Dear Introvert Zone,
What is the best way to approach job interviews? I’ve always been able to make myself look good on paper. I got professional help putting my resume together, I have excellent writing skills and can write a very good cover letter. The trouble is when I actually have to go to a job interview. I wouldn’t say I suffer from a lack of confidence, I’m just not as good at presenting myself in person as I am on paper. When I’m asked questions I have trouble forming a good answer without having time to think about the answer. This is especially difficult when I’m asked a question I wasn’t expecting them to ask and even more difficult when there are several interviewers. Sometimes I avoid even looking for jobs just because I hate going to interviews so much. Anyone have any advice?
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This is a tough one. I think it can help if the job isn’t necessarily people-oriented. As long as you have a stellar resume and cover letter, I think most employers can understand a little shyness or nerves at the interview.
Oh… I really feel what you are experiencing. That is the main reason why I am afraid to face the interviewer. Every time I am asked, I always feel like I don’t know the answer while the truth is I know. I just don’t know how to deliver it perfectly. Hope anyone can help us with this.
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Check out the book “Self-Promotion for Introverts: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead”
by Nancy Ancowitz. There is an entire chapter in the book about interviewing for introverts.
I wonder if this is truly a problem with being introverted, or just a lack of confidence. I am highly introverted, yet confident. I can turn on the charm when needed and appear to be extroverted. It’s something that is cultivated with time and a desire to succeed.
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If you just lack of confidence, it is easy to solve that problem but if introversion is the problem you may want to look for a job with less interaction with people. Counseling can help you overcome it.
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I loath interviews. Like you I’m excellent on paper but when the day comes , I get tongue tied for a lack of a better word. I can bring forth this pseudo confident alter-ego when I REALLY have to. Granted its not easy appearing calm since you can panic read my face but PRACTICE interviewing skills (as most books say) and remember to breathe.
I’m not sure if you remember the show Ally McBeal (1990s) but there is a charater named John Cage and he was a perfect example of an introvert. What I learned from him was take a moment of pause to formulate your answer. When your good and ready respond to the question. I hope I help you a little bit…good luck
My supposition is that it is both (a problem of being introverted and a lack of confidence). Also, it goes without saying that this problem is not exclusive to introverts. So I might lean a little more towards John’s conjecture.
Q: “What is the best way to approach an interview?” A: With the right attitude.
I’m a career fledgling, so my advice may be naive and not helpful, but I’ll put it out there. You don’t need to nail the delivery. Ease up the pressure valve some. Trust this: if the interviewer(s) doesn’t hire you, it’s because you aren’t the best fit; you wouldn’t be happy in a position that isn’t good for you, anyway. Assuming it’s not a sales position, they will see past all the presentation and recognize your knowledge/talent. They’ve already experienced your excellent talent; they read your cover letter.
The worst thing that can happen is that you get a little more interview experience. Even if it goes poorly you’ve got a story you can laugh about later (I’ve heard some great ones).
Finally, don’t be afraid to take a moment to collect your thoughts. I wish it was possible to come back to a question later- I do that on exams all the time. At any rate, it is important to pace the interview comfortably. If you don’t feel you can answer a question well, get on with it and use that time for a question you’re more confident with instead.
I don’t think anybody likes interviewing. All the managers I’ve talked to loathe it. Unfortunately it’s not going away. It’s far easier to practice and get more comfortable with it than to actively avoid it.
Good luck to ye!
I completely empathize. I used to get so nervous about interviews because of the same thing as you. Finally, I relaxed when I realized that you just have to be yourself. I don’t recommend being “phony” or putting on any kind of act, pouring on the charm, etc. Yes, it might help you get the job, but what about after that when you have to work for that boss and you’re not the same person you pretended to be in the interview? I’ve been there, done that. It wasn’t good in the end. Having the stellar resume and experiences is more important than the interview. Yes, an interview is important, but it’s not everything. I just started being myself and not worrying so much about it because it really comes down to a sum of their already formed opinion of you from your resume and cover letter, as well as whether or not they like you/see you as a good “fit” for the company based on your personality.
Just go with your gut feeling, it’ll work
The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. Here’s how to dress professionally for a job interview.
My advice here is just to go with the flow. Different employers look for different things, not necessarily for what is the “correct” answer to interview questions. Some people look to hire more introverted workers because they believe they are less likely to cause drama, etc.
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Hi…it is really nervous to face an interviewer during an interview and it is also nerve cracking…That is why I can relate to this..
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Hello! This is a tough question.
The difficult part for me is stress. Some little tips for staying calm and focused during the interview are: preparation, appropriate clothing, good eye contact during the conversation, listen carefully to the interviewer’s question before answering, and least but not last use a cover letter along with your curriculum vitae.
Hope this helped! I wish happy New Year to all.
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The worst part is when the shyness of the job interview. The important thing is to seek a psychologist because only an expert can guide the right way about what should be done.
I have the same fear, I always have a bad feeling when I need to promote myself face-to-face. On paper it goes easy, I have time to organize my thoughts but when it is quick and interactive I always get shocked. I heard that there are some specific trainings which could be very useful.
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Hope you had a great interview…Good luck!!!
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Thanks for the job interview ideas you have here and I think I have to share this too…Thank you!
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Whoa…I guess you have to develop this self-confidence in you. You need help from a very trusted friend. Always know all the possible questions and try to relax a bit when you are on n interview. Try to smile and always look at the person who is doing the interview and give your most sincere look as not to freak them out.
I hope you get a good job.
It is very difficult frentecom front of a stranger when you need to prove that it is competent. Try to breathe slowly and talk slowly.
That all was well, you say slow, but not very) important not to worry and to articulate the questions and answers. The most important thing not to worry.
As an introvert I find the best way for me to prep for something like a job interview is to do Improv comedy games as they get me out of my head while also prime my brain to think quick on my feet. A few examples would be “Yes…and” 60 second monologue on whatever you see in front of you and big booty. If you haven’t tried this I highly suggest giving it a go.
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I am highly introverted, yet confident. I can turn on the charm when needed and appear to be extroverted. It’s something that is cultivated with time and a desire to succeed.
This will really work for me, I guess…Thanks a lot!!
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That is a common situation everywhere. Most of the time people are very intelligent and still are not able to get through the interview process. I know many people who have got an offer letter and does know any subject. I think it is good to prepare some common interview questions before going to the interview. Try to remember some problems in your life during the interview time. You would not feel tensed and can get through the interview.
I hate interviews as well but as we don’t have a choice. Anyhow, I started watching videos on youtube or do some research on how to answer certain questions and to appear as if I’m confident with my answers, well apparently it worked.
I consider myself to be tremendously introverted and it never failed when I went to an interview, that continuously introspecting about what was going to happen never made the interview go well. Instead, I just didnt care, and strangely enough, that kept me relaxed enough throughout the interview.
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Focus on your breathing and practice interviewing. Confidence is key and believe in your self. As long as you can get your work done correctly and on time I am sure companies wont mind if you are introverted.
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This is a lot more challenging to most introverts and I hope I can use this too…
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There are a lot more introverts than extroverts. Chances are your interviewer is one as well and can completely understand. Remember that they are just people, like you. Attempting to go for a job that requires being an extrovert is not a good idea, but if not, it does not have to get in the way. If you are having trouble during the interview, just say something very simple – without dragging it out. “I’m a natural introvert and do better on paper, but this is what I’m thinking…” So often we freeze up, forgetting that others can relate to us. They’ve seen plenty of pretenders and simple honesty without negative vibes from you just may get you the job.
The information you have stated here is really one of the things that introverts should know…This is a big help for them too…
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Oh dear, I’ve also feel nerves on my first interview. I always try to make right answer but i don’t do it. I read your article it’s so informative. It’s many helpful for those person.
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A good preparation is very important. As said above there are a lot of useful youtube videos to help you. Beside that there are also different training methods especially for job interviews. Good luck!
Oh gosh, I experienced the same during my interviews. It’s really awkward when a question you don’t expect to be asked comes out during the interview and you are having a hard time forming the answers. I guess, what you must do is be ready with the questions no matter how unrelated they can be to the job. There are also lists of possible questions that an employer may ask during the interview which you can get hold of when you search them online.
I’m 51, so I’ve been on my share of intervews. I’ve also interviewed lots of job candidates. Eventually I figured out a couple of things that changed my attitude toward interviews, and they might help you feel more comfortable.
The first thing is that the person who is interviewing you is really hoping you’re the right person for the job; so they’re on your side. You see, companies rarely make a decision to hire someone until it’s clearly necessary. So the people interviewing you were probably already swamped with work. Interviewing people is extra work on top of their already heavy load, and they’d like to get the whole thing over and done with as soon as possible. They want to make sure you’re the right person, so they may ask some tough questions, but they’re not out to trick you. (You will encounter the occasional exception, of course.)
The second thing is to remember that the interview process is two-way. You’re sizing up the company and your potential boss, and you want to make sure the post is right for you. So I find it’s best to be open, to let the interviewer see the real me. Then the two of us can work together to figure out if this will be a good match. (This advice goes against that of a lot of articles you read, in that they tend to focus on how to get the job, and sometimes they give the impression that you’re supposed to adopt a particular type of personality, whether it suits you or not. But my feeling is that in the long run, the best course is to be open. You want to present your best side, of course, but you don’t need to pretend to be someone you’re not.)
If you do get tongue-tied, go ahead and let the interviewer know that you’re a bit nervous. That’s not going to count against you unless you’re going for a job that requires an outgoing, bubbly personality. And as you’re an introvert, you probably wouldn’t want that type of job anyway.
Hi Guises,
I’ve been suffer same cause like you some days ago.but I think’ I’m totally perfect at now of any kinds of interview’s and to take dynamic challenge.So it’s possible for everyone like me.
I’m going to tell you the best way to approach job interviews….
1. you need much more self confidence
2.you need advance knowledge of that organization and finally truthfulness to face of approach job interviews.
I think it will much more help of you….thank you
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I know that this is a big help to most people especially to those interviewee…Thanks a lot for the shared thoughts and ideas here…
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I feel for you because in a way I’m like that too. I’m a freelance writer and I can express many things on paper. But when I’m talking to people, I feel awkward and shy. I don’t know why I act like this but I just try my best to be confident especially during job interviews. Whether we like it or not, we have to face these situations every now and then so we just have to get through the ordeal.
I experienced the same during my interviews. It’s really awkward when a question you don’t expect to be asked comes out during the interview and you are having a hard time forming the answers. I just started being myself and not worrying so much about it because it really comes down to a sum of their already formed opinion of you from your resume and cover letter, as well as whether or not they like you/see you as a good “fit” for the company based on your personality.
I know you did a great interview..A big congrats..thanks for sharing..
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I just started being myself and not worrying so much about it because it really comes down to a sum of their already formed opinion of you from your resume and cover letter, as well as whether or not they like you/see you as a good “fit” for the company based on your personality.
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Just relax and try not to talk too much. I honestly pretend that I am on stage when I go to an interview. It’s a performance but not an overbearing one.
Hi,
Good point,I have found that communication between ee’s and managers needs to be consistent;
especially one on one meetings. Too often, as you say, the natural flow of feedback, status updates and changes doesn’t happen. Introverted leaders have told me that when they take the initiative in sharing information and don’t wait to be asked for updates they increase their credibility.Than you very much.
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I’m naturally introverted and can definitely relate to the above comments. However, there’s a part of me that can be quite outgoing at times and that’s the side that I’ve always tried to project at job interviews. I wonder if other introverts feel that they are like 10% extrovert? Perhaps we’re all (to a certain degree) a mix of both?
Remember what Confucius said, “No matter where you go, there you are.” It’s usually better to be yourself in any situation – I’m sure that your hard work will pay off and you will achieve all the success you deserve.
Being a qualified professional reduce nervousness, though you’ll be safer in the arguments, but if shyness is very steep, it is best to consult a doctor before the problem affects personal relationships.
This is one of the reason why I can’t leave my previous job. I wasn’t so confident in expressing myself especially on interviews. I feel like I’m going to have a mental block before the interview starts. I do experienced being interviewed but can’t really find the right words to answer them that will make them hire me. Thankfully, online work is where I am comfortable now. No need to undergo verbal interviews just mailing and chat if possible.
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That is why company jobs isn’t sometimes the right job for introverts because most often they can’t express their selves. Introverts must consider working home-based also because they don’t need to speak verbally during interviews. There are companies who use chatting applications such as Skype for job interviews, I think it is more convenient for introverts.
How about seeking professional help first to overcome this kind of problem? Sometimes awareness is also a solution or if you’ll do things in a repetitive way you might get confidence about answering job interviews.