I was interviewing for a job back in 2016 with a CEO. The company was just starting out and he had this interesting job title, "Reverse Recruiter". I jumped all over this opportunity. The question came up, "Tell me about yourself", and instead of giving the normal Hollywood bio-pic that I normally gave, my mind shifted into a mode, "You really know you can do this job. Tell him why you can do this job! Be unapologetic about it!" And I took the time to share the following: "First, thank you for the interview. I greatly appreciate it. I am also going to sign up for your services after this call. Now, about me? I have 10 years experience leveraging technology to help people around the world find jobs in a profession they love. I am good at this line of work because I am tech-savvy, communicate and network well, and most of all, have held jobs in six industries across four countries. If you need someone who knows how to get jobs, I am that person. I figured we should definitely talk about working together, especially because I know how to survive the startup stage of a company and have done that three times since 2007." It was very direct. I was not worried about being needy or desperate. I simply looked at what the CEO was doing, and thought, "I need to talk to this person." My enthusiasm was conveyed in my direct choice of words. I think this is where people go wrong with interviews. They think a job interview is about showing up and answering questions correctly. No. The job interview is about having a discussion about possibly working together. And it's easier to have that discussion when you're passionate about the work that you do!
There was one instance when I was job interviewing for a marketing role at a company that is really passionate about sustainability, and I showed my passion by talking about a personal project where I organized a campaign promoting environmentally sound behaviors, something I knew immediately correlated with their purpose. I explained how the process of working on this experience had expanded my marketing skills as well as my own dedication to environmental causes. I also made sure to ask thoughtful questions that were focused on learning about their current and future projects in sustainability. This is a sign of real interest and foresight. This helped to ensure that I was able to show that my values were compatible with theirs and that I was willing to contribute substantially towards their goals rather than simply wanting to get the marketing job.
During a job interview early in my career, I had the opportunity to interview with a company that I had long admired. It wasn't just the position I was interested in; it was the company's mission and the way they aligned with my values. I knew this was the place where I could make a real impact, and I wanted to convey that to the interviewers. To demonstrate my passion, I began by thoroughly researching the company. I didn't just focus on their products or services but also on their history, leadership, and values. I paid particular attention to the challenges they faced and how they approached innovation, as I wanted to show that I was already thinking about how I could contribute to their long-term goals. When the interview started, I made sure to express my excitement about the opportunity not only through my words but also through my energy and body language. I wasn't just answering their questions; I was engaging in a conversation, showing genuine curiosity, and asking insightful questions about their projects and future directions. I also shared a few personal stories about how my own experiences had prepared me to solve the challenges they were facing, showcasing both my skills and my alignment with their values. But what I believe made the biggest impact was the authenticity behind my enthusiasm. I wasn't trying to sell myself or just say the right things--I was genuinely excited about the possibility of working with them. This genuine passion for the company and the role, paired with my deep understanding of their mission, created a strong connection during the interview. That experience taught me an important lesson: passion is contagious. When you truly believe in what you're talking about and show it through your enthusiasm and actions, it resonates with others. In the end, I was offered the position, and I went on to thrive in that role because my enthusiasm wasn't just a one-time impression--it was the foundation of everything I did moving forward.
In one interview for a marketing director role at a music gear company, I came in with a mini campaign pitch tailored to their brand. I'd done deep research—not just on their products, but on their audience—and created a mock social media series focused on behind-the-scenes artist stories and tone tips. I even referenced specific posts they'd shared and suggested ways to improve engagement. What really showed my passion, though, was how naturally I spoke about the gear, the artists, and the culture—I wasn't just a marketer, I was a fan. I think they could see I wasn't there just for a paycheck; I genuinely believed in their mission and wanted to help them grow. That energy made a difference. I got the job, and they told me later it was that mix of prep, creativity, and shared love for the space that stood out.
In a recent interview for a sustainability coordinator role, I let my passion shine by sharing a personal story. I described how I transformed my small business into a zero-waste operation, cutting costs and environmental impact. To convey enthusiasm, I researched the company's eco-friendly initiatives beforehand and tied my experience to their goals, showing I had already thought about contributing. I brought a portfolio of my projects, photos of compost systems and local partnerships, which made my excitement tangible. I asked thoughtful questions about their future green strategies, proving my genuine interest. My energy came through in my tone. I spoke with conviction, not just about the role but the shared values. This approach landed me the job because it showed I wasn't just qualified; I was invested. My advice here is to be authentic, prepare examples, and connect your story to the company's mission to stand out.
I want to talk about my experience of applying for the position of Branch Representative for HSBC. It was a perfect chance, and I had to express my enthusiasm for the role and company during the interview. It wasn't just about my skills and experience; I highlighted how much I enjoyed HSBC's commitment to diversity and financial inclusion. I wanted to be part of an international team that did more than give people banking; that made a difference in communities and created financial empowerment. I expressed my passion to work for a company that cared about the development of employees and its impact on society. I saw the Branch Representative position as a chance to continue my development and to help clients meet their financial needs. The hiring manager noticed how I connected my values with HSBC's mission and the role. A few days later, I received the offer.