Where can I go for help with this?

[AgentProvocateur]

I work for a relatively large organisations, but I am the only person in my team (so, it's not really a team!) and I don't share an office wth anyone.

It's mostly a writing-type job, so it's just me and the PC, and some days I don't talk to anyone.

I've been doing it for five years now, and I'm slowly losing the will to live.

I have had a couple of interviews for jobs that are more related to previous jobs I have had, but I didn't get either job.

The feedback from both interviews was that I didn't talk about myself enough. I feel like it's a viscious circle - I don't talk at work, and when I get home I don't talk about work, and I'm becomin more and more introverted.

I've asked a couple of friends, and they were honest and told me that I am less chatty and outgoing than I used to be.

Now, I need to remedy this before I have another interview. I'm prepared to pay for professional help, but I don't really know what help I need or where to get it from.

I have no self-confidence issues other than at work - I am happy with my family and I have lots of good friends - I just need to know how to talk about myself more.

Rather than spending money on possibly expensive professional help, could you just try doing something like joining a local book group or getting involved with a voluntary organisation? You may not be talking about yourself exactly but you will be touching on your beliefs, experiences etc when, e.g., discussing the book. If you need something more professional, what about joining a group like Toastmasters?

Thank you for replying. I've just re-read my post and noticed all the typos - hardly a good advert for myself!

The thing is, I am in a book group. In fact, I started it many years ago, and it's flourishing. I also do voluntary work. I help at an ESOL class and with scouts. I also deliver training at work, so I'm OK-ish presenting to a group on a professional level.

I guess it's the questions like, "What makes you right for this job?" and "Tell us about yourself," that I struggle with. I'm not very self-promoting. I'm more of a listener than a talker, and I don't find it natural to sit and talk about how good I am!

Bumoing for more advice from annh or anyone else.

It looks like you've actually worked out where you're going wrong. You know the questions that will be asked (Why do think you're right for the job? etc) so rehearse the answers before interview and practice on somebody else before you go. You can always log on here under another name and practice boasting!