Interviewing for Introverts. Can We Win?

Interviewing is hard. It’s even harder when you’re shy—like Kari—or just want to talk about cats—like Rebecca. While it seems like the odds are stacked against introverts in the hiring process, is there a way for introverts to gain an edge?

Before you get any bright ideas, there are apparently rules against using a stand-in for the interview, even if they are Helen Hunt and share your haircut. And, while hiring a Introvert Interview Advocate seems like a good idea, you may end up offending people when they say something like, “What Rebecca clearly knows is that you obviously have no influence on her future career prospects and therefore will not be able to help her provide shareholder value.” Just listen to the episode; Brutus is kind of a tool.

While this cast doesn’t provide the introvert’s guide to taking over the world—or even providing shareholder value—you should walk away with a few interview tips for introverts as well as some laughs. Here are the top things we covered:

The Challenge of Being Authentic

We often discuss the value of authenticity in developing and strengthening relationships. Ironically, the interviewing process seems to encourage people—especially introverts—to be anything BUT true to themselves. Only a narcissist could be authentically excited about bragging on themselves for an hour, right? We discuss how a strong personal brand can help you communicate your value and survive interviews.

Digital Interviews - Introvert Friendly?

Like it or not, digital interviews are here to stay. The question is: do digital screenings provide an edge for introverts? Maybe just the ones that are half robot—AKA INTJs—like Rebecca? In the episode, Rebecca gives a blow-by-blow of her digital interview experience and shares some insights as to how digital interviews work and ways to prepare if you’re one of the “lucky ones’ selected to participate in this form of impersonal interaction.

Job Auditions - Letting your Skills Shine

We discuss our thoughts on practice assignments. One the one hand, they can be great for people that don’t interview well. On the other hand, if the process isn’t set up to allow two-way communication, it can be challenging for people who value collaboration as part of the development process.

INFJ vs. INTJ Face-off

We also do our first INFJ vs. INTJ face-off on the topic of civility as a goal for department teams. It would be ironic if we weren’t civil when discussing this topic. Alas, we didn’t come to literal or figurative blows. Perhaps there will be a future topic that inspires Kari to push Rebecca down. Perhaps the matter of cats vs. dogs?

Intro theme by Salty Bits.