Okay, so you're an introvert. You hate looking for a new job, and
you especially hate going on job interviews. You feel nervous, put on the spot, judged, anxious. You feel like wearing
a T-shirt to the interview that says, "I'm not bubbly and I don't care," or, "Just give me the job already."
If this describes you, you may be an introvert. Not all introverts
hate job interviews, and not everyone who hates job interviews is an introvert. One thing that's generally true about introverts,
however, is that they prefer to think before they speak. This means that handling tough questions in real time, as is necessary
in a job interview, can pose an extra challenge.
The solution
is to be prepared. You're good at concentration - better than your extroverted counterparts - so you can spend some quality
time with your resume, the job description, and a list of common or anticipated interview questions. Study the job description
till you feel in your bones that you know what the job entails, and what they're likely to be looking for. Beyond that, don't
second-guess your answers.
The last thing you want to do is
come across as a spectator, rather than a participant, in the interview. To really show up for it, you'll need to be ready
with lots of conversation. And when I say lots, I mean lots of quality, not quantity. If you're prepared with interesting
nuggets about your past, as well as questions for the interviewer, quantity will take care of itself as you engage each other
in conversation.
Remember: Always be familiar with your resume,
and have something to say about every single item on it. You don't have to use the material; just have it ready.
If you hate the feeling of being scrutinized, wear something that makes you feel
fabulous. Make sure your hair, face and teeth are clean. Clip and clean your fingernails, comb your eyebrows - do whatever
you need to do to feel like you're eye-candy from head to toe. If they scrutinize you, you can be sure they're in for a treat!
Lastly, make use of your friends. You may have fewer friends than extroverts have,
but they're solid, right? Use them to practice interviewing with. Dress as you will for the interview, familiarize them with
the job you're going for, and have them interview you. If you can, put yourself on videotape. If you can't tape yourself,
ask your friends to be gentle but honest about how you come across. Be glad for any mistakes you make now, because those are
ones you won't make on interview day.
PS. If this entire article describes you
to a tee, you may also be dealing with full-blown social anxiety. There's a cognitive-behavioral therapy group that
treats social anxiety right here in Portland, Oregon. You can read about it on the Portland Social Anxiety Group page.
