Are you terrified to find your next job? Or perhaps getting overly anxious about your interview tomorrow? If you keep asking yourself “how to get a job as an introvert”, you are not alone.
While there is no doubt introverts have proved to be highly successful over the years, it’s no hidden fact that extroverts are likely to have a relatively less apprehensive approach to job hunting.
However, it would be unfair to mistake an introvert to be anything less an extrovert. Introverts possess propelling qualities that any company would need to make it a success. For instance, introverts’ creative mind, analytical abilities, and undying zeal can be beneficial for problem-solving, and marketing purposes – making them employees of high demand.
Keeping all that aside, for introverts, job searching can be a draining process, especially after considering all the gatherings, interaction and God forbid- the group interviews which are no less than a nightmare.
So, how can you (as an introvert) get your dream job without having to worry about social awkwardness at all?
Keep reading on to find out!
The Misconception
Truth be told, the image of an introvert that drew up above is nothing you haven’t heard of before. What is worth noting is that an introvert isn’t necessarily the uncomfortable Joe who is a shy, reserved, soft-spoken, always-standing-at-the-corner-of-most-parties type of a guy.
If you feel shy around people and don’t like to interact a lot, that doesn’t mean you are not capable of socializing.
Believe it or not, introverts can be exceptionally sociable and interactive. However, that’s not their natural habitat, it’s not what they would completely be comfortable with.
Introverts often take time alone to regain their energy after social gatherings and packed meetings. It is opposite from extroverts who are only energized around a busy and crowded workplace.
Now that it’s clear about where you stand in the market. Let me list down everything (as promised) you would need to find a job that perfectly suits your personality.
Related Article: 7 Tips How to Mingle with Everyone, Even if you’re an Introvert
How To Get A Job As An Introvert: The 11 Tips To Find Jobs For Introverts
1. Look For Jobs That Best Meet Your Interests
Before applying for a job, it’s never a bad idea to do your homework beforehand, especially if it’s an entry-level job. Start off by researching the companies you are interested in and rigorously go through their job description. During your research, pay attention to what the employer expects from its employees and reflect back to your previous jobs.
What was something you always enjoyed doing? Was it the freedom to work independently? Or was it the silent workplace that compelled you the most?
Once you have a clear idea of what you want from your job, start shortlisting companies with those specific benefits. Finding a job of your choice is very important if you have a shy personality. If you dread waking up in the morning simply because you don’t want to confront your colleagues is not going to be easy.
2. Look For Job Positions That Match Your Strengths
When it comes to job positions, having an introvert as the public relation or customer service is not something that you should ever consider thinking. That job is well suited for extroverts. When you have confidence in yourself and your abilities, the level of shyness reduces naturally and you start feeling comfortable.
Introverts are more likely to do an incredible job as a team player, who can contemplate (thanks to their analytical skills) and be a good spirit. Or perhaps a job that requires more creative work like writing, designing, and accounting is well suitable for such people.
Hence, look for the positions that uplift and compliment your strengths rather than something you would do to fit in with the rest. The key here is to stay true to your grounds and make the best out of your strengths rather than emphasizing your weaknesses.
3. Write Down Your Accomplishments and Develop A Portfolio
Considering the introverts’ reserved behavior, they are not quite fond of expressing themselves nor talking about themselves. It’s always a good idea to keep a record of everything you have accomplished so you won’t have to waste your energy talking about yourself.
It would be easier to put forth your skillset in the form of a portfolio instead of having to explain it verbally. After all, your employer is not going to judge you on your shyness or nervousness.
However, when it comes to interviewing, you must practice at least getting your thoughts across effectively. A good way to practice is to write down and go through your portfolio and visualize truly working in the company, carrying out the tasks, and be armed with research so once you step in for the interview, you would already have a sense of belonging with the company.
4. Consider A Recruiter Or An Agency
Agencies can make the work a lot easier when it comes to finding jobs for shy people. You wouldn’t have to interact and open up dozens of times to a new job every day. All you have to do is to join an agency or recruiter. They will take care of most of the hectic tasks for you.
However, keep in mind, this is not possible for every profession. Nonetheless, it can help give you a sense of appeasement from all stress of time-consuming cold calling.
Do you know there are actually a few job positions that are perfect for shy people? From freelancing and journalism to Uber or delivery driver and photography, there are endless opportunities for the reserved lot out there. Pick a field and you are good to go.
5. Be Yourself
Okay, I get it. As cliché as it may sound, and you’ve probably heard that phrase a million times before, but it has a deeper meaning than you realize. Often it is the honesty that compelled the employer to hire you, and when I say this, I say it with experience.
Boldly state your weaknesses, strengths and be honest about how nervous you are about the interview, this daunting round of questions, and meeting new people in the company. How hard could that be, right?
At the end of the day, interviews don’t have to be this intimidating. It could always be like a genuine conversation where you talk about everything you are good and bad at.
So remember, turn the image of an introvert to your benefit and flaunt your abilities of high concentration, listening skills, unprecedented zeal, and good problem-solving traits that make you an excellent employee. There is no need to act as if you are an extrovert, otherwise, you may appear to be someone you are not.
6. Research Online About The Company And Colleagues
Nowadays, social media can play a huge role in our daily lives, and that even means you can not only research the company but its colleagues too. Along with research, you can build your own professional network on LinkedIn with the people in your industry.
All you have to do is build a robust profile and connect with people of your interest. The best part? You don’t physically have to create a link with that, like more of the conversations nowadays you can converse about anything you would want to know about your new job to see whether the good is the perfect fit for you.
7. Dedicate Time For Network Events And Socialization
Apart from the obvious benefit of socializing, networking can also open gates to countless job opportunities, change your perspectives, and expand your knowledge in the job field you are willing to apply.
So, if you have been planning to ditch it partly, think again. Yes, agreed. It may not be as fun for you as it is for others, you can push yourself for an hour or two so you can get enough time to stick around and get to know people in the event.
It might be difficult for introverts to actually go out and socialize. However, once you get used to it, it won’t feel all that difficult. If possible, take your close friends with you so that you can also have fun and find prospects in a relaxed atmosphere.
8. Practice Before Your Interview Day
The anxiety of not being able to answer questions in the interviews is the most daunting part for most introverts. So, before your interview, practice with possible questions that you can think of and plan out all the responses that you might give.
This way, you will able to touch all the points in the interview, leaving you with no regrets once you are done with it.
One of great interview tips for introverts is to ask questions. Majority of people don’t ask questions at the end of the interview, therefore, by asking thoughtful questions, you will stand out among other candidates and impress interviewers.
Don’t ask questions like “What are job descriptions?”. You should instead ask better questions such as:
- What does it take to get hired for this position?
- What are the opportunities for growth here?
- What growth looks like?
- How long have you been at the company? (this is to the person you are asking)
It’s a great way to put your nervousness aside and be yourself on the interview day. Don’t think that you are the only introvert in the entire world. People interviewing you might be just as shy and nervous as you are!
9. Improve Your Skills
Sure, life is all about learning and growing and if that’s not what you stand for then there are many things you will be deprived of even if you get the job. Just like how extroverts can have a creative mind and can be great writers, introverts can be great conversationalists too. With enough practice and dedication (which you are naturally gifted with), you can achieve anything you want.
Need to improve self-confidence or a certain job skill you lack in? Go, get out there, read books, take classes, practice, practice, and practice until you wing it!
10. Negotiate Effectively
Since you are all clear about how to dip your toes into the job, it’s time to move forward and talk about the things that will affect everything you would for the company. Once you’ve secure the offer, it’s time you negotiate the financial and non-financial benefits from the company.
Fortunately, Introverts have an upper hand in negotiation due to their remarkable ability to reflect back before speaking and blunt approach to make their point. Hence, instead of just falling for the salary, be mindful of the other benefits that the business could offer you. Perhaps it could give you a cabin of your own, retirement plans, healthcare, or any other thing that you would want in your job.
11. Don’t Be Afraid to Surrender and Recharge
Instead of contemplating too long on your answers in the interview, try to surrender and go with the flow of the conversation, because that’s how you are truly your real self.
You may stress out too much with this type of high-pressure interviews. So take time to sit back, relax, and pull yourself together once in a while. There are many ways you can do this. Every time you get all tensed up, relax your shoulders, unclench your fist and accept any offer you are given, water or coffee, possibly. That will surely help you loosen up.
In case, you have multiple interviews in a row, try to find an alone time when possible to reenergize and calm your mind before moving on to the next one.
Conclusion
Having a shy personality should not stop you from achieving your goals in life. A lot of people out there like to spend time alone, dread confrontations, shy away from interviews and find it difficult to communicate with others.
If you’ve reached here, you are definitely ready to find your dream job without having to worry about your shy personality whatsoever. As you know, there are numerous jobs suitable for introverts out there, all you have to do is some digging and a checklist with the tips I’ve mentioned here and get on towards finding your dream job.
In this article, we looked at some tips on how to get a job as an introvert. There is no reason to forego an opportunity simply because you think it is too “over the top” for you. If you follow these tips in your daily life, you will eventually find a perfect job and start working with people in a relaxed and friendly environment.
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