First impressions are everything, so if youre shy by nature, you need to break out of your shell if youre trying to impress someone.
No matter how uncomfortable it is for you to warm up to people immediately, you need to overcome these feelings in order to give off the right message to your interviewer. Here are some things shy candidates should keep in mind when interviewing for a job:
1. Check out the place ahead of time
Theres an advantage to getting to the reception area early. Youll get a sense of the companys personality. Sit comfortably and unwind there. With the extra time, youll also be able to relax and gather your thoughts before you meet the interviewer.
2. Imagine yourself succeeding
Walk as if you belong there,. If you look like you belong at the company, it will make it easier for everyone else to imagine you working there.
Picture yourself walking into the interviewers room standing tall, shoulders back, balanced, striding confidently with your hands swinging comfortably at your side, and smiling.
3. Make eye contact
Appropriate eye contact is one way to build trust when you initially meet someone. You should look someone straight in the eyes, but obviously, dont stare at them.
Youll want to make eye contact all the way through the interview. Nervous job candidates instantly reveal their unease if theyre uncomfortable making eye contact. Interviewers may conclude that someone who has trouble meeting their eyes dislikes them, is fearful of responsibility, or wont relate to co-workers and customers.
4. Sit up straight
If youre offered a choice of seats, choose a hardback chair rather than a sofa where youll sink down and find it harder to project authority.
You should sit comfortably erect with your feet planted on the floor and leaning slightly forward. Sit close enough so you can communicate easily but not so close that youre invading the other persons space.
5. Dont play with your hands too much
Avoid touching your face, hair or jewelry, or fussing with your briefcase. Keep any papers you want to show in your briefcase until its time to take them out.
