As the title say, if someone is an introvert, how does that influence their chances of getting hired at a job interview?
Do the interviewers consider or a good or bad trait? Or they don't really care about it?
Since there are a lot of stages of being introvert, let's take myself as an example.
I am an introvert myself, but I don't feel nervous around crowds at all, and it never causes any problem to talk to strangers at all if they initiate a conversation, but if not necessary, I don't start talking by myself.
So let's say I'm at a job interview, and obviously questions will be asked, I can easily answer them(as long as I actually know what to say at all), although it wouldn't be hard for them to realize I'm an introvert, since I would definitely not force a conversation.
Although if the topic is something I'm interested in, I can talk a lot.
So being this kind of introvert, would it influence my chances in any way?
Top comments (4)
To answer the general question: It depends on several factors.
The role you are applying to. I found that for junior technical positions, not necessarily limited to software engineering, introverted personality traits are much more widely accepted, even preferred in some cases. There seems to be a somewhat widespread (and at least partially misguided) understanding that being introverted is directly correlated to technical proficiency or the willingness to work long hours. The more senior you become with regards to your position, especially if you are moving towards a leading position in a team, the more willingness to effectively communicate with business partners, customers or superiors is expected. I'm not saying that being an introvert means one is unable to do that.
The person / department conducting the interview. Especially in bigger companies, with a dedicated HR-department doing the first round of interviews, being an introvert can influence your interview in a negative way. From my limited experience in a position where I was only able to look at candidates that have been pre-selected by HR, the process was focused on applicants hitting certain keywords (be it certain phrases that were used or even very specific technologies that were talked about), not on applicants being a good fit for the position. If the interview is done by the (fictional) team-lead of the (fictional) team you are (fictionally) applying to, chances are that he / she is able to correctly assess the situation.
Your definition of introverted. If you are someone who prefers solitude, but has no trouble socializing or functioning socially when business requires it, that won't ever really be a problem. If you are unable to deal with an interview situation, which can admittedly be quite stressful, and resort to short answers and show an inability to follow expected social norms, that might negatively influence your interview outcome.
To answer your more specific question: Judging from the way you are describing it, you're going to be perfectly fine.
Not everyone is impressed just because someone is extroverted, and coming across as calm, measured and thoughtful should be a good thing for a developer.
It's not "better" to be extroverted. Be confident in who you are and your skills. You're looking for a job as a developer, not as a TV motivational speaker!
If you're really concerned, prepare some small talk, comment on how nice the offices(*) are etc. Just have a few options lined up already. This is definitely a skill you can learn and improve, even if you are a natural introvert.
(* but only if they are nice!)
If you are asked open ended questions and answer with a single word or sentence that will make it harder for the interviewers to get an accurate picture of you, so that could hurt your chances of getting hired. Also, if you don't have any questions for the interviewers, it may convey that you are not very interested or that you don't look below the surface, which isn't a great trait for someone who is supposed to spend the day solving problems.
I'm an introvert myself and I'd say as long as you answer in detail and show that you want to learn more about the company, you should be fine.
Other comments have covered much ground. I just want to point out that it is the interviewer's job to see past your introversion and figure out if they should hire you.
So, relax; just be yourself, they've got you covered.