Your resume looks great, your cover letter is polished to perfection, and your skills are well-matched for the position you're applying for. The only thing standing between you and a new job is the interview. If you're an introvert, the prospect of an interview for a new job can be particularly terrifying. Here are some tips to help you overcome your fears and survive the job interview.
Prepare for the interview
Allow enough time to prepare for the job interview. The more prepared you feel, the easier it will be to remain calm and confident when you walk into the room. Start by rereading the job description to get an idea of what skills and experience are wanted for the job. Next, study your resume and consider how you meet these requirements. Think of real-life examples from your work history that illustrate your qualifications. This will help you prepare answers to questions you may be asked.
Research common interview questions and brainstorm your answers. The goal is to make a few comments about how you'd approach the question, rather than writing out each answer and remembering it as a script — you don't want to risk sounding unnatural. Do additional research about the organization and anyone about to meet you.
Record a video of yourself in a mock conversation With a tripod, cell phone and helpful friend, you can stage and record a mock conversation in just 30 minutes. You immediately see what the person you are going to interview sees. As you review the video, pay attention to your willingness to make eye contact and smile. Are your shoulders relaxed or stiff? Do you look anxious and uncomfortable, like you're in an interrogation room with a spotlight on you? Count the number of times you said "um" when you weren't sure how to start with your answer. If you find this happening often, consider spending more time preparing. Try pausing or using an opener like "That's a good question" or "I'm glad you asked" to give yourself a little more time to think about your response before speaking. A mock interview can give you a genuine honest look at what you need to change to shine when it really counts.
Make sure the task fits your temperament
It doesn't matter what your temperament is, chances are that a job sometimes requires you to step out of your comfort zone. The key is to choose a job that respects your natural preference for most of your time. So be sure to interview for a job that makes the best use of your natural powers. Pay attention to the interactions with your future colleagues and manager, take the time to understand the day-to-day responsibilities and workflow and imagine you are at work. Does it provide you with a balance of time for private reflection and external interactions? How much energy will the work take and how much will you get back from the joy of doing it?
Build in some alone time before the interview
A job interview requires significant energy production for you. Treat it accordingly. If you recharge yourself and prepare yourself best in solitude, do this. Remember that time for yourself is a quiet time, not a sign that you're not cut out for the job – it's just an acknowledgment and a tribute to how you prepare to do your best work.
Remember your strengths
You are a powerful listener and a great observer. Those are super powers in a conversation! In today's world, people don't often get the luxury of undivided attention, and the interviewer will certainly appreciate it. Many introverts are good at forming one-on-one connections with people once they get to know them. Because things have to move quickly in a conversation, here's a trick to put your introversion and ability to connect to good use:Go into the conversation as if you've known the interviewer before hiring for years. It seems simple, but it works every time because you skip the emotionally tricky "weirder" phase.
Be prepared for small talk
Oh, the dreaded small talk. Since you can't escape small talk in a conversation, here's a tactic to try. Go to the area where the conversation is taking place 20 to 30 minutes before the meeting and find a coffee shop. Stop for a coffee and snack and ask the interviewer if he or she has ever been there. You now have a topic of conversation and an opinion to share – and it's not about the weather!
Think about aspects of the job that you really like
One of the biggest risks with an introverted personality is that you may appear disinterested. To combat that, you need to think about the parts of the job that you're really excited about. Maybe it's an opportunity to lead a department or make a difference. Whatever you choose, keep that in mind during the conversation, and your enthusiasm and energy will show, even if you're naturally reserved.
Don't brag, inform
Many introverts feel really uncomfortable talking about their success. After all, the interviewer uses your past success as an indicator of future contributions to the department. If you don't feel comfortable talking about your success ("bragging"), redefine it by stating the facts or repeating what others have said. Your goal is to inform the manager to make the best decision.
Take time to recharge and relax after the conversation
Take a walk, sit down and relax, or take a nap. Looking for a job is a marathon, and it's not your job to wear yourself out. Remember that introversion is not a curse. Just because you're naturally calm doesn't mean you're doomed to fail during the conversation. However, you will need to prepare, work on your behavior and be ready to appear more open and relaxed than you normally would on a first interaction. That effort will take energy, so honor your need to recharge and recover.
