A typical interview contains some activities and situations that most introverts might well be without, such as handshaking, introductory chatter, being the center of attention, being bombarded with questions, thinking, and talking. at the same time and boast of his accomplishments. An interview is, roughly, a few hours or even a full day to be the order of the day, but with a job on the line.
If you’re an introvert, you probably will never come to enjoy interviews, but you won’t. nor avoid them. That’s why you need to learn to prepare for interviews with your strengths and introvert tendencies in mind.
Before the interview
In the days leading up to the interview, you should “practice, practice, and practice,” emphasizes Marti Olsen Laney, Ph.D., author of The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World.
You probably already know about the most important thing in preparation: having ready answers for the questions you might be asked during the interview. Take it a step further: “Tap into your natural tendency to gather and digest detailed information, so that you can become an expert on the person interviewing you and the company,” suggests Nancy Ancowitz, introversion expert.
“Search relentlessly,” continues Ancowitz, a consultant who helps introverts promote themselves using communication strategies. “Google the names of everyone you meet, go to libraries, dive into your research. Find out where [the interviewer] went to school, what association he is in, their words in the media, etc. Learn as much as possible about the company, its management structure, its philosophy, its products and services, and its competitors. ”
By performing this research with dedication, you will gain “the knowledge advantage, which will help you develop your confidence,” explains Ancowitz.
The day of the interview
For most introverts, the hardest part of the interview is the mystery of the unknown and the challenge of getting used to it simultaneously.
“While it is possible to prepare well with advance Q&A, an introvert still has to deal with the unknown ‘element’ of the interview,” says career counselor Pamela Braun (Note from the author: Braun is my colleague and assistant presenter at seminars on career issues for introverts).
That’s why it’s important for you to be able to decrease the effect of any potential surprises you can think of. Here are some ideas:
· Prepare to lighten up the mood: “Most introverts will admit that they don’t necessarily like breaking the ice,” Braun says. “But as we all know, there is a preliminary part to the interview that you have to get to know by talking about trivial things.” Be prepared with a few key phrases and, if necessary, practice starting a conversation with a friend or family member.
· Know where you are going – literally a day or two before the interview, determine exactly where the location of the interview is and how you will get there. If the place is nearby, practice getting there. You will save your energy by having that less to think about.
· Bring notes and a portfolio: Take notes of the main points you would like to discuss and questions you might ask so you don’t waste energy worrying about forgetting something. Consider developing a career portfolio yourself: a binder filled with proof of your skills and accomplishments will reassure you during the usually tiring trial of just talking about you.
When the interview is over, you will still be tired, but your chances of getting the coveted call will be increased.