A Fresh Approach to Interview Prep - Engage All your Senses

The world is constantly sending us sensory signals—through sight, sound, taste, touch, and movement—that shape our experience of it in ways we often overlook. I’ve been taking a class called Coaching with the Senses where I’ve gained new insights into just how uniquely we all perceive these signals.

Interview Tips - A Perspective From a Professional Interview Coach

As you prepare for your next interview (or important meeting, 1:1 with your boss, or presentation), here are a few ideas for how to use YOUR personal sensory preferences to support you. Select the ones that speak to you.

Before your interview:

• Movement: Do you want to feel more calm or more engergized?  Which types of movement support that?  Maybe it’s a morning yoga session, a refreshing walk, power-lifting, boxing, or a Zumba class? Or a bubble bath the night before to help you relax. Right before your interview, roll your shoulders, shake out your hands, or do some power poses. Plant your feet firmly on the ground and feel supported. If you’re on Zoom, waiting for the person to log on, maybe you spell the abc’s with your ankles or take a deep, deep breath.

• Sound: What kind of sounds support you?  As you’re getting ready in the morning, do you want an amp-up/ramp you-up/energizing playlist, or something calming, soothing, centering, chill-you-out.  Maybe you put your cell phone on vibrate with volume low, or off so it doesn’t make your nerves jump, or maybe you let out a cathartic yell.

• Visual: What else makes you feel like you? Having your nails done in a fun color?   Maybe clearing your desk helps you focus, or tape a picture of your best friend to your computer if you’re doing an online interview.

• Touch: What fabric feels good to you to wear? 

• Smell: Do you have a shampoo you especially like to use, or a candle you want on your desk, or a peppermint essential oil you can pop in your purse and smell before you get out of the car and find that building door?

During the interview (to help focus, or do a little mini re-set after you didn’t love your answer to the last question):

• Gently squeeze each finger on one hand

• Rub your fingertips together and focus on the sensation

• If you're on Zoom, discreetly move your feet for a little movement break

• Take a sip of water

• Take notes - or jot down the question especially if it’s a multi-part question

Obviously, these are just a few ideas, but it’s worth thinking about preparing your body, and not just your interview answers and mindset.  This will allow you to bring your most present, focused, and sharp self to your interview.

Take 10 seconds to focus on an object and really notice the color nuances, the shadows, the luminescence, the texture, and the size. This kind of exercise can activate the more positive parts of your brain according to a practice called Positive Intelligence!

Think about what YOUR sensory preferences are

Every person has their own makeup of sensory preferences and thresholds. In terms of movement, some people thrive on stillness, while others crave adrenaline-fueled activities like skydiving or rollercoasters. I’ve come to realize I sit somewhere in the middle with most of my preferences, except for sound. Certain sounds can really annoy or distract me, rather than trying to just supress my irratibility, I’ve embraced the fact that I really have limits to what I want I want to tolerate. Simple changes—like using earbuds (or handing my daughter her own headphones when she’s watching A for Adley on YouTube).  I’ve also started a habit where instead of checking my phone first thing in the morning I take 10 seconds before I get out of bed in the morning to listen to the world around me, and I usually notice things I wouldn’t otherwise - like the sound of the crickets talking to each other.

As an interview coach, I love helping people learn how to be more confident in interviews through a variety of techniques. I believe in crafting answers to the questions you know are very likely to be asked, practicing in front of a real person, and also working on owning your capabilities and confidence. I hope these tips help you tap into your full potential as you navigate the interview process!

If you’re looking for interview prep coaching - explore more here.

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