Being an introvert can make the job hunting process a little more challenging. For those deeply introverted, just the very thought of fronting for a job interview can have those nerves tingling like an electric shock. While there can certainly be more obstacles in the way for introverted job seekers, finding and holding down a job is far from impossible.
Let’s look at some job seeker tips for introverts that will help make the process easier and also increase your chances of success.
Table of Contents
#1 – Introverts Have Strengths – Emphasise Those Strengths
Whether it be in your resume, correspondence with prospective employers, during an interview, or even while working a job, as an introvert, you’ll naturally be blessed with certain strengths that come with this personality trait.
To begin with, many introverts are creative people and even if the job role doesn’t require you to be creative, you’ll usually have a good capacity to think outside the box which is great for problem-solving. Introverts are often also very dedicated and focused, as they are less distracted with engaging in conversation and more focused on performing their given tasks and getting them completed.
#2 – Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Be totally honest with yourself when assessing both your strengths and your weaknesses. This is a good exercise to do prior to going for job interviews, as employers often ask about your strengths and weaknesses and you’ll be better prepared with your answers.
If you’re at an interview and the interviewer asks what one of your weaknesses is, you’ll readily be able to state weakness and how it can also be turned into a strength. For example, if you quote being introverted as a weakness, you can then go on to explain what the strengths of an introverted personality have to offer the position.
This list of strengths and weaknesses will also help you to narrow down the types of job roles you would be most suited to and most comfortable with.
#3 – Plan Ahead for Job Interviews
While many introverts can hold a conversation, things like face-to-face job interviews are not always particularly comfortable. The idea here is to be as confident as possible when fronting up for that job interview so your nervous energy is under control.
Planning ahead and getting yourself organized is paramount to success when it comes to job interviews for both introverts and extroverts alike, but it’s even more vital for introverts to be well prepared.
Have all of your paperwork ready. Do some research on the company so you have a bit of background on what they’re about and what they might expect of you as a potential employee. It’ll also give you the inspiration for a few questions you can ask during the interview. Interviewers always like being asked questions as it demonstrates they’re interested in the company and the position.
Trying to anticipate the questions you’ll be asked and preparing answers for those questions will also bolster your self-confidence going into the interview.
#4 – Potential Job Matches for Introverts – Target Jobs That Suit You
The jobs you target might be based on your skills and experience but as an introvert, you’ll want to go after jobs that suit your personality as well. Many introverts can find themselves feeling drained when they associate with people too much, so you might want to target jobs that are not customer-focused. Going after jobs that target your strengths rather than your weaknesses as an introvert will be in your best interests.
Let’s now quickly look at some of the best jobs for introverts.
You might want to focus on roles that are creative, analytical and involve things like research and development. While introverts can do sales roles and other jobs that involve a customer focus, as mentioned, these jobs can prove to be mentally draining.
Working in IT, finance and trades are often good jobs for people with introverted personalities. Hospitality and service jobs can also work well. Not all of these roles involve constantly dealing with customers.
In Conclusion
Job prospects for introverts are quite broad and varied. Know your strengths and weaknesses and focus on your strengths. Find jobs that match up with those strengths and you’ll shine.