A well-tailored CV with relevant experience will often get you in the door for a job interview. But if you want to land your dream job, you need to convincingly articulate why you’re the best person for the role.
As a career coach, I’ve found that there are a number of persuasive and powerful pitches that hiring professionals love to hear. One of the most effective things you can use in a job interview is, “One thing that excites me about this role is… .”
Here’s why this phrase will set you apart from other candidates:
1. It makes you sound confident
Job interviews are designed with a built-in power imbalance. You want the position and you need to impress the hiring manager. But when you use this phrase, you’re subtly telling the interviewer that you’re not just desperate for the job.
DO NOT MISS: The Ultimate Guide to Interviewing and Landing Your Dream Job
It shows that you are a passionate, curious and capable candidate who genuinely cares about what the job entails. By flipping the script, you are no longer asking the interviewer to be interested in you. You tell the interviewer what you find interesting about the role.
This subtle dynamic power shifting can only help you gain leverage.
2. It communicates positivity and capability
At first, the interviewer is simply looking for basic competencies. So when you express what actually excites you about the position, you show an enthusiasm that not only says “I can do this job,” but “I’m ready for the challenges that come with it.”
Employers want candidates who are not just looking for a job, but want to become an integral part of the team. This phrase makes the connection between your forward thinking and the potential contributions you can make. And it leaves a lasting impression.
3. Demonstrates research and preparation
Interviewers are always looking to see if candidates are prepared. Did they do their research? Are they able? Would hiring them instead of other people be the right choice?
By using a phrase like “One thing that excites me…” you indicate that you not only know the ins and outs of the role, but have also thought about how the role fits into your passions and goals.
Remember that research shows how you say things can matter more than what you say So make sure your tone of voice and posture are consistent with your interest and enthusiasm. Practice with a friend or record yourself answering questions to become more aware of your body language.
Want to land your dream job in 2024? Take CNBC’s new online course How to handle a job interview learn what hiring managers are really looking for, body language techniques, what to say and what not to say and the best way to talk about salary. Get started today and save 50% with discount code EARLYBIRD.
Erin McGoff is a New York career expert, award-winning filmmaker, and founder AdviceWithErin, a media brand dedicated to democratizing access to quality, soft career and life advice. She has worked with major brands including Google, National Geographic, Meta, Hilton, TikTok, Dell, Amazon, Microsoft and Dell.