Career Guide US 2019

23 / 44

by Bonnie Johnson, Marketing Associate
THE JOB INTERVIEW is a chance to sell
yourself, why you are a good fit for the
organization, talk about your
achievements, and show your
excitement for the position. Just from
that first sentence, the whole concept of
job interviews seems to favor extroverts.
But wait…there are extrovert habits that
may contribute to a poor interview
performance, and alternatively, ways in
which introverts can shine in the
interview situation.
Most people lie somewhere in
between these two ends of the
introversion – extroversion scale.
Self-awareness, an essential soft skill,
enables you to recognize your emotions,
motivations, strengths, and challenges.
Self-awareness allows you to understand
that you may lean more towards
introverted or extroverted.
Even if you think you know where you
stand, the following will examine both
positive and negative stereotypes, and
how you can excel in the interview.
EXTROVERTS
Strengths: Talkative, sociable, curious,
positive, energetic, open to change,
achiever, leader, quick-thinker
Challenges: Flashy, lack of substance,
poor listener, speak before thinking,
pushy, in-your-face, rambling.
In interviews, this can translate to
filling conversation pauses with
unnecessary information, unfocused
answers, and talking over interviewers.
If you already recognize your
extrovert strengths, you may fail to
properly prepare for an interview,
because after all, you’re made to talk!
Suggestions: While your extrovert energy
for the job and communication skills
should benefit you in an interview, don’t
go overboard. In the customary pre- and
post-interview small talk, think twice
before sharing too personal information.
The typical “Tell me a little about
yourself” introduction needs to be
just that…“little.” Be wary of taking ten
minutes to tell your life history. Keep your
story relevant to the job and organization.
Extroverts may excel at sharing their
ideas in social situations, but keep in
mind that listening is just as important, if
not more important. Don’t interrupt your
interviewer. Concentrate on what they
are saying, not what your next comment
will be. Use your naturally curious nature
to your benefit by asking questions and
expressing your interest in the employer.
Lack of preparation may become an
obstacle for extroverts. Prepare for the
interview by gathering facts that support
your achievements. Practice answering
typical interview questions with a concise
response. Narrow your list of
accomplishments and top skills down,
rather than running down the laundry list
of why you’re awesome. Look for
repeated words or phrases in a job
description and you will immediately
know what is most important to the
employer. What are the job requirements
and how can you show you meet them?
What about the preferred qualifications?
Be ready to have concrete examples to
back up your accomplishments.
Extroverts are known for their
verbal communication skills, but written
communication is also significant in the
job search. Bring along a printed copy
of your resume and references to the
interview. Take a notepad and writing
instrument to jot down notes during your
interview. Sit down after the interview
to review your thoughts then carefully
craft a focused follow-up note to your
interviewer.
INTROVERTS
Strengths: Listening, trustworthy,
analytical, creative, reflective, intuitive,
prepared, problem-solver, thoughtful
Challenges: Shy, private, solitary, quiet,
reserved, follower, sensitive. Introverts
can put too much focus on their
perceived lack of verbal communication
skills, that they’re already predicting
interview failure.
INTERVIEWS
23 Ag & Food CAreer guide
A GUIDE FOR INTROVERTS & EXTROVERTS
>>>