Introverts (or, sometimes, “intraverts”) are people who prefer solitude over crowds, according to Wikipedia. On the other hand, extroverts (or, sometimes, “extraverts”) enjoy crowds and gain energy from interacting with other people.
For many introverts, engaging in the social interaction of a job search is too aggressive and uncomfortable, particularly when an opportunity to earn a living is in the balance, adding to the importance – and the stress – implicit in the “social” exchanges.
However, it is very difficult to be successful in a job search without engaging in in these social activities. Specifically, introverts typically find the networking and interviewing situations uncomfortable. However, strategies can help introverts manage and succeed at those social interactions so important to job hunting.
So, through the articles in this section, Job-Hunt will help introverted people manage their job search in ways that are comfortable for them. These methods are also often helpful for shy people, as well, but they specifically address the issues of introverts.
The Job Search Process for Introverts:
- Introverts’ Path to Job Search Success
The path to job search success used by an introvert who leveraged her introvert strengths to land a new job. - Introverts’ Job Search Advantages
There are advantages to being shy or introverted that you can capitalize on as you approach your search. - Managing the Message About Your Value
How introverted job seekers can define and manage the message about the value they bring to an employer, like a candidate running for office. - Careers for Introverts
5 sources for exploring the best careers for introverts. - Introverts as Leaders
A study reported in a recent Harvard Business School newsletter revealed that introverts can be just as effective as extroverts in leadership roles on the job – and in some situations, even more so. - Proud to Be an Introvert
Both introvert and extrovert personalities bring strengths and challenges to the job search process (the grass isn’t greener for extroverts). If you are an introvert, capitalize on your strengths, and be proud of the introvert qualities you have. - Finding a Job That Fits
Take advantage of the transition period between jobs to find a new opportunity that feels right, that really fits. - The 4 P’s of Job Search Success
Using the 4 P’s Process can help you capitalize on your strengths while building those “muscles” that are less well developed. As you continue to master those skills, your confidence will grow, along with your effectiveness. - 10 Steps to a Successful Introverts’ Job Search
Author and career expert Wendy Gelberg offers 10 steps to a successful job search for introverts. - Introverts’ Guide to Recruiters and Staffing Firms
If you’re an introvert, probably nothing would please you more than having someone else promote you in the job search process. Recruiters and staffing companies can serve that purpose, connecting you with jobs that you qualify for and presenting you to employers. - Introverts’ Job Search Quiz
A 10 question true/false job search quiz for introverted job hunters to judge their job hunting techniques. - Job Search in a Tight Economy
Part of the challenge for introverts is stepping into the spotlight and becoming more visible in the face of increased competition in a tight economy. Here are seven tips for conducting a more effective search. - Lessons from Presidential Campaigns
Like a candidate for office, job seekers must be able to explain why they want the job they’re applying for. And the answer must include why it’s in the best interest of the company to hire them, rather than why the job suits them. More… - Highlighting Introvert Diversity Value
A workforce that includes a mix of extrovert and introvert types balances the strengths and weaknesses of both groups offers another benefit of “diversity.” - New Year’s Job Hunt Resolutions
Here are some examples of possible New Year’s Job Hunt Resolutions to help introverts have a successful job search in the New Year (or any time).
Introverts’ Job Interviewing Tips:
- Alternatives to Self-Promotion
“What are you supposed to do when you don’t want to sound like you think you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread?”Here are three answers to that question. - Informational Interviewing for Introverts
Wendy Gelberg suggests how introverts can overcome the shyness factor to use informational interviews successfully for their job search. - Express Enthusiasm in Job Interviews
Introverts tend not to be as demonstrative and expressive as our extroverted counterparts. The result can be the appearance of indifference or disinterest, when sometimes the exact opposite is true. Here’s how to show your interest to employers. - Beating Introvert Interview Fears
Most people find interviews stressful, but if you’re an introvert, interviewing poses special challenges. Let’s look at some of the most common fears and how to address them to help you master the interview.
Job Networking for Introverts:
- The Real Goal of Networking
The reason career experts associate networking with getting a job is that people hire and do business with people they know and trust. Thus, expanding your networking contacts and deepening your relationships puts you in a position to become known and trusted by more people. But, networking is about more than finding a job. - Connecting with Your Network
Wendy Gelberg describes how introverted job seekers can find and connect with their network to help their job search. - 5 Tips for Introverts to Keep Your Network Alive
Following these 5 strategies can help you manage the informational interview process while taking into account your introverted personality. - Introverts’ Guide to Large Networking Events
Large networking events can provide a valuable networking opportunity if you know how to take advantage of them. Here are some pointers to help you successfully navigate these events. - Face Your Fears
As a job seeker, you are called upon to engage in many activities that are outside your comfort zone (such as networking). If you push through the fear, you’ll find the activities become easier and both your confidence and your success will grow. - The Art of Listening
Many introverts say that speaking is the area that they don’t excel at, and they lack confidence in. But that’s only one side of the conversational skill set. The other is the art of listening. - Pace Yourself
Highly social activities are typically draining for introverts, and much of the job search process involves social activities. What can an introvert do? Pace yourself! - How to Meet New People
Meeting new people can be a challenge for introverts. Searching for a job involves meeting new people. A few simple strategies can make the process a little easier. - Successful Follow-Up
Wendy Gelberg offers a 3-step process for staying in touch with the people you meet, part of successful job networking for introverts. - Preparation Paves the Way to Networking Success
How can introverts turn their preference for thinking into an advantage in networking? By allowing ourselves the time to anticipate the networking encounter or event and plan for it. Here are three simple steps that can reduce the discomfort and increase the effectiveness of your networking activities. - Social Networking for Introverts
Social networking sites have firmly planted themselves in the job search landscape, you can use these tools to become known and trusted by significantly more people. Best of all, if you’re an introvert, you can do so while capitalizing on your introverted strengths. - Holiday Networking for Introverts
While you’re mingling with others at holiday gatherings, you have an excellent opportunity to network and keep your job search moving forward. Here are some fundamentals of networking to help you navigate the process in a way that is less taxing.
Additional Resources:
About the author…
Online job search expert Susan P. Joyce has been observing the online job search world and teaching online job search skills since 1995. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a recent Visiting Scholar at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Susan is a two-time layoff “graduate” who has worked in human resources at Harvard University and in a compensation consulting firm. Since 1998, Susan has been editor and publisher of Job-Hunt.org. Follow Susan on Twitter at @jobhuntorg and on Facebook, LinkedIn.
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