5 Psychological tricks for your job interview that work every time

Once you’ve landed an interview, done your company research, and prepared answers to common interview questions, you may think you’re as ready as you’ll ever be. Hold on a minute, though, because there is one more tool you’ll want to have in your toolbox. Preparing yourself psychologically for an interview is a vital part of making a good impression. Sure, skills, education, and experience are critical, but if you have some good psychological tricks for your job interview up your sleeve, you’ll give yourself the best chance for success.

In this article, we’ll discuss tips and tricks to tip the interview scales in your favor, including:

• How to be mentally sharp in an interview

• Five psychological tricks for your interview

• Dos and don’ts of psychological interview tricks

How to stimulate your brain before an interview 

Let’s face it, interviewing can be stressful, and that’s on top of everything else you have going on in your life. But fear not, there are several things you can do before your interview to make sure you’re as mentally sharp as possible.

• Stay hydrated. Would you believe that up to 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated? This hinders your brain’s energy production and can increase feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, and irritability. If you’re not already a regular water drinker, consider upping your fluid intake for a few days before the interview.

• Be active. Regular exercise can increase your energy and alertness. Even some quick jumping jacks or gentle stretching can enhance blood flow to the brain and boost electrical activity.

• Don’t forget the power of music. Before your interview, you might want to listen to some energizing music, which can boost your mood and energy level.

• Try power poses. According to Harvard Business School professor Amy Cuddy, modeling the body language of a powerful person can increase confidence: "Body-mind approaches such as power posing rely on the body, which has a more primitive and direct link to the mind, to tell you you're confident." These power poses might be a little off-putting in the middle of an interview, so try them beforehand in the restroom, elevator, or even in your car.

5 Psychological tricks for your interview

There’s an old saying: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” While that might seem daunting, you have more control over it than you might think. There are several psychological tricks (or “Jedi Mind Tricks,” if that works for you) you can use during an interview to boost your confidence as well as your overall impression. Making simple adjustments to the way you talk and carry yourself can help you appear more amiable, capable, and confident and set you apart from your competition.

1. Mirror body language

In general, people are drawn to others who are similar to themselves. In an interview, consider mirroring the body language of the hiring manager, which may help you appear more "likable." Try to align your facial expressions, vocal pitch, and body language with those of the other person. But don’t overdo it — if you’re folding or unfolding your arms every time the interviewer does it, you run the risk of making them uncomfortable as well as distracting yourself from the task at hand. And don’t mirror any negative traits the interview might have, or you might come off as negative or a complainer. It might be helpful to practice these skills with family and friends until it becomes both subtle and second nature.

2. Be an effective listener

It’s important to show the hiring manager that you’re listening to what they have to say. Active listening includes focusing on the interviewer’s words, mirroring their message, and restating it to confirm that you understand. This will help you appear more engaged in the conversation at hand.

3. Use flattery effectively but judiciously

Active listening also does double duty as a form of flattery, as it generates positive feelings — everyone likes to feel that they're being heard. As Jaideep Sengupta, a professor of marketing at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said, “Flattery has an insidious ability to…affect the outcomes of all kinds of business interactions, from job interviews to sales to boardroom presentations.” But you don’t want to sound like an apple polisher. Frame your flattery by asking their advice or opinion on a subject, and offer validation that you feel the same way.

4. Be mindful of your outfit

Did you know that what you wear can influence how the interviewer sees you? Research has shown that the most effective color you can wear is blue, which suggests you’re a team player, or black, which implies leadership abilities (although you don’t want to wear it head to toe). Beware of orange, though, as it often suggests unprofessionalism. Other colors to consider are:

• White: Implies that you’re organized and respectable.

• Brown: This evokes a sense that you're dependable, trustworthy, and committed.

• Red: Projects power and confidence. 

• Gray: Promotes the idea that you’re logical, focused, analytical, and sophisticated.

• Green, yellow, or purple: Give the impression of creativity.

5. Find common ground

There’s a thing called the “similarity-attraction hypothesis,” which is basically a fancy way of saying we usually like people who share our interests. For example, if you notice that the interviewer has a poster from “Hamilton” on his or her wall, make a comment that shows you’re a fan of the theater as well (assuming you are!). Doing this at the beginning of the interview will set a positive tone and support an affable and individualized conversation.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed in an interview. Employing these psychological tricks can help you feel more confident and increase your chances of getting the job you want. Remember, an interviewer is a person too. Treat them as you'd like to be treated, and you'll automatically be setting yourself up for success.

Key takeaways

1. Preparing yourself psychologically for an interview is a vital part of making a good impression. 

2. To increase mental acuity, utilize proper hydration, movement, and music.

3. Making simple adjustments to the way you talk and carry yourself can help you appear more likable, professional, and confident.