Here's how you can effectively convey your passion for social impact in job interviews.

I love this question, because it is all about the why. Why are you interested in making that particular impact? Why are you interested in the company? Answer the question as it was an onion... first peel of the skin..., meaning start with your personal why (this can be a personal experience, or a more collective one), and then start taking it layer by layer: why the company (if you have done your research, you will find a way to attach this back to your values and why) AND why the role you are interviewing in particular. At this point, add an anecdote or a personal story that highlights 1 or 2 of the skills relevant to the position.

The personal is political. Whatever you are passionate about is because of how it has affected you on a personal level. Use that to fuel your passion. Don't hesitate to talk about your personal experience and how it relates to your passion for the cause the organization is working on. Your interview is not about your resume or professional experiences, it is meant to humanize it. Think about moments that deeply affected you, driving you towards a cause or issue, it will allow you to connect emotionally with your interviewers. This authenticity helps you align with organizations that share your values. So, when preparing, remember that your interview is as much about your story as it is about your skills and experiences.

I would tell the story that explains your Why. Paint the picture. Build the emotional stakes. Allow the interviewer to get a window into who you are and why you want to do this work.

During interviews, I make sure to share this personal story to illustrate how my upbringing and experiences have fueled my commitment to social impact. By weaving together my personal narrative with my professional journey, I aim to humanize my story and showcase my genuine dedication to making a difference. It's these personal connections that truly set me apart and make my passion for social change authentic and compelling. Growing up in Morocco, raised by a single mother, I developed a deep passion for women's rights and feminism. My personal journey led me to launch Politics4Her and through this experience, I learned real-life skills that have shaped me into the nonprofit leader I am today.

Prepare with stories about how your work impacted your client and / or the organisation you have worked with. If you don't have experience, talk about your studies + your personal stories: how did you overcome a difficulty? What projects you worked on at university? The team you worked for that project - the one where you took the lead, is a good example. Share your personal experiences, too.What is your why - what is the reason that you decide to get into this particular profession and fight for this particular cause? Authenticity is key. Never be afraid to be yourself - in my experience, showing who you are is better than struggling after getting the job, because your values don't align with those of the team and / or the organisation.

Using metrics and real-life scenarios is so crucial to showcase the effectiveness of your work. Employers seek candidates who can express passion but also demonstrate concrete outcomes. So incorporate metrics and specific examples, this allowed me to articulate the quantifiable difference made by my initiatives. For instance, in using social media, I've consistently tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) such as user engagement, conversion rates, and reach. By analyzing these metrics, I've been able to showcase how our projects have directly impacted communities, whether through increased access to resources, heightened awareness of social issues, or measurable improvements in individuals' lives.

When it comes to conveying passion, authenticity is my guiding principle. I firmly believe in speaking from the heart. For me, social impact is a deeply personal calling rooted in my genuine desire to make a difference. I'm not afraid to show vulnerability and acknowledge the challenges along the way, as it's this authenticity that connects me with others. When coaching young individuals, I emphasize the importance of speaking truthfully and passionately about their experiences. It's not about arrogance but about sharing one's journey with sincerity and conviction. By being true to ourselves, we can authentically connect with others and inspire meaningful change together.

In your LinkedIn article, you could highlight the importance of aligning personal values with an organization's mission, emphasizing that your commitment to social impact is not just a talking point but a guiding principle in your career. You might suggest initiating community engagement projects that leverage the company's resources for greater societal benefit, or propose innovative sustainability practices that can be integrated into the business model. Showcasing your readiness to bring actionable ideas to the table demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset that is invaluable in today's socially-conscious business landscape.