Extra Credit -- What Color is Your Parachute? -- Are you shy and looking for a new career?

Being shy can often be seen as endearing, awkward, or mysterious, however shyness can be disadvantageous during the interview process. There is nothing wrong with being shy--I am quite shy myself, and I am a salesman. I have learned to navigate my shyness in order to excel at my career. Learning to navigate your shyness is essential for the interview process because you must show the interviewers the value you offer their company. Without speaking up, interviewers will never know who you are.

Here are a few ways to breakthrough your shyness during the interview process.

1. Accept who you are. No matter how hard you try, you will more than likely always be shy. It's perfectly fine to have an understated style. Explain this to the interviewer by stating something like, "I tend to have an understated style, so I provide clear feedback and encourage everyone to ask questions." Additionally, you could mention that you make a point of listening so everyone feels heard.

2. Fake it until you make it. Nothing wrong with a bit of showmanship. Learning to traverse uncomfortable settings is something everyone must learn. So, putting on a fake smile or engaging when you would normally listen are two ways to fake it.

3. Rehearse. Along the same lines as fake it until you make it, rehearsing can be a powerful tool for building confidence in your approach. Practice in a mirror. Schedule a phone call or zoom call with a friend and have them pretend to be the interviewer. Go to multiple interviews. Nothing wrong with practice.

4. Focus on your successes and strengths. You may be shy, but there is more to you than that. Find your strengths and speak on them. Make your successes known--brag. Usually, during the interview process you only have one chance, so take it.

5. Play to your strengths. If you are better on Zoom, schedule the interview that way. Make a conscious effort to make the interview process smoother.

Although you will never overcome all of your shyness, you can use the above ways to curb a bit of your shyness. Best of luck with your journey and I hope these methods help you gain a new career!