How did you guys calm yourself and prepare for the interview? I am pretty introverted and feel like this will hold me back at the interview (especially MMI). Any tips from those who went through the process already?
To those who are introverted..
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At some point in my life, I realized that when meeting new people I can be absolutely anyone I want to be. Hold your head high, smile, say hello, look people in the eye, speak clearly with a strong voice. It can feel like pretend, but it works.
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Just like anything else, practice. Do interviews with your friends, your school's career advising office, your pre-med adviser, anyone who's willing. Get feedback constantly and record yourself to see how you can improve. As an introvert myself, the entire interview day can be tiring, since you feel like you're constantly socially engaged and don't really get a chance to have a moment to yourself. Be sure to relax before and after every interview day so that you're ready to go at the start of the day and then able to decompress in the evening afterwards.
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My two interviews were both MMI and they were excellent experiences. Far better than I think a traditional interview would have been. When you go into an MMI, the interviewer generally goes in blind knowing nothing about you. The conversation can simply be about the prompt; they won't grill you on things they see on your app. And if you don't get along with one interviewer very well, you just smile for a few minutes and keep talking, then you're outta there.
MMI = great for introverts
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Just practice as much as possible with someone else. Being an introvert can be overcome to an extent, but you will probably show your true colors during surprise questions.
I only had 1 MMI, but it was fairly pleasant. You get like 20-30 seconds before entering a room to give an answer, so you can come up with something as long as you're quick on your feet.
I only had 1 MMI, but it was fairly pleasant. You get like 20-30 seconds before entering a room to give an answer, so you can come up with something as long as you're quick on your feet.
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I would also recommend that you read Susan Cain's "Quiet," especially if you've ever thought about how your introversion might be compatible with your professional development.
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I used to be a bit introverted and shy, and I still sometimes fumble with words, but am pretty extroverted. The key is just to relax, and realize that it isn't a big deal and to just be congenial and open up. Practice talking to people around you, meeting new ones, and getting to know them. Also, make sure your social skills are up to par. Introversion can easily be remedied if you step out of your comfort zone and just stop worrying. it's hard at first but just keep trying and it changes especially when you realize all the fun stuff you missed out on.
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I won't interview for a while but it needs to be said that introversion shouldn't be confused with shyness or social anxiety. There is nothing wrong with being introverted and it certainly isn't something to be "overcome". Be friendly and professional.
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Practice. It helps if you know what questions to expect. Know yourself, your application and activities, and what you learned from your experiences and talking during interviews will flow naturally.
Also work on interview communication skills. I for example had to learn to speak more slowly and louder and to maintain eye contact.
Also work on interview communication skills. I for example had to learn to speak more slowly and louder and to maintain eye contact.
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first, you can't label yourself introverted. Second, you should take a shot of vodka, IMO, half an hour before the interview. Its enough to calm your nerves, but not enough to stay on your breath or make you belligerent and uncoordinated.
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I actually found my interview experiences were a lot better than I expected. In that one on one setting with structured questions I felt very comfortable opening up and just being myself. Just relax and answer the questions as best you can. I just focused on the idea that I had to sell myself and this was my one chance to do it and it'll be over in less than an hour. What I found tiring was that I did have to be 'on' all day so allow yourself some down/me time after the interview day.
ETA: as someone mentioned,faking your comfort/confidence helps a lot. I found that if I started my interviews like that I actually did get comfortable as they went on and I realized that they weren't as intimidating as I thought.
ETA: as someone mentioned,faking your comfort/confidence helps a lot. I found that if I started my interviews like that I actually did get comfortable as they went on and I realized that they weren't as intimidating as I thought.
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You might also want to consider taking a class on acting/improv or showing up to a club that does that sort of thing. I'm pretty introverted, and just realized that my history (however long ago) with acting helps me a lot when meeting new people. I am NOT saying to be someone you're not, but acting can help you learn to enunciate, speak clearly, and learn to convey passion/commitment more genuinely so that you can better communicate your better qualities.
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I tend to label myself a tad bit introverted, but I think I'm more selectively social.
Anyway, what works is definitely stepping out of your comfort zone. Hospice/nursing home volunteer perhaps? Retail job where you're forced to interact with everyone the whole day?
Working at cvs brought me out of my shell a lot and I've noticed I'm able to talk to a larger variety of people and not feel weird about it. My dog rescue events also help me, as I have to talk to complete strangers and try to "sell" them on the dog Im handling at the time, have to be both persuasive and polite at the same time. Whatever works!
Anyway, what works is definitely stepping out of your comfort zone. Hospice/nursing home volunteer perhaps? Retail job where you're forced to interact with everyone the whole day?
Working at cvs brought me out of my shell a lot and I've noticed I'm able to talk to a larger variety of people and not feel weird about it. My dog rescue events also help me, as I have to talk to complete strangers and try to "sell" them on the dog Im handling at the time, have to be both persuasive and polite at the same time. Whatever works!
I'll be honest. I pretended I was talking to 8 really attractive girls during my MMIs. And i was trying to flaunt how awesome I was for a possible date with them.
Perhaps not the best advice, but hey, it got me through em 😀
Perhaps not the best advice, but hey, it got me through em 😀
For all my interviews, I would literally go to the bathroom and power pose for a few minutes in front of the mirror. Luckily nobody ever walked in as it would be awkward to see a guy in a suit with his arms up but it did help me be more confident.
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