The interview remains the most important aspect of any hiring process. A prospective employer gets to see candidates in person and watch how they react during a stressful situation — a vital trait for any healthcare professional. If you are a generally shy person, performing well during an interview becomes a challenge, making your prospects for a successful job search more daunting compared to other candidates.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some ideas to help you stand out during an interview if you are shy. Let’s take a closer look.

Focus on your Nonverbal Behavior

Making a good first impression plays a big role in your ultimate interview success. Interviewers pay close attention to your nonverbal actions during an interview. Greet your interviewers with a firm handshake when being introduced, and make (and maintain) natural eye contact throughout the interview — without staring.

In addition to eye contact, focus on keeping an upright posture and use natural body language when speaking. Practice these techniques with a friend before your interview day; this is especially vital when you are shy, since your non-verbal actions need to be perceived as natural.

Considering hiring a career coach that specializes in interview preparation if you can’t find anyone to help you practice.

Bring a One-page Document of Professional Accomplishments

Being extra nervous sometimes makes it difficult to remember everything you want to discuss during an interview. Prepare a one-page document containing a bullet point list of your professional or educational successes you want to highlight when talking with the interviewer.

This extra “security blanket” helps to give you a clear head when asked a difficult question. It also ensures you don’t forget any significant achievements that ultimately could earn you a job offer.

Make a Mental Picture of your Interview Success

When in the waiting room before the interview, focus your mind on a successful performance. If you are confident you will be a valued member of the healthcare company in question, those positive feelings will come out during the interview. A good attitude overcomes any shyness when it matters.

If you want any additional advice on interview preparation, or anything else with the hiring process, talk to the knowledgeable recruiters at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the nation’s top medical industry staffing agencies, we can take your career to new levels — even if you are shy. Schedule some time with us today!