An Introverts Guide to Job Interviews

An Introvert's Guide to Job Interviews pexels.com 1. Dress like youre meeting them in person If you answer the phone while youre in your sweats and t-shirt, hair messed up, just rolled out of bed, youre going to feel even more insecure when talking to the employers of the job of your dreams. To battle the desire to crawl into a hole and avoid the whole process, dress like youre a successful prospective employee (because you are!). 2. Build your confidence beforehand Research famous introverts and know that youre not alone in this process. Dont tell yourself that every other candidate theyre interviewing is an extroverted beauty queen with the social skills of a politician. Chances are, theyre interviewing lots of people who are just as introverted as you are youre NOT alone! 3. Make a list of your achievements Its tough for introverted people to sell their best qualities especially if they arent looking directly at their achievements. If you have a portfolio created, put it in front of you and be ready to reference your achievements. Practice talking about things youve done with people who care about you. Having to explain things from square one as well as having the practice of talking about it will make it much easier to talk to future employers over the phone. 4. Think of questions you can ask By coming prepared to an interview with questions to ask, youll come across as interested and invested. Theyll know you did your homework if you ask thoughtful questions. 5. Do your research Regarding asking questions, dont ask anything thats already been explained in an email or on the website unless youre specifically asking for clarification. For in-person interviews pexels.com 1. Know where youre going Physically drive to the location so you can settle your nerves. Know which door you prefer to walk through. Re-read the email of who youre supposed to be meeting with. If you show up prepared and familiar with where youre supposed to be, youll be a LOT less nervous. 2. Bring your portfolio Not only is it tough to sell your achievements, but its tough to remember them when youre nervous. If you bring a physical copy of your portfolio, youll be more than ready to point out all the wonderful things youve accomplished. 3. Get ready for small talk Before the interview, think of a few talking points (even if its the weather) so you wont stumble over yourself when youre shaking hands and learning names. If you prepare yourself for some chit-chat, you wont be taken off-guard so intensely. Itll be worth it. 4. Mention that youre introverted Its nothing to be ashamed of! Its part of who you are. When the interviewers ask an appropriate question, its okay to mention that youre introverted! If you were an extrovert, you probably wouldnt have to mention it . 5. Focus on the beginning and end of the interview First impressions and lasting impressions are of utmost importance. If you make a good first impression, and you leave on good terms, youre fine! These are the most important parts of the interview. Introverts are about half of the worlds population. You arent the only one whos going to walk into this interview with sweaty palms. Many of the people theyll be interviewing share the same anxieties as you. Just because youre introverted does not mean you arent worthy of the job. Dont think that extroverted people dont have problems they just have different problems. Dont sell yourself short and know that you have qualities that other interviewees do not. Its important to walk into the interview with enough confidence to know you  deserve  this job. Youve landed an interview, so youve made it past the hardest part. If theyve chosen your resume out of a pile of papers and theyre excited about meeting you, you have every right to be there. Stay calm and remember that youre worth it. Good luck!