Enneagram Pre-Interview Challenge
New Enneagram Series! This Pre-Interview Challenge series is focused on an exercise that might be most beneficial to each Enneagram type if you're feeling nervous before your next interview. These exercises are helpful for both job seekers and hiring managers, and those who are other Enneagram types may find them helpful as well, so don't feel like you have to stick to your number!
As an Enneagram 9, it might be hard for you to assert yourself during the interview to ask more difficult questions, or objectively make the big decision of taking on the job or candidate afterwards. When your mind is clear before the interview, think about your dream job (or candidate if you're a hiring manager) and create a pros and cons list. On the "cons" side, list any dealbreakers that would mean it's a no-go. This will help get everything out of your head as well as empower you to get the answers you need to make a clear decision. If it's not a resounding yes or you're seeing some of those "cons" come through the interview as yellow or red flags, it's a no!
At this point, we've probably all heard the research around women feeling like they need to be 100% qualified to apply for a job, where men apply somewhere around 60% (on average), which can really hold us back from incredible opportunities and growth. This is further up⠀in the "pre-interview" process than the others in this series, but I think applying for a role when not feeling 100% qualified is most difficult for Enneagram 1s⠀- part due to the inner critic shutting them down, but also their rigidity when reading the qualifications and not being able to check off every box.
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So, the challenge is to apply for a role you don't feel 100% qualified for. Don't sell yourself short because you think you may not get it - put the same effort into the cover letter and follow up as you would for a job that feels like a slam dunk. It may even feel nice to do this when you don't really need another job, but you see one that makes you wonder or daydream just a little bit.
Enneagram 2's spend so much time giving love to others that they may forget to allow themselves to receive as much love back. A great way to prepare for an interview is to spend the evening before with someone who really adores you- let them pamper you, tell you how much you're appreciated, be in the moment and take the edge off. If someone doesn't immediately come to mind, this could be a pet! Give them some extra snuggles and lower your blood pressure.
For an Enneagram 3 who always likes to succeed, it can be helpful to have hobbies that you don't necessarily feel you excel at. This will help remind you that there's always room to grow, and even if you do don't something perfectly, an experience can still be worthwhile (or even fun!). Think of something you like to do but you don't feel like you're an expert in - photography, bowling, cooking, meditating, axe throwing. It's also a great distraction to take away some of the jitters you might be experiencing!
For Enneagram 4s, creating a specific and personal ritual to use before interviews is a great way to connect to your confidence and work through any big feelings you have. Obviously a bubble bath, art and a cup of tea are classic forms of self care pictured here, but other ideas include exercise, meditation, gardening, eating your favorite foods, using affirmation or tarot cards, etc. Pick what works best for you! Make it something you look forward to, so the more interviews you have, the better you'll feel.
Enneagram 5s are so focused on doing all of their interview prep and research, it's good to take a step back and think about what you hope to get out of the interaction socially. Set a personal intention to learn something about the person you're talking to (in a way that is appropriate and a fluid part of the conversation, of course). This will help you be more personable in the interview, and remind you that you're sitting down with another human being with interesting experiences, skills and hopes. Be specific with your intention- maybe there's a certain question you have about their previous experience, or you want to get a little deeper about why they love their job or company. Having an intention other than "get the job" or "get the new hire" is also a great way to feel like the experience was a success, even if you don't move forward in this particular role.
As an Enneagram 6, the unproductive chatter in my mind is largely worst case scenarios. I have to be careful to not get sucked into this hyper-vigilant state, and the best way to do that is to take 5 minutes to put everything down on paper. There's something about the act of writing that can pull it out of my head. Once my mind is more clear, I'm able to focus, find my confidence and stay on track. It's a great thing to do before bed as well.
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Mindmapping is a great way for Enneagram 7s to get out all of their ideas before the interview, and remember all of the unique experiences and skills they're bringing to the table. It's a great way to capture everything you don't want to forget and settle the mind at the same time. Then do something fun and distracting to take your mind off of the upcoming interview. Create a positive association between treating yourself with a fun activity and the interview. This is especially helpful if you're already deep in your hiring journey and are feeling discouraged.
It's important for 8s to get all of their energy out (especially if nervous) before an interview, but they should be sure to also take the time to calm afterward. People often lean too far towards either the hard work or centering yourself, but the balance is important. You can get creative with it - this could look like a run followed by a meditation, or a vinyasa to yin yoga class, or even working on something that takes a lot of mental energy followed by a relaxing bath. Do you find that you tend to focus in one direction or the other when working on stress reduction, or are you already a master of this balancing act?
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If you complete this challenge, tell me how it goes or put it in a story on Instagram and tag me! These exercises can be helpful for both job seekers and hiring managers, and those who are other Enneagram types may find them helpful as well.
