How to Demonstrate Passion in a Job Interview

I've interviewed nearly 100 people over the last few months for openings at CNN. Here's what the most successful candidates did well: 1. They told a clear story. Every answer had a beginning, middle and end (or a conflict, action & solution). They didn't repeat themselves and didn't include a lot of extraneous information. For example, to answer the common question "What's a mistake you've made recently?" the strongest candidates started with a BRIEF summary of where & when the mistake happened, walked through the actions that led to the mistake, explained clearly how they handled the error and then ended with what they learned from the incident. The worst candidates monologued; I had one who spoke for 16 minutes straight after the first question. If you find yourself rambling, stop yourself, take a deep breath and apologize. Then try to summarize your answer to the question again in a few sentences. 2. They had examples ready to share. Every question is an opportunity to let the interviewer know about a great story you produced, or a time when you shined. Have a list of your best moments handy so you can weave those concrete examples into your answers in an authentic way. 3. They showed their passion. Employers want to know that you're excited about the opportunities this job presents. Find a chance to share what motivates you and/or your career origin story (aka why you became a journalist/video editor/writer/etc.) One of my favorite candidates ended the interview by thanking us for our time and expressing how much they were interested in tackling the challenges the job would bring. 4. They acknowledged what they don't know. For example, when asked what they would do differently if they were on the team, one candidate explained what they would do but caveated it with the fact that they are viewing our content as a single user, not knowing our strategy and how data informs it. That showed me they understand audiences are diverse, and would lean into data to inform their strategy as a leader. Another smart candidate said they haven't had the opportunity to use our content management system but "couldn't wait" to get their hands on it and learn quickly. I'd rather have a fast learner than someone who knows the current system but can't pick up the next one.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 “𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭” 𝐅𝐢𝐭 When I think back on my own career journey, one thing stands out: the times I’ve landed roles weren’t always when I ticked every single box on the job description. They were when I showed up with genuine 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺. Passion, curiosity, and a clear sense of purpose. In interviews, I’ve seen how enthusiasm can shift the tone of the conversation. When you talk about a challenge you 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 to solve or share ideas that make your eyes light up, people notice. That spark communicates something a résumé can’t reveal. It shows that you’re invested, that you’ll bring momentum, and that you care deeply about making an impact. I’ve also been on the other side of the table, and I’ve seen candidates win roles not because they were the most technically qualified, but because their motivation was contagious. They asked thoughtful questions, showed initiative, and made it clear they were ready to grow. Passion doesn’t replace skill, but it amplifies it. It creates trust. It tells hiring managers, “𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬.” So, if you’re chasing your next opportunity: 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸. 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘺 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. Sometimes, the most powerful differentiator isn’t what you’ve already done. It’s how much you want to do next.

If you've secured a call with a recruiter or HR, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. That means your skills and experience already align with what they're looking for. Now let’s talk about what makes someone stand out once they’re in the the interview process. ✅ Be clear and specific about your experience. Avoid vague generalities and talk about real results; how you added value, what impact you made, and how it might relate to their business. Help them visualize you in the role, doing those same awesome things for them. ✅ Communicate with confidence. Polished, concise answers go a long way. The best interviews often don’t feel like interviews, they feel like conversations. Show you can engage, volley back and forth, and hold space for a two-way dialogue. ✅ Do your homework. It always shows when a candidate has taken time to understand the company, the role, and the people they're meeting with. Mention something specific you learned from their website, product, recent news, or even the interviewer’s background on LinkedIn. It demonstrates genuine interest and preparation, which stands out more than you might think. ✅ Ask thoughtful questions. This is a big one. A strong candidate doesn’t just answer questions well, they ask good ones too. Questions that reflect your curiosity, strategic thinking, or alignment with the team’s goals (beyond just compensation or benefits) help leave a lasting impression. ✅ Show enthusiasm. Hiring managers want to work with people who are excited about the work, not just qualified to do it. Energy, curiosity, and a positive attitude can tip the scales when choosing between two well-matched candidates. In a tight market, most candidates who make it to the interview stage have the technical chops. What often sets someone apart is how they carry themselves. Show your personality, use body language (yes, even on video), and demonstrate how you’ll fit what the team needs, or even better, how you’ll add something new to the team. At the end of the day, it's not just about having the right skills, it's about bringing the right energy, communication, and connection. Technical skills and relevant experience will get you in the door, but pairing them with strong soft skills is often what gets you the job.

"Why Are You Interested in This Role/Company?" ➤ A Guide for IT Candidates In any interview, one of the most common and crucial questions is, “Why are you interested in this role/company?” While it might seem straightforward, it’s a great opportunity to showcase your understanding of the role and your enthusiasm for the company. 🧭 The purpose of this question is to assess your motivations, evaluate how well you understand the company, and determine if your career goals align with the role. To craft a compelling response, structure your answer around three key areas: your connection, value, and vision. 1. Connection: What Draws You to the Company (Research)  Start by sharing what excites you about the organization or its mission. ➡️ How to Answer: ▪️ Mention the company’s values, projects, or reputation that resonate with you. ▪️ Highlight any personal connection or admiration for their work. ▪️ Show you’ve done your homework by referencing specific details. 2. Value: How You Can Contribute (Skills Alignment) Discuss how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for the role. ➡️ How to Answer: ▪️ Identify key challenges the company faces that your expertise can address. ▪️ Share specific skills or experiences that align with the role. ▪️ Demonstrate confidence in your ability to deliver value. 3. Vision: Alignment with Your Career Goals (Personal Fit) Express how the role fits into your long-term professional aspirations. ➡️ How to Answer: ▪️ Talk about how this role aligns with your career development. ▪️ Share your excitement about growing with the company. ▪️ Emphasize your motivation to make a meaningful impact. 📋 Sample Answer: “I’m very excited about this opportunity at (Company Name) because I admire your focus on innovation and creating impactful solutions in (specific area, e.g., cloud computing). With over six years of experience in developing scalable applications, I bring expertise in (key skills) that I believe will contribute to (specific company goal/project). I’m particularly motivated by the chance to collaborate with a team that values (key company value), and this aligns perfectly with my career goal to (specific aspiration).” This framework ensures your response is clear, engaging, and tailored to the opportunity, leaving a lasting impression. Next time this question comes up, you’ll be ready to shine! 💡🚀 #career #IT #developers #jobsineurope #interviewquestions Imagine Foundation e.V. Emma Claudia Natasha Marc

🚨 PSA: It’s OK to show enthusiasm in an interview. Sometimes candidates think they need to be all business in interviews — polished, serious, measured. And while professionalism matters, energy and excitement matter too. We often hear from hiring managers after an interview: “They seemed qualified, but I couldn’t tell if they were actually interested in the role or our company.” Then, when we speak to the candidate afterward, they’re so excited about the opportunity! They loved the people. They love the brand. They want the job. But somewhere in the interview, that excitement didn’t come through. ❗ Here’s the truth: enthusiasm is not unprofessional. Showing interest doesn’t make you desperate — it makes you human. Hiring managers want to feel that you care. They want to know you’re genuinely excited about joining their team. 🙂 So smile, lean in, share what inspires you about the company or the role. Let that energy show. It’s not just about having the right experience — it’s about showing you actually want to be there.

🌟 Calling All Passionate Introverts: Let Your Light Shine in Interviews 🌟 This post was inspired by my client today as we unpacked what is blocking her in interviews. As a passionate introvert, you have a unique gift: the ability to connect deeply and meaningfully, especially when you care about something. But let’s face it—interviews can feel like kryptonite. You're in a room with strangers, and suddenly, that passion you're so good at channeling feels... muted. 😶 Sound familiar? If you've ever felt like you couldn’t fully be yourself in an interview, you're not alone. Passionate introverts thrive in authentic connections, but interviews? Well, they can feel anything but authentic. Here’s the good news: your passionate communication style is a superpower when it comes to building relationships and leaving a lasting impression. You just need to set the stage to let that shine. ✨ Tip 1: Reframe the "Stranger" Dynamic Before the interview, spend a few minutes researching your interviewer. Look them up on LinkedIn, read their blog posts, or note any shared interests or values. Go into the interview with the mindset that you're having a conversation with someone you already know a little about. It’s not about being artificial—it’s about finding a spark of commonality to help you feel less like strangers and more like collaborators. ✨ Tip 2: Practice Telling Your Story Passionate introverts shine when they feel connected to their own narrative. Instead of rehearsing answers, focus on telling your story: What excites you about the role? Why does this work matter to you? Practice these answers in a conversational tone with a trusted friend or coach. The more you rehearse in a safe environment, the easier it will be to let your passion flow naturally when it’s showtime. Remember: Your passion isn’t a weakness in interviews—it’s your strength. Letting it shine takes practice, but when you do, you’ll connect in ways that make you unforgettable. 💡 What about you? Introverts, how do you let your personality shine in high-pressure situations? Let’s swap tips below ⬇️

My favorite interview tip that helped me crack 4 big tech interviews! (Spoiler alert: it's not solving 500+ LeetCode questions or memorizing the perfect behavioral interview answers) The tip is simple: Say ordinary things with 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧! I know, it sounds almost too simple to be true. But let me share how it worked for me. During interviews, I realized that it wasn't just about showcasing my technical skills or reciting rehearsed answers. It was about connecting with the interviewers on a human level! When they asked about my projects, I didn’t just list my achievements. I spoke with enthusiasm about the challenges I faced, the joy of solving a tough bug, and the thrill of seeing other students enjoy my app! When they asked why I chose a particular technology or approach, I didn’t just give a textbook answer. I shared my genuine curiosity and excitement about learning new things and how much I loved diving deep into the unknown. Even when discussing my failures, I spoke passionately about what I learned from them and how they fueled my growth. 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬. It shows that you truly care about what you do, and it makes you memorable. So next time you're preparing for an interview, remember: it's not just about what you say, but how you say it. 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡. Believe me, it makes all the difference. #LearningJourney #InternshipExperience #OvercomingFear #TechLife #CodeNewbie #GrowthMindset #Mentorship #ContinuousLearning #MarieCurie #SoftwareEngineering #TechCommunity #CodingLife #ProfessionalGrowth

Yesterday, I had an interview with a candidate who had the perfect skills and background. On paper, they were a slam dunk. But they didn't move forward - not because of qualifications, but because their energy was flat. No spark. No curiosity. And it was clear they hadn't even taken time to learn about the company. If you're not excited about the role in your interview, why should they be excited about you? You could be the most qualified candidate in the room... but if your energy says "meh," the hiring manager will assume you're not that interested. And when it comes down to two strong candidates, the one who genuinely seems excited usually gets the offer. The good news? Excitement isn't about being over the top or fake - it's about showing real engagement. Enthusiasm can't replace skills, but skills without enthusiasm often get overlooked. Here are a few ways to do it: *Smile when you greet them - first impressions matter more than you think. *Lean in (literally) - a slight forward posture signals you're invested. *Use their company name and reference what excites you about the role. *Ask thoughtful questions that go deeper than "What's the culture like?" *Acknowledge their answers - nod, make eye contact, and respond with interest. *Close strong - tell them you're genuinely excited about the possibility of joining. So next time you interview, bring the energy you'd want someone to bring if they were joining YOUR team! That extra spark could make all the difference! ✨ 🌟 ✨

After months of hiring at Mic Drop Workshop®, one thing kept showing up in interviews. 👇 Yes, share your love for the brand. It matters. But share your talent for the brand more. I saw this when hiring at Headbands of Hope too. Many applicants leaned heavily on how much they loved our mission, our products, and what we stood for, which is always so great to hear. But what really stood out were the candidates who talked about their passion for the actual work they would do to make us better. How they think. How they solve problems. What they would build, improve, or take ownership of. Loving a brand is great. Building one takes skill and perspective. If you’re applying somewhere, absolutely share why you care. But make sure you’re also showing how you’d contribute. That’s what makes you memorable. For those of you who hire, what stands out most to you when you’re interviewing candidates? 👇