A colleague, himself a self-described introvert, asked me to list my top ten tips for introverts to compare with his own. Here’s the list.
1. Be visible. Use social networking and conventional networking opportunities to ensure that you’re on the radar screen of those who can help or hire you.
2. Use your preference for deep relationships to listen to others and position yourself as a resource, to make networking less uncomfortable and sometimes even enjoyable.
3. Practice your answers to interview questions. By scripting out what you want to say and reviewing your success stories, you’ll find it easier to “think on your feet.”
4. To stand out from other candidates and uncover hidden jobs, use your preference for in-depth knowledge to develop a list of target companies and thoroughly research them.
5. Develop your self-promotional skills so that you can explain – on paper and in person – the value you can bring to your next employer.
6. Balance the solitary job search activities that you will be naturally drawn to with more social activities, since the latter are statistically more likely to result in jobs.
7. Schedule recovery time and breaks to recharge your batteries when you are involved in the highly social aspects of the job search process.
8. Prepare – for networking events by researching the people you will encounter, to facilitate easier conversations; – for interviews by researching the people, the company, the industry, and the competition.
9. Apply your listening skills during an interview to probe for information about the employer so you can evaluate whether the job is a good fit for you.
10. Keep your eyes on the prize – make conscious choices that bring you closer to your goal, even if some of the necessary activities make you uncomfortable.
For another view on all this, check Marty Nemko’s blog on the topic.
About the author…
Wendy Gelberg is a Career Navigator at JVS CareerSolution in Boston and author of The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career. She is a certified career coach and resume writer whose expertise is in helping people who are uncomfortable “tooting their own horn.” Wendy writes resumes, gives workshops, coaches individuals, and writes articles and blogs on all aspects of the job search process. Samples of her resumes and career advice appear in over 20 books. Wendy has been a career coach and resume writer for over 15 years. She has been an introvert her whole life. Contact Wendy at [email protected].
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