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Calm Your Pre-Interview Nerves: 5 Tips Tailored for Introverts

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Calm Your Pre-Interview Nerves: 5 Tips Tailored for Introverts

by CVMaker

  • Job interview
  • · March 12 2024
  • · 4 min read
Person interviewing

Table of contents

We’ve all been there. Nerves jangling, body temperature rising, awaiting the dreaded moment the door opens, and somebody in a sharp suit calls our name and invites us to endure half an hour of what feels like hell. Job interviews are challenging. There’s no getting around it.

Most introverts will need to learn how to smash an interview to get where they want to be on the career ladder. The good news is that we’re not alone. Even the most confident-seeming individuals probably have butterflies and a mild sweat. Surveys suggest speaking in front of others is the number one phobia in the UK, with 67% of people scared of taking the mic. This rates higher than heights, spiders and the dark.

With that in mind, here are some tricks to help you land the job you want.

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1. Get comfortable with small talk

Let’s be frank for a moment. Nobody likes small talk. There are people in this world who saunter around, striking up a conversation with all in sundry. Deep down, they’re probably that comfortable chatting about the weather. They’re desperately trying to fill awkward silences, whether it be about the weather, bringing up family pets, the price of petrol or the latest Netflix special.

If you’re an introvert, filling gaps and making conversation may not come naturally, so prepare in advance. Think about a couple of accessible subjects you can draw upon to ease yourself in and break the ice. The weather is a staple of British conversation. However, there’s only so much you can say about it being gloomy in winter and muggy in summer. Add a couple of extra points to your mental notes.

2. Research the company

If it’s one thing employers hate, it’s people turning up to an interview with little to no knowledge about where they are and what they’ll be doing if they get the job. Research suggests that almost 50% of employers wouldn’t offer a candidate with no knowledge of the company a job. Before you leave home, check out the website, look at the services and products the business sells, and read about the backstory. Digest and memorise any nuggets about their ethos or company culture. These will be gold when you answer questions about why you think you’d be a good fit for the brand or what you could bring to the team.

3. Upsell your introvert qualities

Let’s admit it. We often tend to think of our introversion as a negative thing when actually, it can be a positive trait.

Not everybody wants to work with overconfident and outgoing people, and there’s a lot to be said for striking a balance within a team. According to our friends at the Myers-Brigg company, 57% of the population prefers introversion to extroversion, so you might find that you’re in demand. Many of us will lie through our teeth when quizzed about our assets and character traits in job applications and interviews. We’ll casually add that we’re confident individuals who are ‘ambitious’ and ‘always up for a challenge,’ even if the words make our stomachs churn.

That’s especially true for us brits. In the UK, over 90% of us feel pressure to behave like an extrovert. The truth is that introverts have brilliant qualities, and we need to upsell these traits that could include the following:

  • Good listener

  • Thoughtful

  • Respectful

  • Observant

  • Hard-working

  • Compassionate

  • Empathetic

To quote the 1967 film The Producers, “if you’ve got it, flaunt it”.

4. Fake it till you make it 

Shouting about your strengths from the rooftops doesn’t come naturally to introverts. To some extent, you have to be able to promote yourself at an interview. You may not naturally be the most confident person, but that doesn’t mean they have to know that. These physical qualities mimic extrovertedness and confidence:

  • Sit up with your back straight

  • Smile during the interview

  • Make eye contact

  • Nod or use body language to indicate you’re listening

  • Speak loudly and clearly (of course, don’t shout, but don’t mumble)

  • Ask for time to think to prepare the listener for silence (This silence will then feel less awkward because it’s intentional!).

Your extraversion might be fake, but who you are is real. Think about what you can offer, what you have already achieved in your career, and what you want to gain from the next phase of your working life. Focus on giving examples of your work. Talk about awards or scenarios that underline your suitability for the role. It’s not showing off to encourage somebody to look through a portfolio or publications you’re in charge of.

Remember, there’s a difference between bragging and backing yourself.

5. Have a virtual run-through

If your heart rate soars at the mere thought of sitting in front of a panel, have a virtual run-through.

Practice with a friend or family member you feel comfortable around. Try preempting questions and preparing answers. Go through some exercises to help you feel calm and relaxed. Breathe deeply and give yourself plenty of time. Remember, the panel might not necessarily be looking for an extrovert. See the most commonly asked questions during an interview and practice answering them.

Take some time to mentally prepare before going to the interview. Introverts don’t always excel in interviews, but we are often suitable matches for the role in question. If you have an interview coming up, don’t write off your chances because you’re not the loudest or most brash in the room. You might be just what the panel is looking for, so make sure to present and sell your strengths well. Good luck with your next interview! You’re going to blow their socks off.

You have qualities that would benefit any business. Knowing that make sure to complete the following steps:

  • Take a few deep breaths.

  • Prepare in advance.

  • Take your time to answer questions.

  • Be yourself and upsell your introverted character traits.

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Updated March 12 2024

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