Interview Tips for Introverts: How to Ace Your Interview

Are you an introvert who is dreading an upcoming interview? You’re not alone!

Since introverts often find the process of interviewing to be very challenging, it can be difficult to put yourself out there and sell yourself in a short amount of time.

However, with a little preparation, you can overcome these unique challenges to ace your interview, and get the job you want!

Challenges of interviewing as an introvert:

1. Introverts feel pressed for time during interviews

Introverts sometimes struggle to speak up and sell themselves even if that’s precisely what the situation calls for.

In an interview setting, you often have to do both of those things in a very short period of time.

This can be difficult for introverts who need more time to process their thoughts and feel comfortable speaking up.

It’s important to remember that the interviewer wants to get to know YOU, so try not to worry about saying the “right” thing, and just be yourself!

2. Introverts may have trouble thinking on their feet in an interview

Since introverts often need more time to process their thoughts, they may have trouble thinking on their feet and responding spontaneously to questions.

Knowing this can lead to added pressure of being caught off guard when an interviewer asks something unexpected.

It can be helpful to prepare ahead of time by brainstorming answers to common interview questions, so you don’t get caught off guard when the interviewer asks you something unexpected.

3. Introverts can feel “braggy” in an interview

Introverts may have a harder time talking about their accomplishments in an interview setting because they tend not to like bragging about themselves.

While it’s important to be humble, you also need to be able to sell yourself and your accomplishments in an interview so the interviewer knows what you’re capable of.

How to interview successfully as an introvert 

1. You’re an introvert – Own it!

One of the best things you can do as an introvert is to embrace your introverted nature.

Try mentioning upfront that you’re an introvert. You may be surprised to find your intrviewer is too OR that they’ve enjoyed working successfully with other introverts in the past.

You don’t have to try to be someone you’re not in an interview, and chances are the interviewer will appreciate your authenticity.

2. Prepare your interview answers in advance

Since you know it will be difficult for you to think on your feet in an interview, take some time to prepare your answers to common interview questions in advance.

This way, when the interviewer asks you a question, you’ll have a well-thought-out answer ready to go.

3. Practice answering interview questions out loud

In addition to preparing your answers in advance, it can also be helpful to practice answering interview questions out loud.

This will help you get more comfortable with the sound of your voice and rolling with the punches.

4. Be prepared for small talk in an interview

Introverts often dread small talk, but it’s an important part of the interview process.

You can use small talk to build rapport with your interviewer and make a good impression.

Try preparing some questions ahead of time that you can use to start a conversation with your interviewer.

5. Get a hype person before your interview

Do you have a friend, family member or colleague who knows how to give you a great pep-talk?

Ask them to do it before your interview!

It can be helpful to have someone in your corner who believes in you and will give you a confidence boost before your big day.

If no one is available, try finding a motivational video to watch before your interview.

6. Ground yourself before your interview

If hype isn’t really your speed before an interview, find something to do to ground and center yourself so you can be relaxed and focused.

This could be something as simple as taking some deep breaths, meditating for a few minutes, or going for a walk before your interview.

7. Take some time for yourself after the interview

After your interview, take some time for yourself to relax and recharge.

You might need some time alone to process everything that happened in your interview.

Don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself after an interview – you deserve it!

8. Don’t forget to follow up after your interview

Finally, don’t forget to follow up with your interviewer after your interview.

This is a great opportunity to thank them for their time and express your interest in the position.

Following up shows that you’re polite and professional, and it can help you stay top of mind for the interviewer as they make their decision.

Interviewing as an introvert

Interviewing as an introvert can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

Just remember that you don’t need to prove you’re the best person in an interview, you’re simply there to demonstrate that you’re the best person for the job.

Interviewers want you to be yourself and will appreciate your authentic answers and the time you took to meet with them and spotlight your skills and expertise.

And remember, you can always prepare for an interview by thinking about your answers to common questions in advance, practicing your answers out loud, and getting a little bit of pep talk from a friend or family member before the big day.

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