How to Authentically Showcase Your Industry Passion in Interviews
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from interviewing over 1,000 digital experts and guiding more than 200 professionals in advancing their careers, it’s that authenticity is your secret weapon in job interviews. But how do you do that without sounding rehearsed or over-the-top?
Know Your Why: Dig Deep into Your Passion
Before you walk into any interview, it’s crucial to understand the root of your passion. What drew you to this industry in the first place? Was it the innovation, the potential for impact, or perhaps the dynamic nature of the field? Reflect on what excites you most about your work and let that fuel your conversation.
For instance, I once worked with a UX Designer who was preparing for a role in a tech startup. He was passionate about AI and machine learning, but his initial interview responses were generic, focusing only on technical skills. We dug deeper, exploring what truly excited him about the field. It turned out he was fascinated by AI’s potential to solve real-world problems, particularly in healthcare. One of his proudest achievements was working on an AI-driven project that helped predict patient readmissions. By analyzing vast amounts of patient data, the AI model he helped develop could identify high-risk patients and recommend preventive measures. This not only improved patient outcomes but also significantly reduced the hospital’s readmission rates, saving both time and resource. By sharing this story about how he contributed to an AI project that improved patient outcomes, he was able to convey his passion in a way that was both personal and powerful.
Master the Art of Storytelling
Here’s where many candidates stumble. They know what they’ve done, but they forget to tell the story behind it. Listing achievements is one thing; creating a narrative that’s memorable and impactful is another.
Think about a project that you were particularly excited about or a challenge that reignited your passion for the work. Instead of just stating the facts, dive into the emotions you felt—the pressure, the excitement, the sense of accomplishment.
For example, I once coached a candidate who was preparing for a leadership role. He had a great story about turning around a struggling team, but the first time he told it, the narrative felt flat… more like a checklist of tasks and results. Then, we reworked it by focusing on how he felt during the process: the pressure, the doubt, and the eventual pride in the team’s success. This emotional depth made the story stand out.
When you connect on that human level, you don’t only show what you did but who you are and the value you bring. That’s what sticks in an interviewer’s mind long after the interview ends.
Pro Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your stories. This framework ensures you cover all the important points while keeping your narrative engaging.
Keep It Real: Authenticity Over Perfection
Let’s be honest—talking about what motivates you can feel daunting. There’s a temptation to craft the perfect answer that ties everything neatly together. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be that complicated.
Instead of overthinking it, focus on moments in your career where you felt truly engaged and excited. Think about when you were at your best—collaborating with a team, solving a tough problem, or launching a successful project. These are the experiences that reflect your true passion.
For example, you might say: “I’m most energized when I’m working to improve customer satisfaction in a meaningful way. One of my favorite projects was redesigning our claims process. Customers were frustrated by the lengthy and confusing procedure, so I led a cross-functional team to streamline it. We implemented a new digital platform that reduced the claims processing time by 50% and provided real-time updates to customers. Seeing how these changes significantly improved our customer satisfaction scores and reduced complaints was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my passion for creating seamless, positive experiences for our customers”
This kind of response is relatable, authentic, and gives the interviewer a clear sense of what drives you.
This kind of response is relatable, authentic, and gives the interviewer a clear sense of what drives you.
Remember: Authenticity is key. Interviewers can often detect insincerity, so it’s important to be honest about what you love about the industry and what you’re eager to learn or achieve.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Passion Shine Through
Over the years, I’ve seen that the candidates who succeed are those who bring their true selves into the interview room. They don’t just talk about their skills and experience—they share their passion for the industry in a way that’s both genuine and compelling.
So, as you prepare for your next interview, take a moment to reflect on what truly excites you about your work. Use storytelling to make your passion memorable, and above all, keep it real.
Ready to ace your next interview? Keep these strategies in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to showcasing the authentic passion that will set you apart from the competition.