Are Introverts at a Disadvantage in Interviews?
At the SD conference a few weeks ago, a colleague asked me this question. (I’m using the Myers-Briggs terminology:If you’re wondering, I often describe introverts as people who need to think in order to speak, and extaverts as people who need to speak in order to think.)
Well, the answer is Yes and No. If introverts haven’t considered a question before, and they don’t take the time to think, they could be at a disadvantage. But so can extraverts. While I can be charming when I think out loud, I sometimes (!!) circle aroung the point. I can take too long to answer the question, which can make an introvert nutso 
The key for all people is to prepare for interviews. If you’re a candidate, practice. If you’re part of a hiring team, practice. You’ll still hear/ask some questions you haven’t thought of before, and that’s ok. But you’ll be ready for more of them.
4 comments October 4th, 2006