Introvert Giving an Interview on Monday

whatswrongwithya on 04/02/2023 - 19:21
Last edited 04/02/2023 - 19:30

I have been working at a reception desk in one of the govt. department since last 5 years. Its a small team of security officers and we do get along well and due to Covid the office hasn't been busy since 2020. I am thinking about changing career and make use of two bachelor degrees and some hands-on experience in admin, customer service and accounting.

I am an introvert and finding it difficult to answer random interview questionnaire asked these days by the interview panel. The job I applied for is an entry level role in a govt. organization and honestly, my experience meets the job criteria but what is going on with all these interview questions like tell me about a time when you….. etc.

How do they determine if a candidate is not lying or telling a story he read a night before on the internet?

Education & Work

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 04/02/2023 - 19:26
    +7

    not lying

    Y not tell the truth 🤔

    • Sinnerator on 05/02/2023 - 08:39
      +2

      Because the person being interviewed before and after you will have much better 'rehearsed' stories.

      • Waffles on 05/02/2023 - 08:40

        I feel like it's pretty unlikely that someone could have rehearsed something that they otherwise have no clue about sufficiently to cover any question they might get asked…

        • JIMB0 on 05/02/2023 - 11:02
          +9

          You'd be surprised at the ability of otherwise useless people to spin a load of BS about how good they are. Just look at LinkedIn.

          • EyyBanane on 06/02/2023 - 07:03

            @JIMB0: r/LinkedInLunatics/

          • Waffles on 06/02/2023 - 08:22

            @JIMB0: Fair, how about I instead say "I've never recruited someone who smashed their interview and turned out to not have a clue"

  • Hybroid on 04/02/2023 - 19:27
    +18

    They don’t care about the answer itself. They’re assessing how you think and respond to scenarios through the questions asked. It’s also an assessment of your future potential which is more important than your past for employers.

    Just do your best, it’s normal to be flustered with some questions, they know that. Also, absolutely nothing wrong with saying you don’t know an answer, but suggest how you might find out by asking X.

    • MS Paint on 04/02/2023 - 20:00
      +13

      by asking X.

      In case you're wondering op, X = ozbargain.

    • Waffles on 05/02/2023 - 07:24
      +1

      Definitely true. It's stressful for everyone. I'd also suggest taking a moment before responding, taking a pen and paper if that helps and ask them to repeat any questions as much as needed.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 05/02/2023 - 08:41
      +2

      asking X

      I have on good authority that X Gon' Give It to Ya

    • gromit on 05/02/2023 - 21:27

      That somewhat depends where he is interviewing. Government interview panels are a different beast to private sector. Everyone gets exactly same questions and they are evaluated on that criteria. It is a shit process, i am in private enterprise but have helped them write some of the questions in some government departments for IT roles.

  • p1 ama on 04/02/2023 - 19:51
    +11

    I am an introvert and finding it difficult to answer random interview questionnaire asked these days by the interview panel.

    It doesn't have anything to do with being an introvert. It has to do with having the right attitude, competences, and being prepared.

    The interview, first and foremost, is an assessment of your ability to communicate, to demonstrate that you have the right personality fit for the job, and to assess some basic skills (e.g. your experiences, knowledge…etc.)

    The job I applied for is an entry level role in a govt. organization and honestly, my experience meets the job criteria but what is going on with all these interview questions like tell me about a time when you….. etc.

    What makes you think that this is a large part of the interview? They're likely just some questions for interviewers to understand how you deal with the types of challenges that you may face on the job.

    How do they determine if a candidate is not lying or telling a story he read a night before on the internet?

    Because ultimately it doesn't really matter. If you can tell a story, you know what the "right answer" is. You can even be upfront about telling a story.

    For example, "tell me about a situation where you faced conflict with your team, and how you dealt with it". I could even say something like, "oh, it's actually been a while since I've faced any major conflicts - that said, I think if I were to face conflicts, then I would approach it by stepping back from the situation, listening, and understanding the conflicting points of view…etc…etc." You get what I mean.

    • star-ggg on 04/02/2023 - 23:11
      +2

      Further to do this, I prepare by looking up questions that I know I will struggle to answer off the cuff and prepare answers. This way I will always have a few textbook answers I can give regardless of what kind of difficult question I get.

  • Brick Tamland on 04/02/2023 - 19:57
    +14

    As an introvert myself and someone bad at interviews I've recently had success by using the following strategies. Gather a number of scenarios that you could use as examples to answer questions and write them down. Now practise them out loud until you get the delivery perfect and concise. You should be able to change them up on the fly to adapt them to questions asked if you have them practised to an art. Try to find examples that dont need to much explaining before you really get into the guts of the answer. The next big tip is go full happy, bubbly and enthusiastic in your mannerisms. Even if it feels wrong and embarrassing, just really lay it on thick, it has to be performative. As an introvert this will probably feel wrong but it's the game that needs to be played.

    In my experience there are heaps of people that are adept at talking complete utter nonsense that are rubbish at their job but they have landed the job because they are professional Sh1t talkers. I've also come across quiet introverts that are wonderful in their roles but stuck in entry level positions because they have to much humility in their interviews.

    • p1 ama on 04/02/2023 - 20:45
      +5

      The next big tip is go full happy, bubbly and enthusiastic in your mannerisms. Even if it feels wrong and embarrassing, just really lay it on thick, it has to be performative. As an introvert this will probably feel wrong but it's the game that needs to be played.

      As an introvert myself who's worked with a range of introverts and extroverts, I strongly, strongly disagree with this. You need to show enthusiasm, but this is not "full happy, bubbly", it is showing that you understand the role, that you have an interest in their organisation and what they aim to do. It's about showing interest in your interviewers - ask them about their experiences at the firm, chat to them about the work that they do.

      An interview is not a test, it is as much about you trying to learn about them as it is them trying to learn about you.

      I've also come across quiet introverts that are wonderful in their roles but stuck in entry level positions because they have to much humility in their interviews.

      How many people do you actually know who did not do well in interviews because they are "too humble"?

      I think what people who are like you describe (i.e. quiet achievers) don't recognise is that to move beyond "entry level positions" requires good people skills. You have to be able to manage people and teams, be able to provide highly complex input, be able to present to senior stakeholders, take a lead role in meetings…etc.

      Most people who are stuck in entry level positions either do not recognise this, do not do anything to fix it (i.e.do not learn, study, work to improve), and find it much easier to blame it on their own inherent characteristics (i.e. "I'm just an introvert") than accepting that to move up requires pushing themselves out of their comfort zones.

      • Brick Tamland on 04/02/2023 - 22:05
        +1

        As an introvert myself who's worked with a range of introverts and extroverts, I strongly, strongly disagree with this. You need to show enthusiasm, but this is not "full happy, bubbly", it is showing that you understand the role, that you have an interest in their organisation and what they aim to do. It's about showing interest in your interviewers - ask them about their experiences at the firm, chat to them about the work that they do.

        You can disagree but this is my personal experience and I think it also depends on the organisation. Some large Govt organisations receive thousands of applications for a single role. You absolutely have to stand out from the rest. By being a bit over the top you can stand out. Sometimes the interviewers dont even understand the role so being a technical wiz at the role can be wasted on the interviewers.

        An interview is not a test

        Its absolutely a test, the interviewers will be scoring you on a range of criteria.

        How many people do you actually know who did not do well in interviews because they are "too humble"? I think what people who are like you describe (i.e. quiet achievers) don't recognise is that to move beyond "entry level positions" requires good people skills. You have to be able to manage people and teams, be able to provide highly complex input, be able to present to senior stakeholders, take a lead role in meetings…etc.

        yeah well my office has a very diverse range of people and often people skills are more important than technical skills. The biggest challenge in interviews for some people is being able to toot your own horn.

        Most people who are stuck in entry level positions either do not recognise this, do not do anything to fix it (i.e.do not learn, study, work to improve), and find it much easier to blame it on their own inherent characteristics (i.e. "I'm just an introvert") than accepting that to move up requires pushing themselves out of their comfort zones.

        Well, yeah, theres not much you can do for people that aren't willing to push themselves. Introverts can do all the additional study and work but if they dont sell themselves at the interview its for nought.

        • p1 ama on 04/02/2023 - 23:45
          +3

          By being a bit over the top you can stand out.

          It's also a double-edged sword though - being "over the top" is a also a good way to rule yourself out.

          I don't know if you've been an interviewer, I have - nothing is worse than someone who is trying too hard to not be themselves. I've always found that the people who do the best in interviews are those who have the right mix of capabilities, expertise, communication skills, confidence…etc., not people playing up an act they are not.

          Interviewers are people - do you like "over the top" people? Most people don't. Take my advice for what it is, but I would never suggest to someone to be something they are not.

          Its absolutely a test, the interviewers will be scoring you on a range of criteria.

          It would be great if you actually quoted the whole sentence rather than just cutting out a soundbite. When I said it is not a test, I meant that it is not a series of questions with "right answers", which is why I go onto say that it is about "them trying to learn about you", i.e. that you should be open and honest and try to put your best foot forwards.

          yeah well my office has a very diverse range of people and often people skills are more important than technical skills. The biggest challenge in interviews for some people is being able to toot your own horn.

          Strongly disagree, people who toot their own horn are usually the ones who come off as the most obnoxious in interviews.

          Again, you're coming at this from a really weird angle - the "all the idiots who can toot their own horn get all the jobs, and the nice hardworking people get nothing". It's the same "nice guys finish last" mantra. As someone who has conducted interviews, know many others who have as well, this trope is just not true.

          Are there idiots who get through? Sure, but the overwhelming number of those who get through are ones who the interviewer is confident can do a good job.

          • Brick Tamland on 05/02/2023 - 09:23

            @p1 ama:

            Again, you're coming at this from a really weird angle - the "all the idiots who can toot their own horn get all the jobs, and the nice hardworking people get nothing". It's the same "nice guys finish last" mantra. As someone who has conducted interviews, know many others who have as well, this trope is just not true.

            I agree, I am approaching it from a weird angle. I'd totally agree with everything you are saying if it wasnt for the circumstances outlined by the OP, that is, they are applying for an entry level Govt position but have concerns about answering questions due to introverted tendencies.

            As I said before, these jobs get literally 1000's of applicants. Shortlisting and interviews are brutal. You have to standout. I've gone into interviews with a my usual calm and relaxed demeanour for years and gotten no where. Recently, I approached it as putting on a show and just went full hectic on it and had success. Normally, no one likes people that toot their own horns but at a job interview it horn tooting time baby. Toot unashamedly. Toot toot, seriously toot it.

            Govt jobs interviews are like a test, not a conversation between two people. The interviewers have set questions, there is no back and forth conversation, it's just you trying to hit on all the key selection criteria so that they can mark you out of 5. You will get feedback from failed interviews and they will literally provide you with a score out of 5. This might vary from Govt departments but since OP is going for an entry level position it's probably a fairly regimented scoring process.

            Are there idiots who get through?

            I guess I am just a bit cynical tired from COVID and need a holiday. I am also sick of mentoring more senior people.

            But, yes maybe my advice is a bit shit (use at your own risk) but it's my own experience from someone that has struggled with interviews and grown pretty cynical. However, like any any advice the recipient can pick and choose what they like.

            If there was one thing I could emphasise is give the interview 110%, prepare thoroughly (like it's a uni exam) and put everything on the table at the interview, being an introvert this is challenging to do but go into it like a performance.

            I wasnt even gonna respond but once I start I can stop as it hits on a pretty personal note of some of my career challenges over the years.

            OP, if you are still reading this, I am sure you will kill it. Good luck! If you dont really gel with some of the stuff I've said then at least prepare for the interview very well, literally spend days preparing and researching the organisation. Also read news articles about the business and if there is an opportunity to ask questions maybe talk about stuff thats been in the media, dont go to controversial though. Like if its Centrelink I wouldnt mention Robodebt.

      • kiitos on 05/02/2023 - 08:21
        +1

        I get both sides of the argument. One thing I'd say is that being too humble can be detrimental if it means the person doesn't highlight genuine achievements they have made.

        Also, I imagine that "over the top bubbly" to an introvert would still be fairly "normal" and so wouldn't be at the obnoxious level.

        • Waffles on 05/02/2023 - 08:27

          Agree. As mentioned below you don't have to toot your own horn but you MUST be clear on what you individually contributed to.

    • cookie2 on 04/02/2023 - 21:22
      +2

      Yup, agree. Gather scenarios that can be adapted as answers to a variety of questions. It'll help if you end up going blank from nervousness. Just practice, read out your examples out loud so they're front of your mind when you go to interview.

  • Thenarrator on 04/02/2023 - 19:59
    +1

    be natural and talk like youre having a conversation. dont use complicated words or oddly structured/formal sentences u find online as its very obvious that its copied.

  • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2023 - 20:33
    +1

    Just imagine them all naked.

    • AussieDaddy on 05/02/2023 - 08:41
      +1

      And the biggest boner of your life. That always works. 🙂

  • whatwasherproblem on 04/02/2023 - 20:59
    +1

    what is going on with all these interview questions like tell me about a time when you….. etc

    They're trying to figure out how you work and think, how you respond to new challenges and sudden problems, and whether you would fit well into their company culture.

    After all, you…

    have been working at a reception desk in one of the govt. department since last 5 years

    … so presumably* you have some interesting stories to tell to showcase your experience/problem-solving and the things you've learned over the years.

    (*If that's actually not true, for some unbelievable reason, then just make stuff up.)

  • sane on 04/02/2023 - 21:01
    +2

    Speaking from the other side of the desk, there are a bunch of rules and formality to government interviews - things you can do, and things you can't. In general there are three people, with the chair giving you an intro and a few easy questions, then moving to the next to ask about three questions, then the next, then back to the chair. You have to dream these up ahead of time, and ask the same questions of everyone.

    The questions are generally set to extract aspects of the job, so when you hear the question, think what aspect they are looking to address. Then answer the underlying aspect, not necessarily the words you heard.

    For government jobs, its generally the ability to follow process, coupled with the self reliance to solve problems when the process doesn't work - to get the job done.

    Look up the grade and the expectations of that level - they aren't really allowed to ask for things beyond that description - though you can look better by demonstrating performance of the next grade up.

    And as far as the introvert/extravert thing - you are selling yourself. Like it or not, this is the time where you humble boast. Best bet is you KNOW they are going to hit you with a 'tell me when you' type question, associated with the role. Prepare an example, what the issue was, how you approached it, how you met the difficulties, and how you exceeded - and take your time over it. They only have so long, so if you take longer over that question, they can't dig deeper on other questions - making it easier.

    Oh, and finally, try and form empathy with the interviewer - building a quick rapport. Makes you seem more human.

    • Waffles on 05/02/2023 - 07:25

      A really important point here. The panel WANT you to succeed. They want great people to hire. It's a formal setting but accommodating a range of personality types is how they find the right person

  • nubzy on 04/02/2023 - 21:27
    +3

    It's all BS. Should just give people a go instead of subjecting them to this rubbish.

    • naruto128 on 04/02/2023 - 21:51
      +2

      Problem is too many people wanting to have a go so they need to cull the applicants.

      • nubzy on 05/02/2023 - 11:05
        +1

        And then they whinge about shortages. This kind of rubbish is a real barrier to employment for many people. There has to be a better way of doing things..

    • Waffles on 05/02/2023 - 07:20

      So rather than ask someone questions for an hour to determine their suitability for a job they might have for 30 years, we just shouldn't even do that?

    • p1 ama on 05/02/2023 - 17:54

      What do you mean by giving people a go? The interview is the "go" - it's the opportunity to demonstrate to your prospective employer why they should hire you.

      I don't particularly like interviews either as an interviewer or an interviewee, but I've not been able to think of any better alternatives. Have you?

  • Waffles on 05/02/2023 - 07:19
    +8

    Some people have already covered this but I'm more than happy to: Ive done a fair few recruitments in government and actually running one right now.

    The questions are designed to verify your experience against the requirements of the role. They are supposed to focus on that.

    E.g. role says 'ability to manage tight deadlines and changing requirements'

    So you might get a question like ' describe a time when you had two urgent tasks and couldn't complete them both in time' to test that.

    Heres some REALLY important tips.. happy to give more detail

    1. Use STAR to respond. Situation, task, action, result. AND DONT FORGET RESULT. I need to know why what you did was good. And you need to tell me. So don't end the scenario at 'i asked my manager for hell's you must add 'this was the only way to get everything done to keep everyone satisfied.

    2. You have to forget the tendency to share success. Too many people say 'our team managed this urgency' and I can't tell what YOU did. Maybe someone else did all the work while you sit back. Be clear on your roles and responsibilities.

    • exceladdict on 05/02/2023 - 11:34

      This, came in to mention STAR. It's a helpful way to remember to cover off an entire scenario.

      1. This was the problem/scenario
      2. This is what needed to be done to fix it
      3. This is what I did to contribute to that
      4. This was the outcome.

      Also, if a question is hard or complex, take a moment to pause. Say "that's a good/interesting question" for filler time while you think. Write it down if needed. And at the end, ask if you've addressed it and if there's anything more you can add.

      Lastly, take some non-trivial questions of your own (written down). It shows interest in the role, organisation, and the interviewers themselves.

      You've made it to the interview, they've seen your cv. You're probably qualified and able to do the work. This is about them knowing whether or not they can work with you.

      • Waffles on 05/02/2023 - 12:08
        +1

        Agree on the questions but that's not even necessary. As you say it's about working with people. The jobs I've disliked had interviews with red flags - weird disengaged interviewers for one.

        Do the interviewers feel that you can communicate clearly and effectively about the work you're able to do?

        Do you feel that the interviewers are sensible and respectful?

  • Bob Svargis on 05/02/2023 - 10:50
    +1

    Humility and honesty. They're the only 2 things to remember. I'm an introvert and have been both interviewer (as a manager in public sector, I interviewed people for at least a dozen roles over 6 years, both for my own people and as a panel member) and interviewee when applying for the role and promotions. Workplaces are not full of extroverts. They're made up of all sorts of people, so don't assume that everyone interviewing you will be very different to you.

    For each role for my own team, I used to interview at least 6 candidates. So that's a lot of interviews. And guess what - they were mostly introverts. So you're not all that unique.

    Just answer the questions with honest and humility, forget the whole introvert vs extrovert thing and focus on the matter at hand. I think you're over thinking it, and this is coming from somone who has been on both sides of the table as an introvert.

  • toomuchcoffee on 05/02/2023 - 11:49

    Good luck for the interview!!

    I'll add - I think interviewing is an art. And you get better at it the more interviews you do (more relaxed and less stressed, more able to spin the BS due to sheer practice).

    So even if you don't completely ace it (though I hope you do &/or get the job!) - it is good practice for the next interview. And there will be another :)

    • Waffles on 05/02/2023 - 12:28

      Ahh another thing: always ask for feedback. Regardless of whether you get the job or not. Ask about what was good, what you should have improved, didn't you answer the questions completely, what were they looking for in a specific question

  • Cave Fire on 05/02/2023 - 12:48
    -1

    Introvert/extrovert paradigm is outdated. Read that "introverts" are just people who lack social skills or experience socialising. So "extroversion" is actually a set of skills that can be taught. Also people actually tend to go to the opposite of their "type" as time goes on.

    Seems like this hasn't filtered through to HR and it is still used to categorise people. I would just practice a lot, good videos on youtube, especially star method and research the company. Good to ask genuine questions after the interview portion.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/02/2023 - 13:19

    The interview process, at least for me, is an opportunity to get an impression of you as a person and how you would potentially fit in with the rest of the team. Just be your natural, authentic self. Do some practice runs with the scenario type of questions today but don't stress too much over it.

  • brad1-8tsi on 05/02/2023 - 17:50

    I'm an introvert and have taught myself to be "extroverted".

    Being an introvert doesn't mean you can't talk to people or do public speaking, etc. It just means you need downtime to recover.

    I'd suggest you do a public speaking course or just "get out there"

  • Camelface on 05/02/2023 - 20:38
    +1

    It's fine to be an introvert but you can always be honest and truthfull. It always wins eventually.

  • Windows98 on 05/02/2023 - 20:57

    The interview is less about the actual answers you give and more about how you give those answers.

    If you've made it to the interview, it means you are qualified for the role they just need to confirm you're a good fit. And that usually means testing your attitude, confidence, quick thinking abilities and personality.

    They won't know if you've rehearsed an answer. But if you come off as dry and uninteresting because you lack emotion or personal connection when answering, then they might pick that up.

    I find if I'm nervous about something, I need to convince myself that I don't care about it and that this is not important to me anymore and I basically don't want the job. That way it becomes less of a concern to me and I tend to be more natural with how I communicate with them.

    • kiwiyonip on 10/02/2023 - 09:13

      "I find if I'm nervous about something, I need to convince myself that I don't care about it and that this is not important to me anymore and I basically don't want the job. That way it becomes less of a concern to me and I tend to be more natural with how I communicate with them."

      This is what I do too, at the end of the day I just tell myself if they want me, they'll hire me, otherwise I can move on and not worry about it, I cannot control what and how they think and decide, I can only do my best, but the technical exams are really frustrating and mind-blowing that's it's so difficult to prepare!

  • freefall101 on 05/02/2023 - 21:01

    Practice it.

    I've interviewed for a few senior level roles in companies and what I did was think through all the questions they could ask and thought back through the work I've done that related. Find those good examples of where you worked under pressure, where you delivered on a time frame, when you had to problem solve alone. Write out your answer then practice it in the mirror a few times. Make sure it's less than 3 minutes (if it's a 30 minute interview, maybe try for
    under 2). You'll see if you're rambling, or it's too short, and you can say it out loud and feel like a (profanity) without doing that in the interview itself.

    For what they could ask you, read the position description and look at what it's asking for, as well as the job ad. If you don't have the PD, ask for it. Think about your career aspirations, they're probably going to ask why someone with two degrees and existing experience is going for an entry level role. If you have a 2-3 minute answer that you've already practiced you're going to do a lot better.

    Read everything about the department you're applying for and think of some real questions to ask them, the kind you can't find the answer via googling. Really spend half an hour to sit down and think through what you want to know, does your super carry between departments, what's the culture, who else will you report through to (dotted lines), why did the last person leave the role, whatever you want to know.

    It's a lot of work, but I nail interviews as a result.

  • 9674784 on 06/02/2023 - 01:04
    -1

    Government interviews are a joke.

    Firstly you need to get past the fact that there's cliques and it'll usually be about who you know, not what you know.

    Secondly, they want you to speak like a robot with the whole Star routine.

    I have interviewed people for (non-govt) roles in previous roles and always preferred people to be honest, obviously showing they put in some pre-interview work but being themselves and showing sincerity and passion rather than memorising a script.

    • Waffles on 06/02/2023 - 08:25

      Sounds like you've had some bad experiences - sounds like nonsense with complaining about STAR. How do you propose that you ensure someone can do something without saying "have you ever done something like this before?" You don't HAVE to do STAR, but think about each point, would 2 or 3 of them be useful without the others?

  • Euphemistic on 21/02/2023 - 08:32

    It’s unfortunate that you need practice to be good at interviews. The more you do, the more comfortable you’ll be at them.

    As above use STAR. Practice it at home.

    Make some notes before you go, refer to them as necessary. Make them dot points for discussion not something you would read out. Make the notes I reference to the job ad/position description. Sometimes it’s just as effective to have the notes with you and you won’t need to refer to them. If you do need to refer, let the panel know this. They should understand that you’re in a difficult situation and referring to some notes.

    The govt interviews I’ve been involved in (both sides) they’ll provide the interview questions a few minutes before and give you the opportunity to make some notes again. Again, Most should understand it’s high pressure and give you a little time to respond.

    Don’t be ashamed to ask them to come back to a question if you need

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