Smells at a job interview

Suit – pressed. Mind clear. Answers prepared. You're ready for the interview. Do you think that's enough to make a good impression? What about your body odor? You might not pay much attention to whether you wear perfume for a job interview or skip it altogether. However, you should know that scents have a powerful effect, especially when it comes to nonverbal communication. Did you eat a strong-smelling lunch or snack before the interview? Be careful. Your potential boss might not like it. Lemon versus onion Certain scents influence not only thoughts and behaviors but can also shape first impressions. This conclusion was reached by researchers from New York. They subjected 65 volunteers (mostly women) to an experiment. They stood near a gender-neutral silhouette of a person. During this time, they were asked to smell a vial scented with lemon, onion , or no scent. They were asked what impression the silhouette made on them and then asked to fill out a questionnaire about several personality traits. Those smelling the onion perceived the silhouette as more masculine, while those smelling the lemon perceived it as more feminine, clean, and pleasant. Floral aromas Another experiment examined how an undetectable floral scent influences human behavior. A room was sprayed with the scent of flowers, Chanel No. 5 perfume, baby powder, or left unscented. Fifty-nine participants were asked to describe three life events: one past, one present, and one yet to come. The volunteers in the floral room used three times as many words associated with happiness and were more likely to interact. Remember – floral aromas make you happy and support social interaction . Consider stocking up on some before your next job interview.