Share an experience where you successfully demonstrated your passion for the role or company during a job interview. How did you convey your enthusiasm?

Question

In today's competitive job market, demonstrating passion for a role can set candidates apart. This article offers practical strategies to effectively convey enthusiasm during job interviews. Drawing from expert insights, these techniques will help job seekers authentically showcase their commitment and align with company values.

Steven Lowell · Answer

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 at this opportunity. When the question "Tell me about yourself" came up, instead of giving the normal Hollywood bio-pic that I usually 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!"
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 of 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!

Mimi Nguyen · Answer

There was one instance when I was interviewing for a marketing role at a company that is passionate about sustainability. I demonstrated my passion by discussing a personal project where I organized a campaign promoting environmentally sound behaviors, something I knew immediately correlated with their purpose. I explained how 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 focused on learning about their current and future projects in sustainability. This showed real interest and foresight. This approach helped ensure that I could demonstrate my values were compatible with theirs and that I was willing to contribute substantially towards their goals, rather than simply wanting to secure the marketing job.

Xin Zhang · Answer

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 had 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 had 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 preparation, creativity, and shared love for the space that stood out.

Max Shak · Answer

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 how 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.

Dhari Alabdulhadi · Answer

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, including 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.

Arsen Misakyan · Answer

I want to talk about my experience of applying for the position of Branch Representative for HSBC. It was a perfect opportunity, 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 appreciated HSBC's commitment to diversity and financial inclusion. I wanted to be part of an international team that did more than provide banking services; that made a difference in communities and created financial empowerment.
I expressed my passion for working for a company that cared about the development of employees and its impact on society. I saw the Branch Representative position as an opportunity to continue my professional growth 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 job offer.

Takarudana Mapendembe · Answer

I recall entering an interview for a position at a tech startup I genuinely admired—I had been following their journey for over a year. Prior to the interview, I conducted thorough research into their product updates, blog posts, and even customer reviews. When they inquired about my motivation for seeking the role, I didn't merely list my skills—I recounted how I had utilized their software for my own project and shared what I loved (and even what I thought could be improved).
I presented a specific feature idea I had been contemplating and explained how it could enhance the user experience. Their eyes lit up. One of the co-founders even remarked, "You've clearly been living in our world."
I believe what truly conveyed my enthusiasm wasn't just knowledge—it was that I cared. I spoke with energy, asked curious questions, and approached the conversation as if I were already part of the team. By the end, it didn't feel like an interview—it felt like a brainstorming session.
That role evolved into one of the most rewarding jobs I've ever had. It reminded me that passion isn't just shown—it's felt, and it's contagious when it's genuine.

How to Demonstrate Passion for a Role During a Job Interview

How to Demonstrate Passion for a Role During a Job Interview

Convey Passion Through Direct Communication

Align Personal Projects with Company Values

Prepare Tailored Campaign Pitch for Interview

Showcase Genuine Excitement and Company Knowledge

Demonstrate Practical Experience in Sustainability

Connect Personal Values to Company Mission

Transform Interview into Collaborative Brainstorming Session