From Shy to Confident: Mastering the Art of Job Interviews
As someone who’s struggled with social anxiety, I know the feeling of bombing a job interview all too well. The awkward silences, the forced smiles, and the crushing disappointment of not getting the job. But I’ve learned that with preparation and practice, anyone can overcome their fears and nail an interview.
The Power of Preparation
My journey to confidence began with my first part-time job and internships in advertising. I realized that confidence comes from being prepared, and as a planner, I thrived on structure. I created personal “study guides” for each company I applied to, filling them with research, main talking points, and everything I needed to feel comfortable in a high-stakes setting. This self-imposed homework was a game-changer, helping me to organize my thoughts and boost my confidence.
Three Tips for Acing an Interview
1. Become an Expert in the Job Description
To feel fully confident, you need to know the job description inside out. Divide the responsibilities into sections and write out experiences that correspond to each theme. This process allows you to connect the dots between your career and the role, ensuring you have built-in anecdotes about your experience. Use the STAR Method to structure your answers to behavioral questions, illustrating how you think and solve problems.
2. Interview Yourself
Create a study guide for the interview, writing out common questions and answering them as if the interview were being conducted via email. This helps you to craft the perfect answer, linking together all the ideas floating in your head and forming a narrative that will help you get hired. Tailor your answers to each position, demonstrating that you’ve spent time thinking about the specific role and how you can contribute.
3. Interview Your Interviewer
Remember, an interview is a two-way conversation. Don’t just focus on impressing the employer; use the opportunity to gauge if your interests align with theirs. Treat the face-to-face interview as a way to assess if you’d be comfortable working there. Prepare questions for the interviewer, grouping them into three buckets: the company, the role/team, and the interviewer. This will help you get a sense of what it’s like to work there and demonstrate your research.
Conclusion
I’m not perfect, and I haven’t received an offer from every job I’ve applied for. But since adopting this approach, I’ve found solace in knowing that I’ve done my best, regardless of the outcome. By arming myself with information and doing my due diligence, I’ve advocated for myself in a way that felt impossible when I was younger.
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