Landing this job -- your thoughts and suggestions please

I was fortunate enough to have a very short-lived term of unemployment. It came down to 3 places and I took the first job I was offered. Here I am, three weeks now. This place wasn't my first choice, but I like it here now.

But.....I'm still in the running at my first-choice place.

I had two fantastic phone interviews, took a writing test and was told that my writing sample was the strongest. I have the backing of the HR person and thought I had an excellent in person interview with my would-be boss. Apparently not. The HR person calls me today and tells me that my would-be boss is very impressed with my experience, thinks my writing is fantastic, impressed with my follow up, but my in person meeting was so-so. The HR person said I need to be very clear about wanting to work for this company and show how passionate I am for the public relations industry. I don't get it -- I thought I was enthusuastic and passionate. I'm not sure how to express passion and enthusiasm without crossing the line of desperation. (I'm not desparate.) Any thoughts?

ETA: I'm meeting with the same person again.

Message edited 4/4/2007 10:03:34 AM.

Re: Landing this job -- your thoughts and suggestions please

Are you going in for another face to face? Will you be meeting with him again or someone else?

People’s personal take on a potential employee is always the worst. Hiring managers tend to "focus' on the wrong things and draw conclusions that aren't necessarily true.

Being outgoing, friendly and, relating to a person can help on a 2nd interview.

Ask a few questions (not ones you should know the answers too & not anything about $ or days off) Maybe a question about the programs they use or a particular procedure. How large of a group you would be working with, things of that nature.

Getting him/her to talk about them self briefly is also a good thing. People love to talk about themselves.

Hope I helped a little...Good Luck