In many interviews candidates display how they can do the job and that they are willing to do the job but fail to get over the finishing line. They are often pipped to the post by a candidate who may have a lesser skillset but who is full of emotion. What is this emotion that sets you apart from the crowd? The answer, Passion.
Interviewers want to hire people who will love their job as in general they will stay longer in the company and be more productive than someone who is merely there to take home a wage. Ultimately it is the passion you display into why you want the job that will get you over the finish line. Rarely will your skills on their own differentiate you from your competition to land your dream job.
Words displaying passion in an interview include words such as “love”,”best”,”loyalty”,”passionate”,”ownership”,”motivated” and “diligent”. For example if you are going for a job as a Java programmer in the IT industry, a sentence which could display your passion would be” I love the IT industry and I have a passion for Java programming and development. I recently completed an advanced diploma in Java development and am an active member of the Java Programmers Network, which meets fortnightly in Dublin to discuss the latest developments in the world of Java programming.
How would your colleagues describe you?
The above question is an ideal opportunity to display passion backed up with some compelling evidence. An example could be “My colleagues would describe me as a real people person who is passionate about keeping customers happy. I am known for meeting and working with customers on a Sunday if they have a major project that they need to get over the line. I love dealing with people and am passionate about keeping customers happy.
Why do you want this job?
This is another great prompt question which is inviting you to display passion. An example of a good answer could be “I want to prove to you why I am best for this job. I have a passion for XYZ and would love to prove to you what I can bring to your organisation by focussing on strategies that will greatly increase your ROI”.
Words and sentences that convey passion will always fall flat on their feet if delivered in a dead-pan manner. Your body language and method of delivery should substantiate and compliment what you are saying which and will help the interviewer truly believe in the passion you are displaying.
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