Jobhop Jobhop's blog : 10 Superfoods to Help You Nail That Interview

Preparing for an interview is half the battle for getting the job that you're looking for. While people go about this in different ways from rehearsing the answers to perfecting their CV, people often overlook the importance of eating the right food before an interview. A poor diet can make you tired or sloppy, whereas a healthy diet will make you more aware, more focused and will help to get rid of these pre-interview nerves.

Facing an important interview is enough to put anyone off their breakfast, but providing your body with the right nutrients can help you improve your interview skills.

To be at your best and beat the competition, reach for foods rich in these nutrients...

1. Fatty Acids (Omega 3)

These are great for the brain as they help to build up brain cells, help you to concentrate and supply oxygen to the brain. By improving brain function, you will become much better at answering those tough interview questions. Some sources of fatty acids are salmon, nuts, eggs, and avocados.

2. B Vitamins

These vitamins will not only prevent anxiety, insomnia and low self-esteem, they will also increase your energy and motivation levels. You can get B vitamins from broccoli, peas, spinach, eggs, and meat.

3. Whole Grains

Whole grains gradually release glucose into your bloodstream and can increase your concentration, focus, and mental alertness. There is plenty of ways to get whole grains into a meal before you interview. Try switching your white bread for whole grain or eating whole grain pasta.

4. Coffee

...but only in moderation! Coffee contains a stimulant that simulates the production of adrenaline. This increases your concentration and gives you a short-term mental boost that's perfect for an interview.

Although coffee is great for staying alert during your interview, it's important to note that drinking too much prior to your interview can have unpleasant consequences. The effect of coffee wears off after 3 hours, so make sure to drink it an hour before to reap the full benefits.

5. Protein

Responsible for both keeping you alert and satisfying your appetite longer, protein is a must-have before an interview (or before the start of the day for that matter). Unless you want to doze off during your interview, stick to proteins like fish, white meat, or eggs. Consuming protein helps your body to manufacture two chemicals made from tyrosine - norepinephrine and dopamine. These two chemicals enable the combination of neurotransmitters and increase your mental alertness.

6. Matcha

Matcha, a concentrated green tea powder, is a superfood packed with antioxidants that is also found to boost energy and endurance - just what you need when you're rushing out of the house! It's often mixed with a small amount of hot water, but it can also be easily mixed into breakfast smoothies.

7. Greek Yoghurt

Greek yoghurt is known as a breakfast staple for its high protein content and low calories, but the real health benefits come from its probiotics. These healthy bacteria help with digestion and fight against bad breath - perfect for an up close and personal interview.

8. Apples

Apples contain high amounts of natural sugars and fibres that break down slowly in the body, releasing a stream of glucose into the bloodstream and providing the body with a consistent source of energy.

9. Bran Cereal

Bran cereals contain magnesium, a micronutrient that is responsible for 300 biochemical reactions, and most notably the breaking down of glucose into energy. A lack of magnesium may lead to a midday energy crash - which isn't ideal for an afternoon interview!

10. Fresh Fruit

If you need a sugar boost, the naturally occurring sugars in fresh fruit are much more useful that a chocolate bar or two. Dark coloured fruits, such as blueberries are thought to contain more antioxidants but you will feel the benefit of eating any fruits, whether it's a banana or an orange.

During the day of your interview, there are a few foods to avoid, including...

Carbohydrates - Eating too many carbs like pasta, bread and potatoes can reduce alertness and may even make you fall asleep - which you definitely don't want in an interview!

Smelly foods - Garlic and onions should probably be banned from your diet for 24 hours before your interview - they will cause bad breath and can be excreted from your sweat glands.

Too much water - Of course, you need to stay hydrated, but don't be drinking too much water before your interview - you'll be running to the toilet every 5 minutes! However, do ask for a glass of water to keep your mouth hydrated during the interview when you're talking.

Some tasty brain boosting pre-interview meal suggestions -

Salmon, broccoli and brown pasta

Chicken and kale wrap (with wholemeal wrap)

Scrambled eggs and spinach on granary toast