Showing an employer that you are motivated is absolutely vital in a job interview. Employers are willing to teach you many skills, but being motivated and showing you have initiative is something that you should already possess. If you can get the employer to see this, it can really help to improve your chances of getting the job. So how do you come across to your interviewer as someone who is highly motivated?
One of the best ways to showcase your motivation is to contact your prospective employer and ask them for a meeting to discuss career opportunities in their industry. This immediately tells your employer that you are serious about a career in their field. They would see an active rather than passive person who takes the initiative, rather than someone who waits for opportunities to come to them. In the meeting you can tell them your passion for the industry, and they might even allow you to give them your CV for future reference. Try not to be too overbearing or arrogant, as this can ultimately annoy your prospective employer. Dress appropriately, show up on time, and be positive in your body language and you should make a good impression.
Have a career portfolio. There are not many ways of telling your employer that you are good for the job other than showing them a comprehensive list of your skills and accomplishments. This gives the interviewer an opportunity to see what projects you have worked on, and helps them to visualise what you could achieve working for them. If you did an internship, include it in your CV. You can even go further and create your own projects to showcase your skills. For instance, if you are a programmer, you could help to create an app or website for a non-profit organization. Every little thing helps you to stand out from the crowd, and shows initiative.
These are just some ways of effectively showing your interviewer that you are highly motivated. Some of them require more than simply handing over a CV and answering questions. They involve taking the initiative to improve your skills portfolio, and this will definitely impact your employer’s opinion of you in the interview stage. When the question inevitably arises: ‘What motivates you?’ you can back up your answer with concrete examples. Combine this with the right mind-set, and you have a winning formula.
By Adam Watson