Your 101 Guide to Getting an IT Job as an Introvert
Being an introvert comes with its own set of challenges – especially when it comes to tech job interviews where you have no idea what is in store for you. But fortunately for you introverted individuals, we have come up with a few tips that can help you navigate your way around tech job interviews with ease.
Practicing Small Talk
One of the things you need to remember is practicing up on your communication skills. Often, an interview starts with a personal chit-chat which is intended to create a more comfortable environment for the interview. However, that can be a nightmare for introverts.
Hence, it is important that you should note down some pointers on what to say during such a conversation like if they ask ‘Tell us about yourself.’ Now take your time to express your personality traits without giving short and concise answers. Show them who you are so that they may take you on for who you really are as a person and potential employee.
Investigating Company Pain Points
Now if you are an analytical introvert, this is where your skill will shine out the most. Doing your homework beforehand and researching about the company can give you leverage. Your skills will allow you to gain insight into any potential concerns or opportunities that may only be evident to introverts.
Consequently, this gives you the upper hand in focusing on solutions for certain pain points within a company – or it can even help you in avoiding negative situations.
Brush Up on Your Body Language
In a physical interview, your body language can give a lot away about you. So after you have gathered all your research about the tech company, set aside a draft of possible questions they might ask and then answer them out loud.
It also helps to have a friend or family member to practice with but if that does not work out then you can always practice in front of a mirror or record yourself. This way, you will be able to assess your body language and see how your responses make your body react. If something feels off, you will always have the time to change it before the actual interview.
Learning From Others
There are also a number of ways you can learn to see how introverts handle tech interviews such as the ones you would find on the popular tech show called Whiteboard Challenge. Founded by Michael Kureth, Whiteboard Challenge is a highly acclaimed multi-award winning tech show that is based on the tech industry’s job interview practices. The show includes a three panelled judge show where software engineers come over to solve code tests.
The series holds a unique entertainment value which has firmly grabbed the attention of its audience since the moment it started airing. Whiteboard Challenge works on illustrating skills that require excellent talent in order to showcase your abilities.
Whiteboard Challenge works to advocate for not discriminating against someone age, gender, race, or disabilities. Consequently, it is based on tech industry interviewing practices where naturally introverted software engineers are asked to step out of their comfort zone via solving coding challenges that are handwritten on a whiteboard in front of a panel of engineering professionals – giving you an informational insight on how you can progress as a an inspiring introverted engineer.