how do you tell a company that this is truly your dream company/job? — Ask a Manager

A reader writes:

I’ve a second interview with an organization I’ve been working in direction of my whole profession. They solely rent skilled candidates, and I’m lastly at that stage. I’ve additionally freelanced for this firm, which was a beautiful expertise.

How ought to I — or ought to I do that in any respect? — inform them how critical I’m, not solely concerning the particular job, however about working for the establishment itself? I don’t need to come off as some deranged fan, however I want to underscore how a lot I would like the job (and actually, I might do nearly any job I’m certified for at this establishment). How a lot emphasis ought to I place on this when explaining why I need to work there — I assume saying I’ve spent my whole profession eager to work there’s overkill?

By the best way, after all I do know that “dream jobs” don’t really exist. However that is shut, and the establishment has an amazing monitor file of the way it treats its workers.

The factor about expressing intense enthusiasm — dream job stage enthusiasm — is that only a few jobs rent folks as a result of they’re wildly enthusiastic. They need to see a baseline stage of curiosity, after all. However as soon as that field is checked, having additional excessive ranges of it doesn’t add that a lot. In spite of everything, they’re not going to rent you since you actually need to work there; they’re going to rent you as a result of you appear to be you’d excel on the work (at the very least at wholesome firms, that are those you need to work for).

There’s additionally some extent the place it could grow to be a detrimental. If you appear to be you could have rose-colored glasses on, interviewers will fear about whether or not you’re being practical about what working there’ll actually be like and the way properly you’re in a position to assess whether or not it’s actually the proper match for you.

So that you need to purpose for a center floor — and engaged, however grounded about it too. It’s this distinction between this:

“This has all the time been my dream job! I’m so excited to be speaking to you. I’ve all the time wished to work right here.”

and:

“For the reason that begin of my profession, I’ve been actually occupied with X Org’s work due to your deal with ___ and the bizarre strategy you’ve taken to ___. I’ve all the time hoped there could be a chance to work collectively and be a part of your ___.”

The second nonetheless expresses real curiosity, but it surely grounds it and provides extra nuance (plus you sound knowledgeable!). Because you’ve freelanced for them prior to now, you could possibly probably reference one thing particular from that have too.

Additionally! Ardour for the work is a special factor — somebody who absolutely nerds out speaking about their love of, say, information or customer support or llama grooming (or regardless of the job is targeted on) is rather more thrilling than somebody who’s actually centered on loving the corporate itself.