Ask Sandi

This week I have seen several articles come out about introverts and interviewing. If you are not an extrovert, can that hurt your chances of getting a job? The answer is yes, and no. To be clear, it depends on you and how prepared you are for the interview.

I am a closet introvert. People would not guess that about me because I enjoy public speaking, hold a leadership role, and network in the community. The reality is networking puts me way outside of my comfort zone. Being interviewed is a whole adventure in itself.

Being that a large part of my job means I have to be in the community and out networking, I had to learn how to get outside my shell. Like many introverts, small talk is not my forte and I prefer one-on-one deep conversations to exchanging elevator speeches any day of the week. I have learned the best thing for me to do in new networking situations is to bring a “wingman,” someone who is comfortable with networking and can be present in every conversation. My goal is not to meet everyone in the room, but to meet with people while I am at an event and follow up with them later to develop relationships.

As far as interviewing, Introverts sometimes have a hard time tooting their own horn. This can work against you in an interview setting. To combat this fear, practice talking about your achievements, reread your resume, and research the company so you can discuss how your skills and accomplishments will meet their need. Listening to the question carefully and then crafting a response will go much further than being over-eager and just appearing bubbly. I can be bubbly, but naturally, I am more reserved and recharge quietly by myself. After the interview, sit down somewhere quiet and re-hash the interview in your mind. As you craft your thank you letter, use it as an opportunity to thank the interviewer and to clarify and add any important points you may have missed.

Being an introvert is not necessarily a disadvantage – it just means you need to get a little out of your comfort zone by preparing a little harder.

If we can help you with your job search in any way, please contact our office at 407-834-4022.

Questions? Write me.

[email protected]

407-834-4022

Fax: 407-260-2949

Mail: Ask Sandi C/O Christian HELP

450 Seminola Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707

Our goal is to answer many of the questions you may have about your employment search, resumes, networking, promotion opportunities, and other employment related questions you may have.

Note to employers: If you email your job leads to [email protected], we will share your job openings with Christian HELP clients.

Until next time-

Sandi

Sandi Vidal is the executive director for Christian HELP and the Central Florida Employment Council. She has more than 15 years of recruiting and human resources experience. Visit the website at cfec.org