5 ways to show genuine interest in a job interview

Many people apply for the same jobs. What do you say in an interview to show that you are really interested in THIS job at THIS company? – MBA Class of 2026 [targeting investment banking]

Whether you're a student just doing campus recruiting or a seasoned professional with a proven track record, passion for the job is important. Employers like candidates they like. Just as you wouldn't date someone who just wants any date, companies don't want to hire candidates who just want any job.

Employers respond to a candidate's genuine interest and enthusiasm. Here are five ways you can demonstrate your passion in an interview:

1. Tell a compelling origin story

If there was a specific moment when this MBA knew investment banking was right for them, then that turning point should come up early in the interview (even in the cover letter for the position). As an experienced professional, explaining why you chose to dedicate your career to a particular role or industry will show your interviewer what your working life means to you. If you can clearly explain your passion for a subject, your interest will come across as genuine. On the other hand, if you don't know when or why you chose that particular career, then you probably don't think much about it.

2. Give practical examples of how to carry out certain aspects of the work

This MBA graduate wasn't in finance before college, so he doesn't have any previous jobs to show for it, but he might already follow business news, analyze companies, or create financial models. It's also helpful to prepare to take skills-based tests. If you have experience and can point to other jobs similar to the one you're currently applying for, be sure to highlight the similarities and how much you enjoyed those common tasks. If you already do tasks you'd likely do on the job—whether in your free time, as a volunteer, or in a previous job—it shows the interviewer that you know what the job requires and that you enjoy it so much that you're already doing it.

3. Quote something the company already says about itself

Ideally, you'll show genuine interest, not just in the job, but in the company. Learn how the company talks about its work, including the company culture, customer philosophy, and mission statement. Tell the interviewer about the specific company attributes that align with your values ​​and priorities. Learning about the company up front is a sign of interest. If you can explain why the company is on your target list, it shows an even deeper interest.

4. Find out about the latest developments in the company

Follow the company on social media. Read company press releases. Read news about the company. If you're interested in something, stay up to date with the latest developments. Learn about the company's priorities and needs. In addition to showing genuine interest, this will also help you gather current information about the company to see if it's doing well (you want a financially stable employer, after all!) and if it's focusing on things that are important to you (rather than pivoting to a new mission or service offering, making it a less suitable fit for you).

5. Follow news across the industry

In addition to being interested in the specific position at the specific company, being interested in the industry as a whole is another way to highlight your passion. Knowing the company's competition shows that you know the industry. Mentioning any recent innovations or challenges facing the company and its competitors is further evidence. Just as information about the company can help you make better career decisions, knowing the industry can also help you understand whether you're entering a growth area, a declining market, or a stable situation. If you can explain why that growth (or challenge or stability) is important to you, it shows that you've put some thought into what you want and how you fit in.

Passionate candidates meet all of the above points

You can stand out as a candidate by showing genuine interest in the role, the company, and the industry as a whole. Your origin story and industry research can be used at a number of different companies you apply to, but you should study the job description and company website and take a tailored approach for each role and employer you apply to. Even similar companies (e.g. Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan for the MBA-educated investment banker) want to hear that they are different (and therefore special) in your eyes. Finally, show interest in your interviewer. People hire people. Building a connection with your interviewer makes all the difference.