Hey Advize community! I'm the CEO of Advize, and I want to share something that completely changed my interview game early in my career. Having graduated from UCLA Anderson and gone through countless interviews for entry-level positions, internships, and later leadership roles, I've learned some valuable lessons about what really matters in the interview room.
The Game-Changing Lesson I Learned
Let me tell you about one of my biggest early-career mistakes – one that I never made again. In my first interviews, I tried to play it cool to stay relaxed. I thought being laid-back would help me perform better, but instead, it came across as lacking interest. That approach cost me opportunities I'll never know about.
Everything changed when I heard this piece of advice on Tim Ferriss's podcast: "Act like you would walk through a wall to get the job." That stuck with me, and here's why it matters so much.
Why Enthusiasm is Your Secret Weapon
Think about it this way:
Best case scenario: You're genuinely excited about the role, and everyone in the room can feel it. When the hiring team meets later to discuss candidates, they all agree: "That candidate really wants to be here."
Worst case scenario: You hold back your enthusiasm, and despite your qualifications, you're written off because you didn't seem interested enough. In today's competitive job market, where entry-level positions can receive hundreds of applications, you can't afford to let opportunities slip away like that.
Why Companies Care About Your Enthusiasm
Here's an insider secret: Companies really do test how much you want the job. Why? Because:
Finding and recruiting good candidates is expensive
Training new graduates and entry-level employees takes significant resources
High turnover rates hurt team productivity and company culture
Replacing people who leave means starting the entire hiring process over
The hiring process is similar to landlords renting out their homes – companies strongly prefer investing in candidates who demonstrate long-term commitment and genuine interest (aka, a good tenant who will rent for years versus months so they don't have to do this over and over again).
How to Show Enthusiasm Without Being Fake
For recent graduates and early professionals wondering how to strike the right balance, here's how to show genuine enthusiasm professionally:
1. The Interview is Like a Song 🎵
People always remember:
The beginning (your introduction and elevator pitch)
The end (your closing remarks)
How you made them feel
2. Practical Ways to Show You're Interested
Do Quality Research: Ask smart, informed questions about the company, team structure, and growth opportunities
Craft Your Story: In your elevator pitch, clearly explain why this role aligns with your career goals
Use Strong Body Language:
Make good eye contact
Smile naturally
Show engaged, positive energy
End Strong: Recap your interest and enthusiasm in your closing remarks saying something like, "Before I go, I believe I'm a great fit for this because of XYZ example and I'm really excited about the opportunity."
Real Talk: Nobody's 100% Sure
Here's something I've learned: Nobody walking into an interview – whether it's for an internship, entry-level job, or senior position – is 100% certain about anything. And that's okay! But here's the deal – you don't want to miss out on an amazing opportunity just because you didn't show enough enthusiasm from the start.
The Power of Consistent Messaging
When a hiring team meets to discuss candidates, you want them all saying the same thing: "That candidate really wants to be here." If everyone's aligned on that basic fact, you've done something right. This is especially important for early-career positions where cultural fit and potential for growth are key factors.
A Final Note
Remember, showing enthusiasm isn't about being fake – it's about giving yourself the best possible chance at opportunities that could launch your career. You've already put in the hard work to get the interview; don't let a lack of visible enthusiasm be the thing that holds you back.
Your Next Steps
As you prepare for your next interview:
Research thoroughly so your enthusiasm can be specific and informed
Practice showing genuine interest through your body language
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your excitement about the role
Plan a strong opening and closing that communicates your genuine interest
Remember, at Advize, we're here to help you navigate these challenges. Our platform is full of professionals who've been through the same journey – from first internship to dream job – and can share their experiences about what works in interviews.
Go show them you're ready to walk through walls!
Emily McSherry
CEO, Advize