5 Job Interview Tips for Shy People

Got the interview? Great! But now you are so nervous you don’t think you can make it through the ordeal without hyperventilating. Your palms are already sweating. And your heart rate? Through the roof. Preparation is key. Make sure you have reviewed these tough interview questions and be ready for any questions. Here are 5 job interview tips for shy people so you can get through it. So sit back, take a deep breath, and get started.

1. Bring props

Have any great visuals? Charts or graphs that track your progress or success in a previous position? Have a dossier of praise letters and awards? Bring them with. If you find yourself tongue-tied you can always hand one over to buy yourself some time.

2. Make yourself a cheat sheet

Nothing says an interview can’t be an open book affair. Make a one-sheet of your top 10 professional achievements and keep it on hand during the interview. If you draw a blank, you’ll be back on track with one glance down into your documents. They’ll never know you’re cribbing, particularly if you rehearse referring to these bullet points in practice interviews.

3. Plan on how you'll stall

Figure out a signature phrase for yourself to buy a little time. “That’s a great question, would you mind if I took a moment to give you a more thorough answer?” is one option. Find what’s most comfortable for you.

4. Get help

There are tons of resources out there. If you can’t afford a career coach, an interview prep personal trainer, if you will, then ask a friend whose business savvy you respect to mock interview with you. Try videotaping yourself answering some standard questions and practice until it doesn’t terrify you anymore. Remember: the actual interview can’t be as bad as watching yourself on camera.

5. Prepare questions in advance

The number one most terrifying question in an interview: “Do you have any questions for us?” Everybody freezes up a little in this moment. Come prepared. Make a list of 5 to 10 questions for every single interview, specific to those jobs. In doing so, you’ll also be doing good research into the particulars of the company and the job, and you won’t be caught with your pants down at the crucial moment. You can simply call one to mind, smile, and fire it off with confidence.