Shyness can make finding a job difficult. In a world full of outgoing people, shy people can find it difficult to be as assertive and ambitious as many job markets require. Fortunately, there are tactics that can help you make the best of your strengths and find a job that suits you. Start with step 1 to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Step 1. Assess your level of shyness
Taking the time to think about your personality and assess your shyness can help you gain the knowledge you need to promote yourself effectively. Once you know how shy you are and what situations seem to compound the problem, you can prepare yourself to handle the challenges. Ask yourself:
- Have I always been shy?
- Am I shy both on and off work?
- Is my shyness mainly related to the job search itself?
- Was I considered a shy person in my last job?
Step 2. Keep in mind that preparation will help you deal with shyness related to the job search itself
If your answers to the above questions suggest that most of your shyness is related to finding a job such as personal advancement, handling interviews, meeting potential employers and colleagues, and the like, then you need to understand that preparation for those specific situations can help you overcome the problem.
Step 3. Understand that shy people can and should find rewarding jobs that suit them
If your shyness appears to be a pervasive personality trait and not a manifestation of job search anxiety, then you should think about your strengths and weaknesses and decide how to proceed. You don't need to become an outgoing person to find a job. You can work to get out of your comfort zone as you focus on finding a job that fits your strengths and weaknesses.
Step 4. Focus on your strengths
By understanding your capabilities, you can determine which jobs might be a good match for your skills. Consider your strongest personality traits and most relevant job-related skills, and start there. For example, if you are a very detail-oriented person and analytical thinker, and have experience preparing comprehensive financial reports, you may decide that a financial analyst position is right for you.
Part 2 of 3: Searching for a job
Step 1. Find jobs that match your strengths
In order for you to feel capable and successful, you need to find a job that takes advantage of your strengths. Make a list of your skills, experience, and other qualifications, and look for jobs that match.
Step 2. Focus on the jobs you are comfortable with
If you are a very shy and introverted person, you may never feel comfortable working as a motivational speaker or sales professional. Focus on jobs that require a little less in terms of assertiveness and interpersonal communication. Examples of jobs that are best for shy people include:
- Programmer
- Financial secretary
- Scientific
- Writer
- Web content manager
Step 3. Research potential employers
Remember that work itself is only part of the equation; Ideally, you will also want to find a work environment in which you feel comfortable. For any job openings you see, try to find out what the company culture is like. For example, if you are interested in a programmer position but find the company in question to be quite fast and emphasize frequent collaboration and meetings, you may decide not to apply. The company website is a good place to start; Read the "About Us" and "Careers" pages to find out what the company does, how it operates, and what you expect of your employees. Also, try:
- Perform a keyword search for the company on the Internet. Doing this will help you uncover reviews and articles about a particular company. You can end up with a better understanding of how a company operates and if its employees are happy.
- Review company and employee social media pages. Company social media profiles can provide additional information about the company. Employee profiles can be especially helpful as they can suggest whether the company attracts people with similar personalities, interests, and skills. Ask yourself if you would feel comfortable working with these people.
Step 4. Apply for desired jobs with confidence
Once you've determined potential jobs that you would be happy with, apply. Don't let the opportunity pass you by because you lack confidence or are worried about coming across as shy and introverted in interviews. Take the first step and submit your application. If you sign up for the right positions, you may be pleasantly surprised to see that they call you for interviews.
Step 5. Begin to relate
Start small; You don't have to go to a big event and talk to everyone present. Focus on one or two employees, and contact them by phone or email, whichever you feel most comfortable with. Just make the first contact and express your interest in a company or job; Doing so can be very beneficial while looking for a job.
Part 3 of 3: Overcoming shyness during a job interview
Step 1. Practice what you are going to say
Attending an interview can be scary, and it's okay to feel anxious; there are so many unknowns that most people get nervous in these situations. However, the best way to prepare is by reviewing your resume and practicing what you are going to say when asking standard questions like "Tell me about yourself." Knowing how you are going to explain your experience, education, skills, and career goals will help you answer tough questions with confidence and poise.
Step 2. Get ready to show your strengths
It is essential to be able to illustrate your strengths by giving examples of past successes and accomplishments. For example, if you've decided that maximum attention to detail is one of your strengths, you should be prepared to set an example: Maybe you went through some prepared reports and discovered inefficiencies, thus saving your old company's money.
Step 3. Realize the importance of non-verbal communication
Eye contact, good posture, and firm handshakes are important elements of an interview situation. Everyone needs to practice this type of non-verbal communication, but shy people may need more attention at this point. Practice! For example, try:
- Have a conversation with someone you know while maintaining constant eye contact
- Sit in a chair with good posture for 30 minutes
- Practice firm handshakes
Step 4. Stay positive and confident
Remember that you should not attend an interview if you are not qualified to do the job. At this point, you just have to express yourself with confidence and focus on your strengths. Keep a positive attitude in front of the interviewer and try to express your confidence and enthusiasm verbally and non-verbally.
Step 5. Send a thank you note
After the interview, send a short note thanking the prospective employer for their time. If you want to clarify a point or two made during the interview, you can do so now, but do not say more than one or two things, and do not apologize or describe your interview in a negative way. Focus on your enthusiasm for work.
Advice
- Accepting who you are as a person is important to your overall happiness and well-being, both in your professional life and in your personal life. Don't criticize yourself for being shy; it's part of who you are.
- Don't let failures keep you from getting a job you like. Everyone fails an interview from time to time, and everyone ends up losing a more qualified candidate from time to time. Resist the urge to over-analyze your perceived flaws. Focus on your strengths and successes.
- Many shy people are more comfortable online. If you feel that way, then take advantage of opportunities to connect online. Sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and social media pages for people in your particular field can be a convenient and effective way to reach people.