Using the Science of Learning to Improve Your Interview Skills

Summary for Educators 

In her article “Use the Science of Learning to Improve Your Interview Skills” (August 21, 2025), Thea Kelley reframes interview preparation through the lens of cognitive psychology. Rather than treating interview prep as a mechanical process of memorizing answers, Kelley emphasizes that interviewing—like teaching or learning—requires applying strategies proven by the science of learning to strengthen recall, adaptability, and confidence. For educators seeking leadership roles or coaching students on professional skills, these principles are both practical and transferable.

Original article: https://www.theakelley.com/use-the-science-of-lea...

1. Distributed Practice Beats Cramming

One of the most powerful insights from cognitive psychology is that spaced learning leads to stronger retention than massed practice, or “cramming.” For job candidates, this means interview preparation should occur over several days in structured intervals, not in a single marathon session. Kelley illustrates this with a practical example: if an interview is scheduled for Tuesday, the candidate should schedule 20-minute evening practice sessions leading up to it, plus a few longer weekend sessions.

For educators, this echoes familiar lessons about classroom learning: students retain knowledge best when review is distributed over time. By aligning interview prep with these same learning strategies, candidates can ensure that facts about the employer, prepared anecdotes, and key talking points remain fresh and accessible on the big day.

2. Retrieval Practice: Testing Yourself Matters

Retrieval practice—self-testing and mock interviewing—emerges as another cornerstone. Kelley cites psychologist Regan Gurung, who notes that even failed attempts at recall strengthen memory. Writing out answers, rehearsing them aloud, and then moving to full mock interviews (with a peer, mentor, or webcam) provides multiple retrieval opportunities. Importantly, candidates should resist restarting whenever they stumble; instead, they should finish their responses as best they can, since real interviews demand poise in imperfect conditions.

For educators, this reinforces the value of “productive struggle.” Just as students grow when grappling with a tough problem, candidates strengthen their adaptability when forced to recover gracefully after a misstep.

3. Vary the Environment

Benedict Carey, author of How We Learn, argues that the brain thrives on variation. Kelley applies this insight to interview prep by suggesting candidates switch settings—studying at home, in a library, or at a café. Doing so creates diverse neural associations that can make recalling information easier under pressure.

For teachers and school leaders, this mirrors what we already know about context-dependent learning. Students often benefit from studying in multiple environments; the same applies to professional growth.

4. The Critical Role of Sleep

Drawing on the work of sleep scientist Matthew Walker, Kelley underscores how sleep before and after study sessions enhances memory formation. Adequate rest primes the brain to absorb new information and later helps consolidate it. Candidates who spread prep over several days naturally allow for sleep cycles to reinforce their learning, whereas last-minute cramming often undermines recall.

For educators, this message is clear: the same brain science that underpins effective pedagogy also supports professional advancement. Prioritizing rest is not a luxury but a requirement for peak performance.

5. Beyond Facts: Confidence and Visualization

Interviewing success depends on more than memorized content; it requires confidence, alertness, and composure. Kelley suggests visualization as a powerful non-conceptual learning tool. By mentally rehearsing themselves walking into the room, smiling, and delivering strong responses, candidates can reduce anxiety and align their mindset with success.

This echoes strategies used in sports psychology and classroom performance, where visualization strengthens confidence and reduces performance stress.

Implications for Educators

Kelley’s framework illustrates that interview prep is fundamentally a learning challenge. The same practices educators encourage in their students—spaced practice, retrieval testing, varied environments, sufficient sleep, and visualization—are precisely the ones that enhance professional readiness. For teachers applying for new positions, administrators pursuing leadership roles, or mentors advising students, her advice bridges theory and practice.

By harmonizing interview preparation with the science of learning, candidates position themselves not only to recall facts but to project confidence, resilience, and adaptability—qualities central to both teaching and leadership.

Original Article

Citation: Kelley, T. (2025, August 21). Use the Science of Learning to Improve Your Interview Skills. Retrieved from: https://www.theakelley.com/use-the-science-of-learning-to-improve-y...

------------------------------

Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com