Tips for the Shy Interviewer

Are you so shy that no one knows who you are at your own family reunion? If so then you may feel a little bit nervous about going to a job interview where you’ll actually have to speak to a hiring manager.

Don’t feel bad if this is you. There are many people not nearly as shy as you who feel uncomfortable going to a job interview – no matter how many they’ve been to. The good news is that successful interviewing is easier than you think. Here are a few tips to consider before you next interview …

Get Yourself Organized

Just like anyone else who is preparing for an interview, it is important to organize. However, if you’re shy and worried about what you will (or won’t) say in the interview, it’s a good idea to really sit down and think about questions you might be asked ahead of time. Some questions can be discovered by simply browsing the Internet for sample interviews. But of course, it’s also a good idea to anticipate questions that are specific to your field – and the position. This way, you can decrease your chances of being caught off-guard and freezing like a deer caught in headlights.

Practice with Someone You Trust

Another great way to prepare for your interview when you’re shy is to practice with a close friend or family member that you trust. It helps to get those pre-interview jitters out by demystifying the process a bit. In other words, once you run through the entire interview a few times you can get used to speaking clearly and professionally, work on maintaining eye contact, and most importantly, build confidence in who you are and what you believe, which in this case should be that you’re the right person for the job.

Try Storytelling

Storytelling in this instance doesn’t mean creating white lies. Instead, it means learning how to sculpt your relevant professional and personal experiences into interesting stories that can engage the interviewer and help you feel comfortable talking about yourself. This is your chance to get in touch with your wit and humor while discussing your skills. The point is to feel comfortable while remaining professional. Telling a story or two can easily help give your shyness a backseat until the interview is over.

Feel Good about Who You Are

Many people are shy because they feel some level of inadequacy within themselves. They may feel a sense of not being good enough, or simply not wanting to draw attention to themselves so that others won’t see any potential imperfections. The truth is nobody’s perfect … not by a long shot. And everyone has something to brag about. So as you prepare for your interview, think about all you’ve accomplished personally and professionally and realize how great you are. Feeling good about yourself will definitely translate in the interview.

Being shy does not mean you can’t be a great interviewer. Try these tips and you’ll see just how easy a successful interview can be.

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