How to Get a Job When You Are Shy

Shy people should practice for job interviews with a friend.

About 25 percent of people can be classified as introverts, says Dr. Katharine Brooks of the University of Texas at Austin. She acknowledges that extroverted people can have the upper hand in job interviews because of their ability to show enthusiasm and tell employees what they need to hear. If you’re shy, you can still find success in the job market, especially if you emphasize your strengths in resumes and cover letters. You can also take steps to succeed when networking and interviewing.

Things You'll Need

• Video camera or webcam

Instructions

Networking

1. Get ready for networking events by compiling a mental list of topics you can use to begin conversations. Subjects from the entertainment industry or lighthearted news stories can make it easier to talk with others.

2. Arrive at networking events early. This allows you to begin one-on-one or small-group conversations without being intimidated by walking into a crowded room.

3. Try online networking. Social networking sites that target professionals, such as LinkedIn and Biznik, can help you interact with others while avoiding face-to-face contact you may find stressful.

Interviewing

1. Participate in mock interviews with a friend. Have the other person play the role of the interviewer, asking common interview questions. Use a webcam or video camera to record your interaction; then review the footage and determine the adjustments you need to make in verbal or nonverbal communication.

2. Smile at appropriate times during the real interview, including when you meet the interviewer and when the session concludes. This can offset the chances you’ll come across as too serious or aloof.

3. Take advantage of your strengths. Shy people are often excellent listeners. Put this trait to work for you by focusing on the employer’s questions and answering them fully. Think of the interview as a conversation instead of an interrogation.

4. Highlight your successes. “Introverts tend to stay mum about their accomplishments,” notes author Jennifer Kahnweiler. Before the interview, come up with a short list of your top professional achievements and review them repeatedly. During the interview, call on the list to show you have the skills the job requires.

Tips & Warnings

• Many reputable websites, including the job-search site Monster.com and the Virginia Tech University website, offer online lists of common job interview questions.

References

• Psychology Today; The Shy Job Seeker; Katharine Brooks, Ed.D.; May 2010
• Psychology Today; Ten Tips for the Shy Job Seeker; Katharine Brooks, Ed.D.; May 2010
• Dummies.com; Job Interview Tips if You’re Shy or Nervous; Joyce Lain Kennedy
• Careerbuilder; Shy? 10 Tips for Introverted Job Seekers; Jennifer B. Kahnweiler
• Monster; Networking Tips for Shy People; Margaret Steen

Resources

• Monster; Common Interview Questions and Answers; Ian Christie
• Virginia Tech: Typical Interview Questions