By Shea Ki

I have sat through hundreds of hiring interviews. Many times I could not put my finger on what exactly was missing from a candidate who seemed to "have it all". Great grades in school. Volunteer work in their community. Well dressed, perfectly groomed, and able to answer many of the questions I asked with ease. But something was often missing that made me pass on offering them the job and it took me awhile to figure it out.

Many show up to the job interview without any spark of spirit. 

My favorite simple definition of "spirit" is "the force within a person that is believed to give the body life, energy, and power." It's that special thing that makes you YOU. Spirit shows up in the job interview as the essence of your personality mixed with a confidence that you are comfortable with being who you are in that moment. Like a fingerprint, this spark of spirit is unique to only you and often helps someone stand out from the pack. ​

---

But how do we access more of this shining, natural essence of ourselves?
The answer is that it's different for everyone and there are as many ways as people to tap into it. For many, practicing an activity that helps them connect to a higher power than themselves, also called a spiritual practice, makes the difference.

I used to think that beginning a spiritual practice meant I had to head to a church, a mountaintop, or some other place considered sacred and sit in silence. Or worse, be in pain for hours on end trying to bend into a yoga pose or sit like a pretzel while chanting with a bunch of strangers dressed in all white who do not seem to mind not eating all day. No thank you, not for me!

I've discovered that practicing spirituality is way more easier and is gaining support with many employers. Most hiring managers and recruiters are not allowed to ask about religion, but more are asking in job interviews how candidates "keep centered", "grounded", or "manage stress". The benefits are countless, including strengthening your job interviewing skills and first impression with others. 

I have seen again and again with my clients and myself how having a consistent spiritual practice can increase health, opportunities, and financial gain. I am starting to also see more practical resources and articles that encourage the career journey to be a spiritual experience. Although, there is still a long way to go until more understand the many benefits of spirituality in the workplace.

---

Finding what works for you to connect to your highest energy is part of the fun. There is no one right way. Keep mind that you want to start slowly (even just five minutes a day) and build success with a new practice from there.

There will be no stress relief and deeper connection gained if you are constantly beating yourself up for not doing it "right" or staying with a spiritual practice that you usually do not look forward to doing.

​Exploring any of these eleven spiritual practices is a good place to begin.
​ 1. Qoya
 2. Prayer/Mantras
 3. Affirmations/Guided Visualization
 4. Listening to music
 5. Painting/Drawing/Creating Art
 6. Reiki/Energy Work
 7. Gratitude Journaling
 8. Deep Breathing
 9. Nature Walks
10. Yoga
​11. Meditation

Each of these practices helps you train your mind in being able to raise your vibration and focus on the present moment when you are under stress. And not many experiences are more stressful than being in the hot seat at the job interview!
​
​If you find yourself taking your spiritual practice too seriously or you get stuck, reset yourself with some laughter by watching this video. It pokes fun at being "ultra-spiritual" and reminds us all not to force it, judge others, or believe we know it all. Laughter is always an excellent way to raise your positive energy that employers want to see more of in the job interview. 

YOUR TURN: Share in the comments below which practice or other tips that have worked for you to raise your vibration and improve your first impression at the job interview.

Most of all, believe in you. 

Subscribe For Interivew Tips