system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
How to move on

I have been looking for a PhD for over a year now (and sent a bunch of applications). A while ago I applied to a position that seemed perfect. I had lots of experience with many of the required techniques, in depth knowledge of the subject, and I did an internship that was very closely related to this position. I was invited to a first and second interview. In the end I got rejected. 

All in all I am disappointed, but i get that they had to make a choice (between me and 2 other candidates) However, the reason is what keeps bugging me. You see, I am quite introvert (especially in the beginning). During the interview I was asked to give a presentation and my nervousness was very noticeable. 

This is also what they told me in the rejection letter. They doubted my social capabilities and if I was able to interact with the colleagues on the different departments I will be working with. They did tell me that my lab and writing skills were very good and I should not let this prevent me from looking for a PhD.

I have a hard time moving on from this and I am feeling extremely demotivated. I feel like almost all employers can't look past this shyness as this has also been a problem in the past. Also, this is simply my personality. It has been a problem all my life and not something I can just change overnight. 

This position felt perfect for me and if I have not found anything I like this much in over a year. I also feel that everybody is going to reject me over this in the end and a PhD is just not a option for me. How do I continue?
gpt
Unfortunately, science communication including presentations infront of an unfamiliar audience, is an important skill for a researcher. If they have two candidates, each with a strong writing and research background, they are going to choose the better presenter every time. 

The good news is, presenting well is a skill and not a personality trait. Even when you do get admitted to a program, this is going to be something you will need to work on, so you might as well start now. A therapist who specializes in social anxiety might be a good step to help you find some coping skills and to describe some good opportunities where you can practice facing your fear in a lower stakes environment. No program should expect you to undergo a completely personality shift, but they will absolutely expect you to be able to perform every crucial part of the "job", and that includes oral presentations of your work.