Need Interview Advice

I have been interviewing for Summer Associate positions at BB banks and, while I am regularly invited back for final rounds, I haven't been able to close the deal anywhere yet.

I have gotten some feedback from alumni and interviewers and the consensus seems to be that I have a very strong background and am technically sharp, but haven't exhibited the passion or interest to put me over the top.

Clearly, I need to bring the intensity up a notch or two. What are some of the things that I can do to blow their socks off? I want to lock these next few down for sure.

 

We used to have a public speaking coach who would tell people who are naturally reserved to go ridiculously over the top with your volume, hand motions, etc. His theory was if you were that reserved and people couldn't see your passion, what was over the top for you would be perceived as passionate by others. In other words, if you're at a 3, it might turn you up to a 6. My theory was that this guy was a know nothing douche, but it seemed to work for some people.

 
Best Response

Normally people recommend speaking a bit slower so you are really articulate, but kicking up the pace of your speech a tiny bit with greater inflections helps get across passion/interest.

I'm trying to think of someone who is really excited to talk, and I thought of Tarantino when he talks about movies. You aren't going to hear someone more excited to talk about something. Now obviously, you don't want to go full Tarantino, but listen to some clips of him talking and you can get a feel as to how passion can be conveyed through speech.

Couple clips. Pr Samuel L Jackson describing Tarantino's directing:

Tarantino on Top Gun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyN8VN4BSzM

Tarantino talking about his new Django soundtrack (long though): https://soundcloud.com/unchained-soundtrack/quentin-tarantino-special

Obviously the best way to express interest is to be legitimately enthusiastic. But if you're a more reserved guy, you might to need try and mimic excitement. Tarantino goes a bit over the top, but you get the idea.

 

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