Believe it or Not, What You Eat Before an Interview Can Make a Difference

Nancy Anderson
Posted by in Career Advice


The stress before an interview might tempt you to forgo breakfast. Don't go there. You absolutely should eat a meal ahead of your interview, as what you consume can affect the outcome of how the face-to-face goes. Here are some tips regarding what to eat and when, as well as what foods to avoid in preparation for your big day.

What to Eat

Four types of foods determine what to eat if you want the best results. That's because foods can alter your body's chemistry and your brain chemistry in ways that can assist you as you face the pressure of an interview.

Omega-3 fatty acids contain substances that stimulate growth of brain cells. That makes salmon, cod, eggs, kale and flaxseeds the ultimate brain foods before an interview. Omega-3 fatty acids can improve your mood and memory.

B vitamins represent another great choice. These vitamins help balance your brain chemistry, improve mood and increase your energy levels. Eggs, peas, broccoli, spinach and meat all contain plenty of B vitamins. What to eat for lunch might start with a spinach and broccoli salad topped with chicken and an egg.

Whole grains are another essential food to consume on interview day. Think brown cereals, brown pasta and whole grain bread. Whole grains give you enough energy throughout the day without a spike in blood sugar levels. What to eat during a meal may include a sandwich made with whole grain bread, baked salmon and a sliced, hard-boiled egg on top.

Consider drinking a little bit of coffee 20 minutes ahead of an interview. Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that can improve your brain function temporarily. The caffeine-high wears off after three hours, so time your coffee consumption properly.

When to Eat

When to eat is almost as important as what to eat on interview day. Eat a complete meal, filled with various foods, a few hours before you go to your interview. This gives the nutrients time to kick in, but it also helps prevent indigestion if you get nervous. Don't skip a meal, because avoiding breakfast or lunch can cause even more anxiety to creep in during your interview.

What to Avoid

Avoid several foods that can cause difficulties on interview day. Stay hydrated by drinking water, but don't overdo it, because you don't want to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes. Drink a little water beforehand, and bring a bottle of water with you to moisten your mouth between questions.

Try not to consume too many carbohydrates, such as pasta, potatoes or bread, because they can make you drowsy and unfocused. These foods contain tryptophan, a substance that might make you feel sleepy. Any foods you eat on interview day should lean more heavily on protein.

Avoid smelly foods at least 24 hours before your appointment. That means no onions or garlic. It's not just because of your breath; your sweat glands might emit a strong odor when you're nervous.

What to eat is important in your overall health, but the foods you consume can make your interview go more smoothly. Choose wisely, because you don't want all of your preparation work to go to waste.


Photo courtesy of Adbul R at Flickr.com

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