Interview tips for introverts: how to show your best self

You may worry that your introverted tendencies mean that finding a job will be harder. The antidote to that kind of thinking? Focusing on your strengths. Let’s take a look at some of these.

Deep thinking

Introverts tend to stay quiet until they have something valuable to say—such a novel approach! They consider different scenarios and are good at imagining how things play out in real life. When they offer an opinion, it means they’ve chewed it over for a while. They often think of things in ways nobody else on a team would. That adds value to an organization.

Insight

Because introverts typically talk less in social settings, they have time to observe others. This can translate into a deeper understanding of human behavior, empathy, and power dynamics—another boon to a potential employer.

Creativity

Introverts are often creative. In the right environment, they’ll come up with unique ideas. They tend to see things a little differently. This diversity of thought helps build stronger organizations.

Self-awareness

Not everyone takes the time to self-reflect. Introverts, because they tend to engage less socially, spend more time alone. They think about why they act and feel the way they do. Lori, a Fidelity talent acquisition manager, says, “Introverts really know themselves and get to know the team. They take more time to think.”

We all know people that talk too much. Someone asks them a question and 20 minutes later, they’re still talking. Sometimes, they haven’t even answered the original question.

Imagine that kind of person in a job interview. Do you know what skill they’re not demonstrating to the interviewer? Their listening skills. You, on the other hand, have this one all sewn up.

Introverts are known for being good listeners. During an interview, this skill will be apparent to whoever is conducting your interview.

It may not be your nature to do so, but it’s okay to sell yourself in a job interview. An interview is the time to show what you can do.

Heather, a talent acquisition partner at Fidelity, says that even if you don’t like having the spotlight on you, “Be sure to share how you shine.”

You don’t have to pretend to be more outgoing to land a job. More employers are recognizing the strengths introverted people can bring to an organization.

Panicking about an upcoming interview? Some companies are willing to accommodate you if you speak up. You won’t know until you ask, but Heather says recruiters can run interference for you.

Heather advises, “Don’t be afraid to let the recruiter know that you’re introverted, because we can always help. We tell managers we want a diverse pool of candidates. So, if diverse means someone who’s introverted… maybe [we] interview [them] slightly differently. The more we know, the more we can help guide the managers.”

She encourages candidates that are introverted to not view their temperament in a negative light. As we’ve mentioned, introverts bring a lot of value to the table.

You’ll feel less nervous about an interview if you prepare ahead of time. Heather recommends looking up interview questions online to get a feel of what you’ll be asked. She says, “If you have the chance, talk to a recruiter before you interview with a manager.” According to Heather, managers may share the questions they’ll be asking ahead of time.

Most interviews end with a chance for the job seeker to ask questions. Write down at least a couple of questions ahead of time.

Another way to prepare is to role-play an interview. Ask a friend to practice with you and give you feedback on things like eye contact and body language.

You have one more chance to impress the interview team—by thanking them. It takes a lot of time and effort to interview a potential employee. Before we spent so much time online, it was common to handwrite and mail a note to the people who interviewed you to thank them. We all move faster now. It’s perfectly fine to email or send a message to show your appreciation.

You don’t have to change who you are to succeed in this job market. More than ever, employers are looking to build teams with a diversity of perspectives and lived experiences. Your particular strengths as an introvert may be just what they are hoping to find.