5 Techniques for Getting Through An Interview As An Introvert

Introverts are people who enjoy solitude and often find themselves in quiet places that aren’t very stimulating. They also enjoy activities that require them to be alone. Unfortunately, if an introverts ever want to work, then you have to do the work, and to do it well. As we all know, interviews get us nervous and when it comes to an introverts, interviews are somehow unpleasant.
So therefore, 5 techniques for getting through the process like a champ is explained below;

1) Focus your best efforts in the beginning and at the end
As an introvert, that snap judgment actually plays to our advantage. For example, If I walk in with an Energetic smile, a confident handshake, and a friendly, “Hi! I’m Shola,” then the interviewer instantly classifies me as “enthusiastic, confident, and friendly” and I’d have to work pretty hard to alter his or her initial impression.

Likewise, you want to end on a high note. Most interviewers try to summarize their thoughts as quickly as they can after you leave the room; the more time goes on, the less accurately they’ll remember the interview. So you want their last impression of you to be as awesome as the first.

2) Arrange your day strategically 
Arranging your schedule to have a cushion of “lonely” time both before and after the interview is actually the best thing to do. It’s not that introverts don’t appreciate being around people, but the more the time spent associating with people, the less energy they have.

Then, you ask yourself… What if spending hours alone before and after the interview isn’t feasible for you?  Well, try give yourself at least 30 minutes beforehand: Leave the office early and walk around the block, work from a quiet spot in your office or put your headphones on.

Being alone before the interview will give you energy, while being alone afterward will allow you to recharge.

3) Mention that you’re introverted 
Lots of people are introverted; in fact, your interviewer may be an introvert as well! Hiding the fact you are one can land you in an office where you’re not a good fit.

Let’s say the hiring manager asks, “What’s your greatest strength?”

You can reply along the lines of, “As an introvert, I’ve discovered that I’m a natural listener and observer. It’s second nature for me to seek out pain points or obstacles that others are facing. Once I’ve gathered enough information, I’m ready to make a thoughtful and impactful contribution.”

Also you can talk about how you’re overcoming the challenges of being an introvert. If you get the“greatest weakness” question, try responding with something like:

“My default communication style is email and online communication, which can be really efficient—but when it comes to sensitive or relationship-building conversations, I know speaking in person is much better. I’m challenging myself to move those important discussions offline. Now, before I schedule a talk, I ask myself, ‘Will this be more productive if we can see each other’s faces?’”

Note: This is a great interview answer because it exposes a true area of growth while explaining how you’re actively trying to overcome it.

4) Prepare for small talk
It’s a normal thing for introverts to despise small talk, which certainly can feel rather pointless.It is also a good idea to remind yourself of the ultimate purpose of this interview small talk: to build a rapport with your interviewer and make him or her like you,even if you hate chit-chat, remind yourself this is one time you can’t skip it.

In fact, this is a great opportunity to ask questions that don’t feel so pointless!

5) Match the interviewer’s tone
To make sure this discrepancy doesn’t happen during an interview, subtly copy the interviewer. Is she using lots of gestures? Is he telling jokes? Give your answers some levity. Is her tone professional and courteous? Follow suit.

If you take your cues from the person you’re speaking with, you’re almost guaranteed to hit the proper note. It also helps if you mirror his or her body language, without going overboard, of course.

However, with these techniques, being an introvert will help you, not hurt you from one introvert to another.

5 Techniques for Getting Through An Interview As An Introvert