True/False Job Search Quiz for Introverts

Are you on top of your game when it comes to finding a job? Take this True/False quiz* and find out.

The answers are at the bottom, but don’t peak!

The Quiz: Are these statements True or False?

1. Searching for job leads on Internet job sites is the best job search strategy for introverts because it minimizes social interaction.
2. One way that introverts can excel in the job search process is by doing extensive research on prospective employers.
3. It’s considered presumptuous in a first job interview to ask about the hiring process and the timeframe for a decision.
4. New social networking sites can give introverts a useful way to manage their networking activities in a job search.
5. An effective networking strategy for introverts is to serve as a resource for others.
6. It’s a waste of time for an introvert to prepare answers for interview questions since there’s really no way to anticipate what they’ll be asked.
7. Introverted job seekers don’t need to worry about following up with the employer after an interview because the employer will contact them if they’re interested.
8. Working with a recruiter can be helpful for introverts, since the recruiter does the initial promoting.
9. Introverts can minimize the appearance of bragging on a resume by referring to feedback they’ve gotten from others.
10. It would be considered “pushy” or “forward” to express interest in or enthusiasm about the job during a job interview.

The Answers:

1. Searching for job leads on Internet job sites is the best job search strategy for introverts because it minimizes social interaction.False. While introverts may prefer conducting their job search with minimal social interaction, it is actually social interaction – in the form of networking – that is the most effective job search strategy for all job seekers.[See the Job Networking for Introverts articles linked in the right column for more information.]
2. One way that introverts can excel in the job search process is by doing extensive research on prospective employers.True. Introverts typically enjoy in-depth exploration, and they have an advantage over extroverts in this area. They can distinguish themselves from other candidates and impress employers with their initiative.
3. It’s considered presumptuous in a first job interview to ask about the hiring process and the timeframe for a decision.False. Although the shy or introverted individual might consider it pushy to ask, it’s acceptable and actually quite helpful to find out where the company is in the hiring process, whether there will be another round of interviews, and when you can expect to hear from them.
4. New social networking sites can give introverts a useful way to manage their networking activities in a job search.True. On-line networking offers introverts the opportunity to reflect on their thoughts before sharing them, while at the same time enabling them to interact with others and be visible in a professional context.[More: Guide to Social Media and Job Search and Guide to LinkedIn for Job Search.]
5. An effective networking strategy for introverts is to serve as a resource for others.True. Networking is a two-way street, a mutual exchange. Concentrating on the giving side of the equation makes the process less daunting for those who find networking challenging.[More: Guide to Job Search Networking.]
6. It’s a waste of time for an introvert to prepare answers for interview questions since there’s really no way to anticipate what they’ll be asked.False. While candidates are rarely given the questions in advance, it is possible to anticipate the most commonly asked questions and to prepare answers. Doing that and reviewing one’s success stories are useful strategies for an introvert prior to a job interview.[See the Introverts’ Job Interviewing Tips articles in the right column plus Job-Hunt’s Guide to Job Interviews.]
7. Introverted job seekers don’t need to worry about following up with the employer after an interview because the employer will contact them if they’re interested.False. While it’s often more comfortable for introverts to take a wait-and-see approach, employers usually appreciate a follow-up call as an expression of interest.[More: Successful Follow-Up for Introverts.]
8. Working with a recruiter can be helpful for introverts, since the recruiter does the initial promoting.True. Recruiters can help to connect introverts with appropriate jobs and introduce the candidate to the employer. Caveat: recruiters don’t work for the job seeker and aren’t looking to place individual candidates so much as they’re looking to fill positions with whichever candidate the employer is interested in.[More: Introverts’ Guide to Recruiting and Staffing Firms and Guide to Working with Recruiters.]
9. Introverts can minimize the appearance of bragging on a resume by referring to feedback they’ve gotten from others.True. An effective strategy for people who are concerned about appearing boastful is to use a phrase such as “Recognized for…” and include information from a performance evaluation or a client testimonial – just reporting the facts.
10. It would be considered “pushy” or “forward” to express interest in or enthusiasm about the job during a job interview.False. Introverts can sometimes be reserved in their presentation, but they can still communicate their interest in the position. Employers are more likely to hire people who are genuinely interested in the job than those who have a more indifferent attitude.

* A different version of the quiz appeared on-line in Fortune Magazine in an article by Anne Fisher.

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].