Interview Energy: Why Low Energy Can Lose You the Job

Disappointment in a new job or interview

A job seeker wrote telling me he got interview feedback telling him he had “low energy”. He was shocked to hear this because he thought he’d done well. And was especially proud of having kept calm despite interview nerves.

Since he didn’t get the job, he wonders how to increase his interview energy. But also not let nerves get the best of him. For him, keeping himself at a calm energy level also helps keep him from being a nervous wreck. So what can he do?

What interviewers look for

For an interviewer, low energy from a candidate during a job interview creates a picture of someone who will not go the extra mile. They come off as low motivation, especially if they’re so layback in a situation like this that’s so important.

But it also leaves an overall blah impression, making you less memorable. And creates an impression of a less vibrant potential team member. Hiring is not just about skills. It’s about seeing you as part of their company. A fully engaged, roll-your-sleeves up, eager to take on new projects addition.

Interviewers like good energy and the feeling that you will bring something extra to the job and low energy does not convey that. The impression you create from the moment they contact you until the interview — and beyond that — all goes into their decision of who they want to hire.

⇒ 10 Impressions You Leave After a Job Interview

⇒ Interview Chemistry: Do You Feel a Connection?

⇒ Interview Tips: 15 Things I Look for When I Interview

How to improve low interview energy

The number one remedy for “curing” low energy is to feel confident about yourself and what you have to offer. Feeling unsure saps your energy and puts doubt into your answers. It’s hard to walk proud when doubts weigh you down inside.

Things that sap your energy

Worrying they won’t like you.
Feeling unsure that you really are the best candidate.
Afraid to say or do the wrong thing.
Not wanting to come off too pushy or arrogant when talking about yourself.
Reviewing everything you say as you say it and then reviewing it right afterward when you should be fully engaged with the interviewer in the moment.
Having had bad interview experiences and still carrying that as “I’m not good enough” baggage.
Letting interview nerves (brain freeze) take over so you answer slower or less confidently or even have trouble hearing the questions at times.
Not having slept well or eaten or taken care of yourself in a way to maximize your energy and alertness.
Arriving late so you feel judged and at a disadvantage.

What you need to know and do for yourself

First and maybe most important of all, you need to prepare yourself for each interview. Mentally, physically, and jobwise for each particular job and company. As bright and charming as you may be, you don’t just wing it.

This post covers some of the basics. Please take the time to read it and use the suggestions as an interview prep guide:

⇒ How To Mentally Prepare for a Job Interview

The more confident you feel in your ability to excel in THIS job, the more your energy will come across as strong and confident … without being overly aggressive or just plain annoying. I was once called pleasantly aggressive by a Senior Vice President who offered me the job. And I happily accepted.

Confidence is a big part of product marketing. And in interviews you are the product. Believing in yourself and your ability to be a great addition to their team translates favorably to the impression you create and leave. And to your energy.

As for any past interviews that didn’t go well, shake it off. Give the interviewer your all. Each time is a fresh chance to help them see how well you fit. You only need one job — assume the ones you didn’t get weren’t for you. Always find ways to see why this one is the RIGHT job and bring that feeling with you.

About those interview nerves

Please know that in no way am I minimizing the effect of nerves on interviews. They’re very real — and natural. And trying to keep yourself from jumping out of your skin by slowing the pace or doing “calm down” self-talk can come off as low energy.

All that attention to your nerves drains your energy from where you need to be … fully focused on connecting with the interviewer. And seeing yourself as a valuable asset to the job and your new coworkers. And helping the interviewer see it.

But when you’re well prepared and have spent time doing calming exercises leading up to the interview and visualizing yourself doing well, you can feel more assured of letting yourself fully engage during an interview. And that in itself helps increase your energy in a “this might be our person” way.