Interview Tips for INFJs Needing a Confidence Boost

For INFJs, stepping into an interview can feel like venturing into enemy territory. You have a tendency to reflect deeply, and that can sometimes lead to overthinking or imposter syndrome, especially in the spotlight of an interview. And that's not all that's going on. How often have you felt any of these looming fears before an interview?

• Discomfort with the idea of promoting yourself.
• Anxiety about the high-pressure of rapid back-and-forth questions.
• Worry that you'll be too vague in your answers or that you'll ramble on with irrelevant details.
• Difficulty in navigating small talk and making a good first impression.
• Fear of not living up to your own expectations or those of the interviewer.

If you can relate to any of these fears, know that you're not alone. In fact, many INFJs struggle with interviews because they feel like it goes against their natural tendencies and values. But fear not! With a little preparation and a confidence boost, you can make a lasting, positive impression. Here are a few tips to help you nail that interview.

Pre-Interview Preparation for INFJs

Preparation is your ally. It's not just about rehearsing answers; it's about aligning your inner world with the demands of the outer world. In other words, it's about preparing some answers and talking points that allow you to express yourself authentically.

Start with self-care: ensure you're well-rested, nourished and have had time to decompress. Cultivate a mindset of self-compassion and remember that interviews are a two-way street. Research the company and role thoroughly, paying special attention to values and culture to see how they resonate with your own.

Organize your thoughts by writing down potential questions and your responses, focusing on situations where your unique strengths shone through.

During the Interview: Strategies for INFJs to Shine

1. Demonstrate teamwork through empathy

When discussing teamwork, illustrate how your empathy has been instrumental in resolving conflicts. For instance, share a story about a time when you noticed a colleague was struggling with a personal issue that was affecting their work. Explain how you approached the situation with sensitivity, facilitated an open dialogue and helped find a solution that benefited both the individual and the team. Employers value individuals who can balance their own needs with the needs of others and maintain cohesion in a team.

2. Highlight your creativity and insight

Describe a creative project where your unique insight led to a significant breakthrough. Perhaps you were working on a marketing campaign and your understanding of the target demographic's emotional drivers led to a highly successful strategy. Detail the process of how you gathered insights, brainstormed ideas, and the impact your creative solution had on the project's success. This narrative will demonstrate your creativity and ability to translate empathy into actionable results.

3. Show how you solved a complex problem

Discuss a complex problem that you solved by thinking outside the box. For example, if you were faced with a logistical issue that was causing delays in service delivery, explain how you analyzed the situation from different perspectives and devised an innovative process that improved efficiency. Highlight the steps you took to implement the solution and the positive outcomes that resulted, emphasizing your strategic and creative thinking skills.

4. Mention your strategic planning contributions

Maybe you were part of a project that was floundering due to lack of direction, and you stepped in to develop a comprehensive plan. Outline how you set goals, identified resources and created timelines, as well as how your plan was executed and the success it achieved. INFJs possess a natural ability to see the big picture and identify potential pitfalls, so make sure you highlight that.

5. Showcase your nurturing side

Share a personal anecdote about how you've supported colleagues in past roles, which highlights your nurturing side. Perhaps you mentored a new employee, helping them to acclimate and develop their skills, which in turn increased their productivity and job satisfaction. Discuss the strategies you used to support their growth and the mutual benefits that ensued. This story will illustrate your supportive nature and the value you bring to team dynamics.

Post-Interview Reflection for INFJs

Reflection is a natural part of the INFJ's process. After the interview, take time to consider what went well and what could be improved. Focus on the positives and view any missteps as learning opportunities. Keeping a journal or notes on your interview experiences can help track your progress and personal growth, turning each interview into a stepping stone towards mastery.

Final words

The unique skill set and perspective of INFJs are invaluable assets in any workplace. Continue to hone your interview skills, embracing your personality type's strengths. Remember, confidence is a journey, and with each interview, you're growing stronger. 

For further self-discovery and career guidance, consider taking Truity's career personality profiler test and the TypeFinder test. They can help you identify your strengths and guide you towards fulfilling career paths. Here's to your next confident interview!