It’s rare for a person with social anxiety—or any kind of anxiety about speaking in a social setting—to feel equally uncomfortable or panicked in every social setting. Maybe you’re more comfortable in rooms that you’re already familiar with, or when you’re with a certain friend or family member. Pay attention to which social situations trigger you and which don’t, and try to gain social confidence from those settings in which you’re already comfortable. These could include:   Talking in a room or building that you’re already familiar with. Talking in social settings when you’re with a friend or family member. Talking with people about a topic on which you’re already knowledgeable. In any social setting, it’s important to be an engaged listener and to pay close attention to the people you’re sharing a conversation with. This will help you feel more comfortable when you do decide to talk; if you focus on the person who is speaking and engage with them mentally and emotionally, you will feel less anxiety when you have an opportunity to speak in the conversation. When you are conversing or speaking in a social setting, speak to people with direct engagement. It’s best not to come across as aggressive or pushy, but you should come across as being open and honest. That said, even people who are comfortable in social settings sometimes feel anxious or stressed; these feelings will often be worse for individuals with social anxiety. To avoid stress in a social conversation:   Take a few deep breaths. Step outside of the room; take a few minutes to calm down. Use humor to diffuse a potentially stressful situation. At some point, you’ll have learned enough from listening to others speak and from talking socially in safe, comfortable environments, that you will start feeling more comfortable in general social settings. Approach all social conversations with a focus on listening to the people around you, and when you speak, do so—at least initially—with an emphasis on finding common ground, sharing your emotions with the other members of the conversation, and confidently contributing your own thoughts and opinions.

Summary: Learn which social situations you feel comfortable in, and which you feel uncomfortable. Listen more than you talk. Speak confidently, calmly, and don’t let stress overwhelm you. Engage in more social conversations using empathy and listening skills.


Listening is a trait that is often forgotten about in today's society. Instead of responding to a text, opening an email, or thinking about your next meal, pay attention to what the other person is saying. Show them you're listening and interested by commenting on the story or asking questions. No one likes to be duped. Tell people the truth. If you can't commit to something, it's better to be honest about it than to have to tell them last minute that you can't make it. When people ask for your opinion, you should be honest. There is a difference between honest and rude opinions. For instance, if you don't like your friend's shirt and they ask you about it, respond with, “I really like you in blue instead,” rather than, “I hate it, it's ugly.” ” How you say things is arguably more important than what you say. If you try to give someone a genuine compliment, but they think you say it with a sarcastic undertone, your compliment won't mean a thing. Be aware of the way you speak. If you notice that people often take things you say the wrong way, there's a good chance you can change how you speak. Ask your friends to make you aware of the way you're coming across. Get a bunch of people together for a fun get together. It can be as simple as a gathering at the park, or as extravagant as an elegant dinner party. Either way, it shows them that you care and want to spread friendship.

Summary: Listen to others. Speak sincerely. Know “how” vs “what. Help others communicate.


Be sure to use a professional style and font when formatting your document.  It's easiest to use the pre-formatted resume templates that come with all modern word-processing software. This will allow you to simply input the information and not worry about menial and frustrating formatting issues. Remember, however, that these templates may need to be customized to suit the job you are applying to. A resume should list all your relevant experience. It's important to think creatively about what experiences could be considered relevant, but you should also use caution when listing experience that could be deemed irrelevant. It has to be a happy medium. For more information on writing a great resume see: How to Make a Resume. Cover letters should accomplish several things, distinguishing you from other applicants and illustrating your personal value as a future employee. Use professional and formal language, as well as form, when composing your cover letter.  Start your letter with a formal greeting. The job listing may tell you who to address applications to. If not, feel free to address your letter to "whom it may concern" or to the company or job search committee in general. Start the body of your letter with an engaging line that tells the reader who you are, what you are applying for, and why you should get the job. The beginning of the letter should help you stand out from the crowd but not rely on humor or cheap tricks. Conclude your letter by restating your interest in the job and why you think you would be a perfect fit. It may be tempting to reuse letters, especially when you are applying for a bunch of jobs, but be sure to individualize every cover letter you submit to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you are looking for a managerial position, you want to tailor your resume for jobs of that nature. However, if you are also seeking a position that is not in management but in the same field, highlight your experience within that role as opposed to your managerial skills. all of your application materials. Read over your cover letter and resume for mistakes or outdated parts. It is a good idea to get someone else to edit them as well. A fresh set of eyes may catch a mistake that was staring you right in the face.
Summary: Create your resume. Write a professional cover letter. Edit