How To: Get pumped up for an interview!

One of the most common concerns/complaints that we hear from hiring managers after an interview is that the candidate did not seem to have enough energy.  This can be interpreted several different ways but typically it means that the candidate either did not seem excited to be there, did not seem excited about the job, or their body language communicated their lack of engagement.  However, upon asking the candidate how they felt the interview went, they often respond by saying that it went very well, they had solid answers and asked good questions during the interview.  That's why they are shocked when I tell them that their candidacy is being passed on due to "lack of energy."  Surprise is often the most common emotion but some candidates are offended due to the fact that they take pride in their personal energy.  Regardless of how candidates view themselves, it's imperative that the hiring manager feel your excitement and interest.  In sales, people buy from people they like.  People also hire people they like, so it's your goal as a candidate to connect with the interviewer and have them feed off of your energy. 
 

So how do you ensure the fact that you emit tons of energy on an interview?  Get pumped up!  I'm not telling you to jump across the desk at your interviewer and give them a "game time" speech about what you can bring to the team.  I'm talking about being engaging during an interview and building a genuine connection with your interviewer.  If you are excited when speaking about your background and what you can bring to the team, more often than not, the interviewer will also get excited and they'll feed off your energy.  So before walking into that conference room, get yourself in the zone.  It's like a pre-game ritual: do whatever you need to do to get your blood flowing and your mind on point.  Whether it's drinking a coffee chased by a Red Bull, dropping to the ground and doing 10 push ups, blasting loud music, repeating personal affirmations, or watching "Rudy" or some other feel good movie, do whatever it takes to get you pumped up.  Treat every interview like the most important/biggest sale of your career.  Prepare yourself to close!

The same goal applies for a phone interview.  It can be a bit harder due to the fact that you are not sitting in front of your interviewer, but you still need to make sure that your energy and personality transcends the phone lines.  First and foremost, make sure you're in a quiet place with no distractions but feel free to stand up, walk around the room and talk with your hands if you need to.   I've had candidates who have dressed in a suit for a phone interview or watched themselves in the mirror in order to get in the frame of mind they need to in order to win.  Do what you need to do to feel the energy.

Every interview is an opportunity to change your future, do not take it lightly.  Remember, you are in an interview to show them who you are and what you can do for their company.  Do not expect them to get excited over your candidacy if you can't get excited yourself.  Put your best foot forward both mentally and professionally and ensure yourself the possibility of a second, third or final interview.  So take sprints around your neighborhood, blast AC/DC or give yourself a pep talk in the mirror.  Do what you need to do to bust out of the gates with energy and excitement.  This is your opportunity to gain, so go get 'em, Tiger!