Job interviews: they’re kind of like root canals but less fun. True, some personality types might actually get a kick out of job interviews. But if you’re a Mediator (INFP), chances are you’d rather give yourself a root canal than spend an hour talking about yourself in an effort to impress someone into hiring you.
Mediators tend to be sensitive and reserved, hesitant to put themselves in the spotlight or brag about their accomplishments. But if this is your personality type, fear not: you can still shine in job interviews – all while staying true to yourself. Here’s how.
Harness Your Strengths
People with this personality type are often on the quiet, unassuming side, but they can still make a strong impression. In a world of big egos and shameless self-promotion, Mediators’ passionate nature and heartfelt desire to help others can be a breath of fresh air. Their empathy, listening skills, and insight into human nature are also major assets, allowing them to read between the lines of what their interviewer is saying.
What to Do
Ask your interviewer what they’re hoping to find in an employee and what problems they’d like the new hire to solve. Use this information – and your creativity – to steer the conversation toward how you could be of help if you were hired for the position.
What Not to Do
Don’t try to play it cool. If this is your dream job, there’s no need to hide your enthusiasm or how much you care. Your passion – and your willingness to share it – is an asset, not a liability.
Wondering which career fields might be a match for your personality? Take our Job Preferences test to find out.
Work With Your Weaknesses
Have we mentioned that Mediator personalities really, really struggle to talk themselves up? That can be a problem in job interviews, to put it mildly. Potential employers expect you to take the lead in discussing your past accomplishments as well as the talents and expertise that you would bring to the position.
You might think that your résumé speaks for itself, but alas, there’s no guarantee that your interviewer has even read it all that carefully. As a Mediator, you know the value of humility – but if you avoid saying anything good about yourself, you risk hindering your chances of getting the job.
What to Do
Recognize that your perceptions are different from most people’s. What sounds to you like bragging or self-aggrandizement might sound downright modest to someone else. Remember: you need to highlight your achievements and strengths during a job interview.
What Not to Do
Don’t back out of the interview because you’re not sure that you deserve the job. Mediators hold themselves to high standards, and they can be needlessly hard on themselves. It’s up to your interviewer to decide if they’re going to offer you the job, so don’t talk yourself out of going through with the interview before you’ve even given yourself a chance.
Prepare Wisely
As a Mediator, you might get nervous when you’re put on the spot, and that’s okay! Try to reframe any nervousness that you feel as a sign that you care – fortunately, pursuing what you care about is one of the keys to living a happy, fulfilling life as a Mediator personality. You can also harness your nervousness as motivation to prepare wisely for your interview.
What to Do
Ask a friend or family member to help you write up a list of your relevant strengths and accomplishments. For each item on the list, think of a time when you used that strength or accomplishment to help someone else. You may find it easier and more natural to tell these stories than to talk about your positive traits in the abstract.
What Not to Do
Don’t stay up late the night before the interview trying to prepare for every last question that your interviewer might ask. Even with your vivid Mediator imagination, you won’t be able to anticipate everything – so try not to agonize over what might or might not happen during your interview.
Conclusions
Good news: as a Mediator, you don’t have to dread job interviews. Try to remember that this is just a conversation – an opportunity to connect with another person, share your passions, think up ways to help, and discuss topics that matter.
So, Mediators, what do you find challenging about job interviews – and what tips do you have for other job seekers with your personality type? Tell us in the comments below!
Further Reading
- How Your Personality Type Can Help You Get Hired
- Unlikely Leaders: Mediators (INFPs) at the Visionary Helm
- Stress Relief for Mediators (INFPs)
- Energy Bursts: An Introvert Success Tactic in a Time of Zoom
- Have you tried our Career Tools & Assessments? They can help you navigate the working world.