Painfully Shy.. =(

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Dreamcatcher — Sun, 24 May 2009 13:31:57 GMT

Well done on getting the interview!

I'd agree with the above points- everyone's nervous in interviews, especially if you haven't had many before. Best thing to do is smile! Act interested in everything they tell you. (Even when they're telling you about all the cleaning jobs you'll be expected to do. )

Bachs rescue remedy is quite good for taking the edge off the 'butterflies in tummy' feeling.

Also, if like me you're hands can't keep still when you're nervous, keep them hidden under the table if there is one.

If the liked your CV then that shows they're seriously considering you, so try and feel confident knowing that you have the skills they're looking for.

Good luck - I know this job is really important but remember if you don't get it, other jobs will come up and at least you can put your interview down to experience... as my mum says, if it's meant to be, it will be! :D

xxx

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Angiy Michael — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:06:31 GMT

Oooooo well done !

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Dippy — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:43:06 GMT

And ask open questions ie ones where they can't just say yes or no, so that it gets them talking to you - you'll probably find then that will lead onto the next talking point! Well done on getting the interview and keep us posted.

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

jo. h. arter — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:30:26 GMT

Hurrah! Well done.

Getting the interview is the hardest part - your CV shows you have the right skill set so now you just have to let them know you are a nice person who is not insane. easy!

I interviewed nurses for our practice for 6 years, the ones who stuck out were the ones who asked me questions like 'How do you like working here? How long have the other nurses been here? What do the clients say about this practice?' It shows you value a good work place and team, you are looking long term and are not just interested in money etc (Which if you are training to be a VN -you are clearly not!)

Also, I agree with the others, a smile and good body language goes a looooong way! It relaxes the interviewer which inturn relaxes you.

Don't forget you are also interviewing the practice - Do you like them? is just as important as if they like you.

Good Luck :)

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Shelley French — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:46:25 GMT

I HAVE GOT AN INTERVIEW! June 9th, so I have plenty of time to prepare what I need to say! SHE RANG ME JUST AFTER I POSTED THE ABOVE MESSAGE! AM SO NERVOUS/EXCITED EEEEEEEK! XD xxxxxxxxx

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Mac Feather — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:44:56 GMT

A fellow forumette once gave me advice- ask your colleagues about themselves, what their hobbies are, what pets they have etc.

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Shelley French — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:23:44 GMT

Thankyou so much everyone, it really all means a lot and I will bare everything in mind! Everyone is so nice here =)
I do try and be chatty and smile a lot but it's often taken as me being slightly aloof.. I'll try my best though and will let you all know if I get the interview and how it went! If I can get to a trial day then I pretty much know I've got it. In my last job I was so shy around collegues for months, I'm usually fine around customers for some reason - I don't know why I'm more shy of the collegues lol!!.. but I settled in with them fine after a while and when I had to move from London because I could no longer afford it I was begged to stay, my boss offered me a rise and to pay some of my travel even (it just wasn't practical for me to stay though), which I should just keep thinking about! Obviously I was good enough for them to want me to stay so much! I need to stay focused on positive things such as that. =)

What sort of questions do I ask when it comes to me asking questions about the place? (I find it difficult as I usually look up the practice I've applied for and look around their website so never have much to ask after!!)

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Angiy Michael — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:28:54 GMT

Good tips Dippy

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Dippy — Thu, 21 May 2009 06:02:00 GMT

PS Being well prepared also helps to fill those awkward gaps. Think of some questions you'd like to ask them in advance and also some "fillers" in case you are left waiting in reception - most places I've worked have quizzed the nurse or receptionist afterwards as to whether the candidate was chatty if it was just the two of them whilst you are waiting to go in. Just polite conversation like how long they've worked there, things about the practice etc (but obviously not if you can see they are running around mad busy!) There are also some very good interview books around which will give you tips on technique and mannerisms, not just answers to interview questions, or maybe a book on assertiveness/relaxation techniques?

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Dippy — Thu, 21 May 2009 05:58:35 GMT

Good luck and I reallly hope you get an interview.

I was painfully shy as a child which people who know me now but didn't back then find really hard to believe. I had few friends through school as was scared of my own shadow so I know how it can feel too.

I would agree with Gillian. Practise your eye contact and try to remember to smile - those two things make a massive difference in order that shyness doesn't get misinterpreted as being aloof or stuck up (something which I used to get accused of!) I can still get extremely nervous and tie myself up in knots inside over certain situations but have learned to put on a good front so in time and with practise, it can be overcome!

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Angiy Michael — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:00:56 GMT

Hi,

I hope you get an interview and will keep my fingers crossed for you . I do have to say that Gill does raise a fair and truthful point though and it as my concern on reading your post. There is a misperception that veterinary nursing is all about the animal care aspect but the clients are an absolutely essential part and nurses with good communication skills are absolutely vital. It is great to have candidates that care about animal welfare and are practically competent but the client side of thing is an equally HUGE part of the job, usually more than people anticipate and it is is vital students can deal confidently and clearly with clients to help educate and inform them about their pets . I would have qualms about employing a potential student if I thought they would not be able to communicate in a confident way to clients ( or learn to) as professionalism and confidence inspire trust in the information that is being conveyed. I am not trying to deliberately put you off , just let you know how much dealing with people is a fundamental part of the job that often candidates are not aware of before they start. I am sure if you are determined enough you can overcome any difficulties with appropriate techniques and help to be able to do the job well. Fingers crossed for you

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Gillian Mostyn — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:28:08 GMT

[quote user="ruby"]Any potential employer should be able to see beyond the shyness and see the person that you are.[/quote]

I know what you mean - but you need to be able to talk confidently to clients - if you can't maintain eye contact then you look like you're hiding something. Therefore your potential employer needs to think you have the confidence to deal with strangers on a daily basis and deal confidently with them.

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Tracey Ison — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:57:19 GMT

Dont worry!

I know what it's like to be really shy and how you can tie yourself up in knots trying to overcome it !

I suffer from terrible shyness in front of people i am not familiar with .To help myself during interviews i just concentrate on the very points that you have made ie my level of commitment to the job how caring a person i am because i know that this is the "real me" .I would also be honest and up front , shyness is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.

The confidence in yourself is there , as you say, you feel able to do the job because of the skills that you have so you do have faith in yourself and others should see that.

Shyness should never be considered as a fault, i dont knowof many people who are not really nervous about interviews , even those who come across as very confident are probably a bag of nerves inside.

Any potential employer should be able to see beyond the shyness and see the person that you are.

All this from a very,very shy VN who has never let this hold her back!

Good luck

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

loobylou — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:20:04 GMT

Dont worry too much about it, hopefully the person interviewing you will be able to see past the shyness.
Our first year svn was so nervous at her interview that we thought she was gonna pass out! We got her in one day to work for a few hours and she was so different, we employed her.
I know its hard not to, but try not to make it into a huge deal. Explain how nervous you are but to be honest I would be surprised if potential trainees I interview weren't a little nervous

Good luck, fingers crossed.

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Kay Eminson — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:15:33 GMT

Usually in an interview they ask what are your strengths and weaknesses. Being open to them and honest is probly the best way, explain you can be shy but once you are setteled and familiar with the environment and situations you would become comfortable and therefore more confident. I've only just qualified but I can remember when I first started I used to get nervous and could not get my words out but once you have done it a few times it becomes so much easier, and there will always be new situations to cope with but usually your team are supportive and will guide and help you along the way

Re: Painfully Shy.. =(

Mac Feather — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:03:05 GMT

I can empathise with being shy,being nervous etc and the problems it can bring.

I think any potential employer will understand nerves because the majority of people are nervous at interview.

I would employ someone that is polite,hard working and caring and shy because I reckon with a little time you will grow in confidence and overcome your shyness.

Good on you for seeking help, maybe a life coach or a counsellor might give you strategies to grow your confidence.

Let us know how you get on.