Can shy people get jobs?

I had an interview and I have a feeling I messed it up - I was being really shy argh!

My responses were okay I think - but I was speaking quite quietly and was stuttering now and again :s-smilie:

Were you shy when at an interview and what happened next?

p.s. they are recruiting a whole bunch of people - not just one or two.

Reply 1

faber niger

17

Of course they can. You can always work on your interview/conversational technique anyway -- just because you're shy right now, doesn't mean that that is how you have to be for the rest of your life...

Reply 2

quicktime

OP

It is a sales assistant position.

Reply 3

woofums

13

most people are nervous at interviews, i wouldnt worry about that. im shy and have got lots of jobs before. it will depend on the job, but nah dont worry about it. :smile:

Reply 4

quicktime

OP

jismith1989

Of course they can. You can always work on your interview/conversational technique anyway -- just because you're shy right now, doesn't mean that that is how you have to be for the rest of your life...

I know! I'm sure my confidence will grow once I'm there - I just need somebody to give me a chance so I can develop those skills. I so want the job hope I haven't screwed things up!

Reply 5

faber niger

17

quicktime

It is a sales assistant position.

Well, even if you don't get it this time (as many people are bound not to, just the way things are), keep at it, because that could be great for increasing your confidence.

Reply 6

Higgy90

16

No, shy people in the world are all unemployed

Reply 7

cpj1987

15

I used to be very shy, and never had a problem getting a job.
As long as you smile a lot, you'll be fine.

Reply 8

quicktime

OP

woofums

most people are nervous at interviews, i wouldnt worry about that. im shy and have got lots of jobs before. it will depend on the job, but nah dont worry about it. :smile:

nice to know!

Reply 9

dchatterjee1

jismith1989

Of course they can. You can always work on your interview/conversational technique anyway -- just because you're shy right now, doesn't mean that that is how you have to be for the rest of your life...

TOTALLY Agree =]
When i had my first job interview last year, i was shy at first but to be honest you seem to progress as the interview proceeds as you know then what they are like and that.
Better to do practising beforehand, practice makes perfect and can never wipe out perfectness. Before your interview find out everything you can about the company (read their annual report which can be obtained by telephoning them). Re-read your application, thinking through your own career and the questions they might ask you. You should try to anticipate the general questions which they will ask and also prepare some questions to ask them.

To do well at the interview you will need to convince the interviewer you are technically qualified to do the job. You will also need to show that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done well and that you will fit in with the company's organisational structure and the team in which you will work.

Reply 10

quicktime

OP

cpj1987

I used to be very shy, and never had a problem getting a job.
As long as you smile a lot, you'll be fine.

were you shy and nervous at the same time out of interest? and have you worked as a sales assistant?

Reply 11

Teddyboy

quicktime

I had an interview and I have a feeling I messed it up - I was being really shy argh!

My responses were okay I think - but I was speaking quite quietly and was stuttering now and again :s-smilie:

Were you shy when at an interview and what happened next?

p.s. they are recruiting a whole bunch of people - not just one or two.

for future interviews you could ask friends to do a 'mock' interview with you and give you feedback. You may come across as more confident than you think, most people find interviews really difficult. Remember it's more about your skills and experience, so try and take the focus of the way you present.

Reply 12

quicktime

OP

The reason its getting to me is because for a sales assistant role you have a lot of contact with customers - they expect you to be confident when speaking to people don't they?

I don't think I gave off this impression. :O

Reply 13

cpj1987

15

quicktime

were you shy and nervous at the same time out of interest? and have you worked as a sales assistant?

Very shy and nervous, yes. I did work as a sales assistant for a while, at a Co-Op supermarket. That was one of my first jobs, and definitely the one I was shyest for - my confidence didn't improve that much at that job though, if I'm honest. I didn't stop being shy until I was at uni - I'd already had four jobs over three years by then. Each one increased my confidence a bit, but though I was always still shy I never had problems at the next interview.
One employer showed me my interview sheet once; and though I'd been shy I'd just been sure to smile all the way through the interview even though I barely spoke. He'd written on the sheet that I was 'bubbly'.

Reply 14

woofums

13

most of the jobs ive had are sales assistants jobs. tbh, the first month or two you will feel really shy but the more you speak to people, the more confidence it gives you. one job i had was just going up to people and going 'can i help you at all? and also somes selling. this improves your confidence because you have no choice but to talk to people. But tbh, i find most customers dont want a sales assistant that doesnt stop talking. just be polite, say hello, please, thankyou, goodbye and you come across fine :smile:

Reply 15

ben_lines

Actually its against the law for shy people to be employed

Reply 16

Candypants.

I'm a shy person, but that hasn't stopped me getting jobs! My interview technique has improved with time (looking back at my first one for WHSmiths - Dear God...i didn't get THAT job!) I usually try and practise a bit beforehand and make sure I'm prepared for any question they might throw at me. Also doing a bit of research on the company can be good, eg when I had my interview for Monsoon they asked me about which other high street stores were their competitors and stuff like that...but overall just try not to stress too much about it. Dress in something (appropriate) that makes you feel confident, be friendly, smile and look the interviewer in the eye, and just be confident in your abilities :smile:

Reply 17

Nebthet

1

I am one of the shyest people you will ever meet and yet I volunteered to help teach a kindergarten class on weekends... I ended up singing and dancing in front of a class of babies and their parents.

You get over your fear as soon as you arrive. Just think, "I've said that I'm going to do it, and I am." Don't think about the other people, think about yourself. Think about what it took to get you where you are, and how you have nothing to be embarrassed about, and that you should be proud.

Then remember, that if anything goes badly (but it won't!) you'll be able to laugh it off later with your friends.

Usually people can do a lot more than they give themselves credit for. So just relax, surprise yourself!

I hope you got the job! :biggrin:

Reply 18

Prettyinpunk1

1

When I first started applying for jobs I was quite shy but in the interviews I just thought I gotta do this and acted confident. Now I'm not shy - the more interviews you go to and the more people you have to talk to you will get over it.

Reply 19

hec

2

Only dynamic people with dynamics personalities can get jobs everyone on benefits has confidence issues

Can shy people get jobs?

Related discussions

Articles for you