Comments on: Interview Tips for Introverts

By: Eva Rykrsmith

Eva Rykrsmith — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:43:00 +0000

Depends on the job you are interviewing for.

If you are applying to do work as an analyst, programmer, or other task-heavy position, by all means, answer frankly and honestly. In that case, NOT being a people person is a good person-job fit and it will be viewed favorably.

But most jobs do require considerable interaction with teammates, clients, and vendors. If it is one of those jobs, it’s still a good idea to answer honestly, but you will also have to present a case for why it won’t pose a problem in terms of your 1) ability to do the job, and 2) likelihood of enjoying the day to day work.

Turn the conversation towards your skills, job preferences, career ambition, and/or past performance and results.

By: Kahekili

Kahekili — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 02:11:00 +0000

In two job interviews I went on last year, I was asked, “Are you a people person?” How does one answer this question without lessening their chances of getting the job?

By: 3 Ways You're Sabotaging Your Own Job Search | The Fast Track

3 Ways You're Sabotaging Your Own Job Search | The Fast Track — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:00:36 +0000

[...] that one mistake can cost you the job, whether it’s on the resume you submit or during the interview process. There is so much you can do to prepare for a job search that there are no excuses for not getting [...]

By: Pattymperez17

Pattymperez17 — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:32:00 +0000

Thank you for the advice. I will try to observe myself in the mirror

By: Eva Rykrsmith

Eva Rykrsmith — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:42:00 +0000

Patty I think I may have the opposite problem so if anyone who reads this and has an opinion or technique, please share! My thought is that gesturing is a natural part of conversing for some and conveys your enthusiasm.

That being said, if you feel your gesturing is over-the-top or irrelevant to what you are communicating, you can do what someone with the exact opposite problem might do: practice gesturing in a specific way (in front of a mirror, if possible!). With practice, this would eliminate nervous “flapping” and give your hands something to do that instead enhances your message.

By: Pattymperez17

Pattymperez17 — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:03:00 +0000

Hi,

I have a question. I tend to use my hands a lot when I get nervous. Any advice on what I should do to stop flapping my hands around?

Thank you,

Patty

By: Jobs in Pakistan

Jobs in Pakistan — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 06:14:00 +0000

Yah it is a great idea, we should think about our past experience,
learn from all mistakes and try turn into our strength.

By: Eva Rykrsmith

Eva Rykrsmith — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:08:00 +0000

Thanks for chiming in! You bring up a great point–the quiet humbleness of an introvert is many times an asset, but definitely not during an interview. Recognizing those talents is first on the agenda and then communicating them well comes next.

By: HSPHealth

HSPHealth — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:35:00 +0000

Hi Eva,
Thank you for a good article. I think a day of introspection is a great idea. Introverts need to collect their thoughts and remind themselves of the good they do. Often they take themselves for granted!

I also want to add that it can help to for introverts to have a good handle on their special gift(s) and think about how they can tie it to the position they are applying for. Once they are clear, then they can relax and enjoy the interview.