specific moment you decided this was the career path for you.

Give examples of how you are already performing the duties

Maybe you are already performing certain aspects of the role in your current role or in another aspect of your life such as volunteer work, a side-hustle or courses you’ve completed. Highlighting this will show the employer you are so keen on the role you are already performing parts of it.

Know recent developments at the company

Find out as much information about the company you are applying for as possible. This helps you to appear knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It also allows you to demonstrate to the interviewer how the company’s values align with yours.

Follow trends and recent news in the industry

Understanding recent trends is an excellent way to demonstrate you are passionate about the industry you are applying for.

Ask thoughtful questions

Asking thoughtful questions during and after an interview can show you are highly passionate about the role, as it shows you have thought a lot about the opportunity. It also illustrates that you are interested in learning more about the role or industry.

Maintain good posture

Body language can go a long way to illustrating your enthusiasm. Leaning back in your chair or crossing your arms during an interview is often perceived as showing a lack of enthusiasm.

Be authentic

Authenticity is key when it comes to showing passion in an interview. It’s important to be genuine and not try to fake enthusiasm for aspects of the role that don’t truly inspire you. Remember, if you’re not genuinely passionate about a role, you’re less likely to succeed in it.

To appear authentic, job-seekers should try not to show an unrealistic level of enthusiasm in an interview.

Conveying your passion in an interview isn’t always easy.

Public Service Resumes can help you land your dream role. We are pleased to offer various services, including interview skills coaching and career development coaching.