Job searches can be extremely nerve-racking for introverts. Having to meet hiring managers and establish rapport can be a terrifying prospect if it takes you a while to warm up to new people. Here’s how you can excel as a reserved candidate in a job interview.

Stop Assuming

If you read career blogs regularly, you’ve been advised you must be “on” at all times during an interview and that reserved tendencies can make you appear like you’re hiding something.  Don’t believe this hype. The truth is, you don’t know what type of personality the hiring manager is looking for. Plenty of employers are after introspective critical thinkers. You can’t possibly know what the hiring manager wants, so don’t tie yourself up in knots trying to guess or trying to force a fake personality.

Focus on Your Strengths

You may never be the life of the party, but that’s okay. You have a lot to offer an employer. Know exactly what your strengths are, what you do better than anyone else on a team, and focus on those areas during your interview. Whenever possible, include data and quantifiable facts that illustrate clearly the value that you bring to the table.

Practice Early and Often

As a reserved candidate, you are likely prone to nervousness when put on the spot. The best way to overcome performance anxiety is to practice. If you know exactly what you want to talk about, if you’ve practiced answers to common questions over and over (out loud with someone listening), you’ll feel more confident during an interview.

Take a Prop

Put together a portfolio you can bring with you to interviews. When talking about specific projects or achievements, flip to that page of the portfolio to show the hiring manager what you’re talking about. Not only will this create a more engaging experience for the hiring manager, it will give you something to focus on and something you can turn to if you start to feel like your confidence isn’t where you want it to be.

Come Prepared with Great Questions

Don’t forget that interviews are two-way streets. It’s just as important for you to evaluate the company as it is for the company to evaluate you. You can end the interview on a high note by asking impressive questions that show you are truly interested in learning about the opportunity and what it would be like to work for the organization. Focus on things like: how the team functions, the management style of your supervisor, recent challenges the team or project has experienced, what the culture is like, etc.

Are You Looking to Grow Your Engineering Career?

If you are a talented engineering professional looking to grow your career, PEAK Technical Staffing USA can help you find your ideal position and achieve your career goals. Partner with our recruiting professionals today to find out how we can help you excel, whether you are an introvert or extrovert.

About PEAK

PEAK Technical Staffing can help connect you with employers and opportunities that leverage your engineering expertise and advance your career. We partner with employers nationwide who are looking for people with your skills and experience. Since 1968, PEAK has helped engineering professionals find jobs that offer flexibility, challenges and rewards.

Take a look at some of the engineering jobs we offer:

• Electrical Engineer – 74045
• Process Engineer – 74133
• Lead Mechanical Engineer – 74151

If you are looking for employers and opportunities that will take your engineering career to the next level and help you to achieve your goals, contact a PEAK recruitment expert today.