A lot of people are applying to the same places. What do you say in a job interview to show you’re really interested in THAT job at THAT company? – MBA Class of 2026 [targeting investment banking]
Whether you’re a student going through campus recruiting or an experienced professional with an established track record, passion for the job matters. Employers like candidates who like them. Just like you wouldn’t date someone who wants just any date, companies don’t want to hire candidates who want just any job.
Employers respond to a candidate’s genuine interest and enthusiasm. Here are five ways to prove your passion in a job interview:
If there’s a specific moment when this MBA knew that investment banking was for him, then that turning point should come up early in the interview (even as early as the cover letter for the job). For an experienced professional, explaining why you decided to dedicate your career to a specific role or industry lets your interviewer know what your body of work means to you. When you can clearly explain your passion for a subject, your interest appears genuine. On the flip side, if you don’t know when or why you fell for this particular line of work, then you must not be thinking much about it.
This MBA was not in finance prior to entering school, so he won’t have previous jobs to showcase, but he still might already be following business news, analyzing companies or building financial models. Preparing to ace any skills-based testing will also help. If you have experience and can point to other jobs similar to the one you’re interviewing for now, make sure you highlight the similarities and how much you enjoyed those common responsibilities. Already doing tasks you would likely do on the job – whether on your own time, as a volunteer, or previous at a former job – is showing the interviewer that you understand what the job requires and like it so much you’re already doing it.
Ideally, you show genuine interest, not just in the job, but also in the company. Do your research on how the company talks about its work, including the company culture, customer philosophy and mission statement. Let the interviewer know about the specific company attributes that align with your values and priorities. Learning about the company in advance is a sign of interest. Being able to explain why the company is on your target list shows an even deeper level of interest.
Follow the company on social media. Read company press releases. Read news written about the company. When you’re interested in something, you’ll stay updated on recent developments. Do your research on company priorities and needs. In addition to showing genuine interest, you’ll also gather timely intelligence on the company to see if it’s doing well (you do want a financially stable employer!) and if it’s focused on things you care about (and not pivoting to a new mission or suite of services that makes it less of a fit for you).
In addition to being interested in the specific job at the specific company, showing interest in the overall industry is another way to highlight your passion. Knowing about the company’s competitors is one way to show you follow the industry. Citing recent innovations or challenges facing the company and its competitors is another proof point. Just like information about the company can help you make better career decisions, knowing the industry also tells you if you’re entering a growing space, a market downturn or a stable situation. Being able to explain why that growth (or challenge or stability) is meaningful to you shows that you have given some thought to what you want and how you fit.
You can distinguish yourself as a candidate by showing genuine interest in the role, company and overall industry. Your origin story and industry research can be used across a number of different companies you apply to. However, you should study the job description and company website, and tailor an approach for each role and employer you go after. Even similar companies (e.g., Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan for the MBA aspiring investment banker) want to hear that they’re different (and therefore special) in your eyes. Finally, show interest in your interviewer. People hire people. Developing a connection your interviewer makes a difference.
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Caroline Ceniza-LevineFollow
Caroline Ceniza-Levine is an executive coach, speaker and Forbes Careers Senior Contributor since 2010.
In addition to Forbes, Caroline is a LinkedIn Top Voice, author of Jump Ship: 10 Steps To Starting A New Career and guest career expert on CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX Business and other media outlets.
Caroline covers workplace trends and answers reader questions about changing careers, entrepreneurship, getting promoted, salary negotiation and thriving on-the-job. Get in touch with Caroline at DreamCareerClub.com and ask your career question for possible inclusion in her next post!
