Job search in a tough job market can be grueling. Job seekers apply for position after position, talk to employer after employer, and are not hired. Is it any wonder that some candidates enter job interviews demoralized, tentative, or desperate?

As a job seeker you should take every possible opportunity to differentiate yourself from the competition. One way to do that: maintain your positive attitude and project enthusiasm in every interview. Your dedication, perseverance and energy level will be noted by your potential employer.

Here are five ways that you can display your enthusiasm for the position during the interview process:

1. Be unfailingly prompt. There is absolutely no excuse for being late to a job interview. Some employers will be flexible or understanding of personal situations, but is that really how you want to start a potential business relationship?
2. Know before you go. Have a good general perspective on the company, its needs, its challenges, and how you can contribute to its success. If you say you want to work for a company you know little about, you’ll come off as insincere.
3. Be ready to interview. Prepare for potential interview questions, have your own questions ready, arrive with extra resumes and references. Make sure that you leave the impression that you took the meeting seriously enough to spend time anticipating their needs.
4. Use an interview “close.” At the end of the interview, say: “Thank you for spending some time with me today discussing this position. I think I’d be a great fit for both the role and the organization and would love to join your team. Do you have any concerns about my candidacy?” This allows you to get an idea of potential objections, and opens an opportunity to overcome them. Then, if the feedback is entirely positive and you see no immediate obstacles, you can try this: “Well, is there anything in the way of you offering me the position today?” Bold move, yes, but it might just get you an offer on the spot.
5. Follow up. Always write a thank you, be it a note or an email. And be sure to follow up with the interviewer if you don’t hear back from them. It will show them you’re truly invested in the process.

These five tips demonstrate a high level of interest and professionalism, not to mention a dedication to the job search process that too many people don’t exhibit. Put these steps into play and you’ll be one step closer to your perfect job.

Kristi Daeda is a Success Coach devoted to helping you find your inspiring work. She invites you to take the next step in becoming a winning job seeker through her free e-book on writing results-focused resumes at http://www.jobsearchupgrade.com.

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