The rise of social networking sites like LinkedIn have made things a lot easier for shy job seekers. Speaking as someone who has had troubles with shyness, the hardest thing for us is actually expressing our thoughts in words to people we haven't met before. Online networking makes this a little easier as you have all the time in the world to figure out what you want to say.
Social networking is a real boost for introverts, but not everything can be done online. You will eventually want to call or even meet your networking contacts. It's also unwise to solely rely on the Internet for all of your job search activities. Large career fairs can be overwhelming, so try arranging individual meetings instead. I have always found that it was easier to compose myself in a one-on-one setting rather than a big event.
I was able to get hired by constant practice. I did a lot of mock interviews with people I knew, and leaned on the strength of my experience to help my case. Many people have the mistaken belief that shy people are aloof and unfriendly. If you are able to convince them that's not the case, you will have a lot easier time getting hired.
Have you successfully dealt with shyness as a job seeker? Let us know your strategies for overcoming anxiety in the comments section below.
