How to deal with large dinners and recruiting

VulgarUnicorn
Sat, 13 Jul 2013 21:24:20 +0000

I had a pre-interview dinner a while back, that consisted of a partner, a senior manager, two recruiters as well as the five of us who were being considered for a position.

I am not a shy person by any means. I met my previous GF by seeing her in the mall and walking up to her and hitting on her. I’m perfectly capable of making conversation 1-1 or 2-1. However, get me in a group of 4 people and for some reason, I start talking a lot less. Make it 5 people counting me and I just about stop talking at all. I honestly can’t figure out why. I have no issue speaking up in class. I was in my highschool debate team and have delivered several public speeches. I don’t get nervous or uneasy speaking in front of many people.

I realized I wasn’t talking enough during the dinner, but I just don’t seem to… I don’t know. I just don’t know why but I seem to listen so much that I don’t think to talk or something? It’s probably obvious, but I didn’t make it to the next round after dinner. I had made no impression whatsoever. It wasn’t because I was shy, or nervous. I always do this in large groups. Including family or friends.

What do you suppose causes it and how do I fix it? I have another such dinner that will be happening here in about a week. Without change, it will probably end in a very similar manner. I know there may be no quick fix, but I would like to address this at some point. I mean is this something that can be categorized and maybe has… something like a toastmasters program to address it or something?