Proving your picture
Determined
It's not only in your CV - your interviewer should see it in your eyes and recognise it in your jaw-line. You WANT this job, you're keen and enthusiastic about it.
Understand that this has to be a state of mind, not something you can hype yourself into. Genuine passion and enthusiasm is hard to conceal - your body language just oozes it. But you're not going to feel it without discovering a motive. And that means finding out about the company you're looking at, delving deep and discovering things to get you all fired up before getting to the interview.
Know what happens when it does, especially when it shows? The relationship between you and your interviewer moves up a notch. Up to something special - a shared enthusiasm for the same thing.
Your preparation for all this will spell it out too. You've been online and printed out the company brochure. You have it in front of you in a clear plastic folder, the logo plainly visible. You have print-outs from competitors as well, ready for reference if it comes to question time. Along with all the other stuff that shows you're solid: your own copy of your CV, Cover Letter, References, Proof of ID, Qualifications, Competency Certificates - the works.
Pity the poor interviewer. You're pro, you've done your homework, you know the company and you're enthusiastic. You're difficult to refuse!
Perceptive
It's focus time. This is your moment - and your whole being is on super-alert, condition red.
Unless asked, you SHUT UP, listening intently to everything your interviewer says. You're paying full attention and nothing is going to get by you. Of course not, you're so enthusiastic you're hanging on every word.
And it's obvious. At this moment, everything that is said is the most important thing in the world. Which comes back to determination.
Non-verbally, your interviewer is getting one message - that you WANT the job.
Intelligent
You've done your research, you know your subject. You still avoid shooting your mouth off. Your enthusiasm is good for your cause, but it has to be contained.
You take a five-count before you answer anything. Train yourself to do this anyway, it buys you time. Time to think and plan your answer. Time to show you're disciplined in the way you consider everything. Time to avoid saying the first thing that comes into your head.
When you do speak, take your time. Since you're so prepared, you'll find the words have a way of saying themselves. Stay on subject and don't waffle. Show you're really smart and avoid saying anything about sex, politics or religion. Jokes are out too.
There's also this thought-provoking advice from Groucho Marx: It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Proud
There is living an act and there is being real. All the interview tips say sit up straight, do not slouch. But do you know why?
Not because you should pay attention, but because you're proud. You're proud of everything you've done and why you're here. Of who you are too, and the way you're handling yourself.
In fact your enthusiasm is so strong, it's an effort to sit still. But you do because you're a pro. With your hands clasped in your lap to avoid fidgeting and control your nervousness.
As for attention, you've watched every detail like a hawk since you walked into Reception. The way to join this company is to act like you already have.
Think all this is over the top? Well, do you want this job or don't you?