Get Out Of Your Shy Zone!

Photo Source: Lance

If the thought of networking, interviewing or even meeting new people overwhelms you, then you need to read this to get tips on how you can overcome shyness.

Social anxiety. Shyness. Introversion. Call it what you wish but it’s all the same – the fear of expressing yourself. Unfortunately, being shy can be a challenge in a job hunt. Can you imagine clamming up when the interviewer asks you questions? Not a good start to your job search! Plus, to get a job, you will need to make phone calls, talk to people, and express yourself well. Being embarrassed and anxious won’t help one bit.

The good news is that shyness can be overcome. How? Try these ideas.

1 Practice

One way to overcome shyness? Rehearse. Whether it is going for a job interview or cold calling, practise with a friend how the conversation will go. Frequent practice will make the situation less daunting and make you more confident. Ask a friend to act as an interviewer or practise in front of a mirror. Record yourself so you can evaluate and improve.

2 Start Slow

There is no way you’ll change from being an introvert to an extrovert overnight. So don’t put too much stress on being someone you’re not. Open up to a few friends first. Next, make it a habit to start a conversation with an acquaintance before you take the plunge with strangers. Before you know it, making small talk and meeting new people will come easily to you.

3 Stay Calm. Relax!

This is especially useful at job interviews – relaxation techniques. Prior to the interview or the situation where you’re expected to talk to others, take slow, deep breaths to relax. Loosen your shoulder to release tension. Close your eyes and try to remove the anxiety. Just remember this – the person you’re meeting could also be just as nervous as you are.

4 Focus On The Other Person

When you are focused on yourself, being shy may be the only thing you’ll think about. So instead of focusing on how shy you are, why not make it a point to find out more about the other person? Be interested in what they have to say. Practise asking other people about themselves.

Adapted from Ready4work.my. Driven by content from top employers, Ready4Work.my is a one-stop portal to enhance employability of young talents entering the job market. Click here for more articles.