How to nail a job interview as an Introvert

It happened to me a lot more often than I want to admit, that I felt like I completely failed a job interview. That I had every opportunity to showcase myself, my strengths, my enthusiasm, my competence, and yet I didn't manage to make a good impression.

For a long time, I couldn't wrap my head around how this happened. I seemingly made a good first impression during the pre-screening meeting, they came back fast to invite me for a second round. I knew I had a solid basis to be successful in the job, even if there were areas that I knew I will have to grow into. I took the time to read through the vacancy text to understand what the challenges may be in the role, so I could share examples how I've overcome similar setbacks. I took the time to check the company's website to learn about their vision, mission and values and prepared examples of situations and behaviors I've demonstrated that are in line with what they stand for. I carefully prepared and crafted my answers to the typical questions, I anticipated to hear.

I noticed I was getting a little nervous right before the interview started. During the meeting I kept noticing how I was giving overly generic answers, using a lot of filler words, even when the interview was online, couldn't look in the eye of the interviewer, overexplaining things, and completely missing out on sharing all the good examples I've prepared with. When the interview was over, I already knew, I will definitely not get the job. I was upset with myself, disappointed in my performance. Even if I realized that this position wasn't quite the right one for me, I was really sad that I was going to be rejected and missing out on an opportunity.

Perhaps you've been through similar. Despite, qualifying for the role, not being able to make a good impression to get an offer. It is rather disappointing, and while there may be many reasons behind an unsuccessful interview, that may be outside of ones control, there are certainly typical challenges an introvert faces when hunting for a new job.

Let's take a closer look.

Mindset

Introverts have the tendency to strive for their best, and let's face it, there is often some perfectionistic attitudes. It is understandable: it is a situation where you need to perform and you want to give your best. However, this strive for good performance often pairs with worry. Introverts tend to overthink and wonder if they are good enough, if there are better candidates, if they will be chosen for the job. Spiraling on these can easily create a fixed mindset, which can lead to an unsuccessful interview.

It is important that we raise our awareness when our mind goes rogue and make an effort to replace those negative self talk with more constructive ones. Yes, it is an important meeting, and yes you want to be at your best. You will be at your best by trusting yourself, easing down and enjoying the conversation. So try telling yourself this instead. I'm going to have a nice chat with the manager of this company and I'm curious to hear about this role. It is likely not the end of the word if it doesn't go well, realize that. It is disappointing, but there are many companies and many jobs out there. And remember, it is also you who needs to make the choice that you want to join this company. It is not only that you are 'examined' for the role, but you are 'examining' the company if you want a future with them.

Take a breather

Racing heart, red cheeks and nervous hand gestures during the meeting. Some can hide them a little better, while others may not. But let's face it, most people are under stress during an interview. It is completely normal.

However, for extroverts this stress may be a positive push to perform, for introverts it can be a lot more debilitating. So, remember of your mindset (it is just an opportunity for a nice conversation) and take the time to calm down before the interview. It can be as simple as taking a few long breaths into your nose and out to your mouth, or doing a short meditation exercise, a few minutes outside at the sun, or even jumping around and shaking off the stress. Whatever works well for you, be sure to take a moment to kick the debilizing stress out of your head for the coming 1-hour.

Preparation to a certain extent

Every HR person (including myself) would say preparation for an interview is important. There's a fair chance you will get questions like: what are your strengths, why did you apply, why do you want to leave your current role, what do you want to develop further in, etc. And let's be honest: You need to have good answers to these questions. By good I mean, honest, authentic answers, that are at the same time in line with the position and company you applied to and helps to showcase why you are a unique, talented individual, who could be a good fit for the role.

Now, I appreciate after reading this, your introverted overanalyzing personality is panicking and want to look up all the resources that can be found on the internet on how to answer interview questions well. And this is where I will have to stop you. While, knowing a bit about the company, about their values and goals, as well as having those typical answers 'ready' are important, the more you prepare the less flexible you end up being during the meeting. Hence, just as with many things: less can be more.

My advice here is to try to drill down in the job ad to three key areas that you assume are important to the company, and have some key words and good examples prepared, that you can explain when asked or whenever you get the chance to squeeze them in your answers.

E.g. if I read in an HR vacancy text three times in different places about team performance, I can easily conclude that they are looking for someone who helps their managers stir towards more efficiency, better results and measuring those. So I will be sure to talk about how I supported my managers earlier with introducing performance management system, or how I dealt with underperformance.

Be yourself

Introverts can be perceived as overly humble, insecure or even passive. While in fact you are a hard worker, persistent, curious and meticulous individual.

Trying to pretend to be someone that you are not, just because you think it is what they expect is rarely working. Even if it does on a short term, it will have the toll on you as you always try to show up as a different person and eventually get drained or burnt out.

It is important that they choose to hire you because of who you are. It is OK to admit that you are not the loudest person in the room, while eager to do the right things and highlight all the good qualities you have. Doing that with your natural humble attitude is just going to show the interviewer what they can expect from you.

It is generally more difficult for introverts to praise themselves, to show off their achievements, which is why often after the interview you have this bitter taste in your mouth that you just couldn't quite impress the interviewer. For me it helps to reframe praising myself to talking about things that I achieved in my work that I was proud of, talking about situations that were not optimal, and how I managed to raise awareness and change those. So instead of saying how cool I am, I rather say, these are the good results I (or we as a team - under my leadership or initiation) achieved for the company.

Feeling overwhelmed

It is a lot to handle in one interview. By default, you are facing a stranger, which on its own can make an introvert feel uncomfortable, and then you are receiving question after question, some that you might have not even been prepared for. This can easily stress an introvert out and get to the point of feeling overwhelmed and shutting your brain down.

Take a breather. Or two. It is OK if you take a moment to think about your answer. It is OK to scan through your post its (or mental notes if you are in a face to face setting) to look for the right key words to give your answers about.

How to nail job interviews then, Introverts?

While there's no one recipe fitting all, I strongly believe that we, introverts can nail a job interview and drive our career development successfully. Staying true to ourselves and our strengths will always pay off. Finding the way to showcase ourself in an authentic way is a lot easier if we feel at ease in the situation: calming down and taking the opportunity at face value. Having some pointers that remind us of what we wish to convey can help tremendously to reduce feeling overwhelmed and staying focused to what truly matters.

Looking for some more help to nail a job interview? Book an introduction meeting with me so we can explore how I could help you getting your dream job.