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Interviews have always been tough for me because I'd much rather listen to other people than talk about myself. The thing that's helped me the most is rehearsing my answers to the questions I expect to come up and leaning on anecdotes whenever possible. I think drawing on real personal experiences, instead of hypotheticals, makes it much easier to keep things conversational.
One trick that’s helped me: treat the interview like a client discovery call. Ask questions. Show curiosity. When you turn it into a two-way conversation, you shift out of that “under a spotlight” mindset and back into your comfort zone. It also shows them you’re thoughtful and strategic.
Use the introverted skill set you naturally have! Deep and active listening, catching the little details that others might miss, whatever unique abilities you have. As a fellow introvert, I do still get nervous for interviews, but focusing on my strengths helps me get through.
There are some great LI Learning courses on networking as an introvert. I found those courses very helpful. Lots of ideas on how to handle various interactions. Don’t think of it as selling yourself. Think of it as guiding the interviewer to make the best decision to help their company. “Are you looking for someone experienced, someone who demonstrates success working well
With others? Someone who is good at taking orderly direction ? At execution? At a systematic effective approach?” They will say, “yes” then tell them some stories about how you used these skills in your career. Story time not selling time. Good luck!
Change the mindset to a mutual discovery session. You have been selected so that’s great but nerves can get the best of us. Go into it that this is your opportunity to discover if they are the right fit for you just as they are trying to determine if you’re the right fit for them. They have the job but you have the skills; is the company worthy of your hard work, integrity, performance? Read up on the company and ask your questions if given the opportunity and don’t be afraid to show the real you - let it flow from who you are at the core. I am very honest as in “this is what you get” and it’s never failed me. Confident but not cocky, bold but not brash. Good luck.