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Express Enthusiasm
Consider a situation where a Ms. Hiring Manager at Gamma, Inc. has reviewed resumes, interviewed candidates and found two highly qualified
potential hires for a project manager position. Both have impressive credentials, experience, and skills. The thing that keeps coming back
to Ms. Manager's mind as she balances this tough decision is that candidate "B" was obviously enthusiastic about working
for the company, about taking on the responsibilities of the position, and working with clients. At the end of the interview,
"B" even said as much. He shook her hand and told her, "Ms. Hiring Manager, I'd like you to know that I've
done my research on Gamma. I came in here today knowing that I wanted this job at Gamma, what I learned today confirms what I felt
walking in the door. I would really like to have this job, and I would like to work for you."
Candidate "A" was warm and fairly responsive. She was no bump on a log by any stretch. But Ms. Hiring Manager
just didn't have a strong sense of whether shyness or something else beneath the surface kept her from ever saying that she
wanted the job. "A" closed the interview with a smile and a handshake, and thanked the Ms. Hiring Manager for
her time. She even said that she looked forward to hearing from her. But she never directly said, "Ms. Hiring Manager, I
want this job." And she never directly stated whether she felt that the situation would be a good fit. Hmmmm,
Ms. Hiring Manager pondered, did "A" have other, more attractive job possibilities in the wings?
We hope that through this example you can see how important it is to clearly express enthusiasm. In an interview,
you are not only selling your skills and experience, you are also making the case that you want this job, and you would like to work for
this company. Employers know that people who appreciate their jobs make better employees, and enthusiasm is the tool that lets a hiring
manager envision you as being fulfilled in the job at hand. Don't make a prospective employer hunt around for your enthusiasm; offer it
on a silver platter.
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