Rock Your Next Interview with the Power of Music

Music is a super power when it comes to preparing to perform well in any high stakes event, especially such weighty events as job interviews.

There is a whole bunch of research to support the part music can play in boosting your interview brain and you walking into your next interview feeling like a rock star.  For example, listening to music pumps up the amount of dopamine released into your brain, boosting your mood and your confidence.  Music reduces anxiety and stress (especially if you can move to the music), giving your more brain resources for being present in the interview.  And, listening to heavy bass music will actually make you feel more powerful.

So open up your Spotify account and create your Interview Playlist. Then the morning of your interview pop your headphone on, pump up the sound and let the music do its magic.  

Here's a few songs that have research to back up their power:

• "The Final Countdown" by Europe: A 2013 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that listeners rated this song highly for motivational qualities. 
• "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen: In a 2015 study commissioned by Alba Festival, this song topped the list for making people feel happier. 
• "Stronger" by Kanye West: Remember that bass study? This song drips with bass and "That which doesn't kill me can only make me stronger..." 
• "Hallucinate" by Dua Lipa: A 2020 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that songs with a beat aligned to 150 BPM were optimal for exercise performance. This track hits that sweet spot and will get you energized.
• "The Four Seasons: Spring" by Vivaldi: Classical music has been shown to enhance cognitive function. Put this one on repeat!
• "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley: A 2011 study in Nature Neuroscience found that familiar, calming music was best for reducing anxiety. Bob's assurance that "every little thing is gonna be alright" is just what you need before walking into that interview room.

Remember, personal preference plays a huge role in how music affects you. So if Taylor Swift gets you more pumped than Metallica, or if you prefer Mozart to Motown, go with what works for you. The best interview prep playlist is the one that makes you feel like you could take on the world.

As always, wishing you a flourishing career.

Katherine