WCIYP (How To Deal With Any Handicaps You Have)

One of the most common handicaps a job-hunter will experience is shyness. That's right, shyness is arguably the most profound obstacle an individual will have to overcome in the job-hunting process. Although some people will not admit it, almost everyone becomes nervous or shy at some point in the job-hunting process. An ideal way to overcome shyness, at least according to What Color Is Your Parachute, is to use enthusiasm as a cure. For example, I am passionate about sports. To limit my shyness during an interview, I may bring up how sports are a major passion of mine. Fortunately, I am seeking a job in the sports marketing industry, so not only will my enthusiasm about sports be appropriate to discuss, but it could also help me appear less shy during an interview.

Another alternative to overcoming shyness is through the implementation of the PIE method. In the method, the "P" stands for pleasure. During the "P' phase, you should practice interviewing people you are comfortable talking to, such as family or friends. Once you feel comfortable talking about a career with someone, it is time to advance to the "I" stage, which stands for informational interviewing. As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, informational interviewing usually involves reaching out to a bridge-person who can possibly offer advice or a connection to a company that you wish to work for. After sufficient interviewing has been done, and you are comfortable speaking with strangers about your career aspirations, then the final stage "E" can be approached. The "E" phase of the PIE method involves an actual employment interview with an individual who has the power to hire you. 

For a visual perspective on the PIE method I explained above, please view the following images:

Overall, it is important to understand tactics to overcome shyness in order to succeed during an interview. Also, anyone involved in a job-hunt should be able to distinguish the difference between self-esteem and egotism. It is alright to be confident in yourself, but is a completely different story to be self-centered. Employers will surely make assumptions about you based on your personality during an interview, so it is critical to display the best version of yourself in order to prove that you can add value to the company you are interviewing for.