Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Here's how you can gauge a candidate's enthusiasm and motivation in an interview.

Interviewing candidates is a subtle art, especially when it comes to assessing their enthusiasm and motivation for the job. These qualities are essential for employee engagement and overall success in a role. Understanding how to gauge these attributes can make the difference between hiring a candidate who excels and one who merely gets by. This article will provide you with practical tips to help you discern a candidate's genuine interest and drive during the interview process.

1 Observe Body Language

Body language offers a wealth of information about a candidate's enthusiasm. During the interview, pay close attention to their eye contact, posture, and facial expressions. Candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity tend to lean forward, maintain steady eye contact, and show animated facial expressions. Conversely, if a candidate slouches, avoids eye contact, or has a rigid facial expression, they may not be as motivated or interested in the position.

Add your perspective

Grace Kelly

Senior Talent Acquisition | Connecting with people meaningfully | Listening first and then aligning culture and vision to potential job opportunities.
Report contribution
Genuine enthusiasm is often a combination of knowledge, curiosity, and positive energy! Look for consistency in these signs throughout the interview process. Observe body language, look for engaged posture, eye contact, and animated gestures. Discuss industry trends, passionate candidates tend to stay informed about their field. Evaluate follow-up, prompt and engaging post-interview communication can signal strong interest.

Like
Karen Martinelli

Tech Recruiter | Talent Acquisition | Recrutamento e SeleÃ§Ã£o | Recursos Humanos | Tecnologia | TI
Report contribution
Ã‰ essencial analisar sua expressÃ£o visual, sorriso e a sua fala. Se o candidato nÃ£o demonstrar expressÃ£o de motivaÃ§Ã£o, felicidade ou atÃ© mesmo um pouco de ansiedade Ã© porque realmente nÃ£o se encontra muito motivado para entrevista.

Translated

Like

2 Listen for Tone

The tone of voice a candidate uses can reveal much about their level of enthusiasm. Listen for variations in pitch, pace, and volume as they respond to questions. A motivated candidate often speaks with a lively and varied tone, showing their interest and eagerness. Monotonous or flat vocal delivery, on the other hand, might suggest a lack of genuine enthusiasm for the role or the company.

Add your perspective

Abril Barrientos AguiÃ±aga

Talent Consultant | Talent Acquisition Specialist | Headhunter | Your Strategic Recruitment Partner
Report contribution
Desde el tono de voz con qu ete responden te peudes dar cuenta de la motivaciÃ³n del candidato, incluso los movimientos corporales, la sonrisa, postura,etc.. TambiÃ©n que tanto se interesa en darte respuestas completas, en mostrar sus habilidades. Cuando un candidato investiga o conoce sobre la empresa tambiÃ©n nos da informaciÃ³n de su entusiamo.

Translated

Like

3 Assess Responses

The content of a candidate's responses is as crucial as how they deliver them. Enthusiastic candidates usually provide detailed answers that demonstrate their knowledge of your company and the industry. They often share specific examples of their past experiences and how they relate to the job at hand. If a candidate gives generic responses or seems unprepared, it might indicate lower motivation levels.

Add your perspective

Jonathan Venegas

Structural Engineering, IT and Industrial Recruitment Analyst/Psychologist/Human Development/Organizational Consulting
Report contribution
La soltura y el dominio de la palabra para expresar los logros y alcances por parte de los candidatos se da con la experiencia en general. Entonces puede convertirse en un tema complejo identificar en el contenido de las respuestas la verdadera motivaciÃ³n del candidato de trÃ¡s. Por ello es importante generar un ambiÃ©nte de confianza desde el contacto inicial, generar rapport efectivo con los candidatos entendiendo sus necesidades e intereses es indispensable para conocer de manera mÃ¡s clara si Ã©s o no el perfil ideal para tu organizaciÃ³n.

Translated

Like

4 Question Engagement

Asking candidates what they know about your company and why they applied can be very telling. Those who have done their homework and can articulate what excites them about the opportunity are likely to be motivated and enthusiastic. Look for candidates who ask insightful questions about the company's goals, culture, and challenges, as this shows a proactive interest in becoming part of your team.

Add your perspective

5 Discuss Goals

Discussing a candidate's professional goals can give you insight into their long-term enthusiasm and motivation. Candidates who have clear, well-thought-out career goals that align with the position and your company's direction are more likely to be genuinely motivated. They will be able to explain how the role fits into their career plan and how they intend to grow within your organization.

Add your perspective

6 Note Follow-Up

Finally, take note of the candidate's follow-up after the interview. A thank-you email or message that reiterates their interest in the position and reflects on the interview discussion can be a strong indicator of enthusiasm. Candidates who go the extra mile to express their eagerness and recap their qualifications show a high level of motivation and interest in joining your team.

Add your perspective

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Roli Prasad

A Lifelong HR Learner | Top LinkedIn Voice | Mother to Gen Alpha â™¾ï¸ The Smartest lot | Selfcare Management | HRBP | Philanthropist | Unstoppable | Stepped out after 6 years to conquer |
Report contribution
Gauge a candidate's enthusiasm and motivation by observing their energy and body language, such as eye contact and posture. Listen for passion in their voice and excitement about the role and company. Ask open-ended questions about their achievements and what drives them. Notice if theyâ€™ve researched the company and ask insightful questions. Their eagerness to discuss future contributions and career growth also indicates strong motivation.

Like

Directory

Here's how you can gauge a candidate's enthusiasm and motivation in an interview.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Observe Body Language

2 Listen for Tone

3 Assess Responses

4 Question Engagement

5 Discuss Goals

6 Note Follow-Up

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Interviewing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Interviewing

More relevant reading

Directory

Here's how you can gauge a candidate's enthusiasm and motivation in an interview.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Observe Body Language

2 Listen for Tone

3 Assess Responses

4 Question Engagement

5 Discuss Goals

6 Note Follow-Up

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Interviewing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills