Where is Your Passion?

I was recently phone interviewing a candidate for one of our internal roles and, at the end of our conversation, she said to me, “it’s so clear how passionate you are about where you work. I want to feel that way too.”

Really, I thought? Is it that obvious? I was just talking to her about my role here and the firm as a whole. But then I realized that the manner in which I explained where I work, why I work here, and why I love it must have indicated something beyond those simple explanations.

It’s true, I love where I work. But more importantly, I’m able to effectively communicate that to my candidates. It tends to be a huge advantage to be excited about the company you work for, or the company you are recruiting for. You can spark excitement for your candidate and not only make them interested in moving forward, but also encourage them to be ecstatic about hearing the next steps.

At my last job, I worked on a contracted, remote basis for clients at an outsourced firm. Translation: I had no idea what my client’s office looked like or what their people were really like while I recruited for them.

I remember a candidate asking me what my favorite part of working there was and I blanked. Uhhh, I have no idea, I don’t really work there. Afterward, I explained this to my boss and she told me: “Oh, it doesn’t matter what you say, just mean it. Tell them what your favorite part about working here is.” I was skeptical at first, but it definitely worked! The candidates picked up on my energy and it got them all riled up as well.

If you’re not passionate about where you work, you may want to start searching. But if you are recruiting for a new company or your candidates don’t seem to be as excited as you would like them to be, try these few tips:

Research

If you don’t know what you’re talking about, it’s going to be really hard to sound excited about it. Make sure you know the company’s history and product. Have they been growing tremendously? Are they a stable, well-liked organization? Be informed.

Perks

How are the benefits? Do they offer tuition reimbursement or child care? Are they centered in a great location that is easy to get to or surrounded by great restaurants?

Corporate Culture

This is a huge one, especially for startups. A lot of times candidates will get more excited about the environment they are working in rather than the role itself. Once they discover that they are responsible for their own projects, aren’t being micromanaged, or are surrounded by energetic passionate co-workers, their interest will spike. By knowing and understanding the corporate culture, you will sound more enthusiastic as a recruiter.

Fringe Benefits

If they’re available, talk about them. I know I get super excited that lunch is paid for every day by my firm and I pay zero dinero for health insurance.

Speak to your candidates about what makes you happy at your job. It really can be anything, because it’s different for different people and different positions. Maybe your company has an outrageously great training program, or the opportunity for promotion is amazing.

It doesn’t really matter what it is, but the candidate is most definitely going to pick up on that spark in your voice, and it’s contagious to them. They hear your excitement and they’re excited without even meaning to be. This could be a great opportunity for you to discover what you really love about your job and your company, too. So, figure out what you’re passionate about and speak it!