In today’s professional world … enthusiasm … is one of the most highly regarded and sought after qualities out there in an individual. In today’s market, it is the most common reason provided by employers for rejecting job applicants. So its importance has skyrocketed. Whether an employee, manager, colleague or candidate, your career success is connected to your ability to project excitement, curiosity, engagement and a positive attitude to those around you … and the work you perform.

And in no setting is it more critical than the job interview. Employers closely assess and judge candidates on their level of “enthusiasm” for an opportunity—and are unforgiving when a deficiency exists. So regardless of how qualified a candidate may be, a move forward can be won … or lost on this single expression. Given this reality, it is critical to tend to this aspect of your interview prep and overall career development. But some professionals are uncomfortable in this pursuit because they’re not quite sure how to do so without being unnatural.