Job Search Tips for Introverts

Many key activities in a successful job search - namely meeting new people, initiating conversations with people, asking people for information or support, and calling people we don't know, are not easy for many of us. For introverts - people who recharge with time alone - they can be extremely challenging.

Here are 13 tips for making your active networking tasks a little bit easier:

1. Meet people individually or in small groups whenever possible.
2. Build confidence by talking with mentors and other people you know personally first.
3. Read a lot so you'll have something to say. You'll have more to contribute, will be better prepared and will feel more confident if you're up on the latest news about your industry, the companies you're targeting, and the news in general.
4. Plan for time alone in between social occasions or networking events to recharge.
5. At a large event, find the person who's alone. Chances are they hate to work a room, too and may be interesting person to meet.
6. Think of what you're doing as research or work - anything but "networking".
7. Practice reaching out online first (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) But realize that face-to-face meetings are part of any effective networking strategy.
8. Plan what you'll say and practice before you say it. This applies to networking events, phone calls and job interviews.
9. Support other people. Often the process of reaching out to contacts with, say, a lead or a link to an article feels less intimidating and is still an essential part of networking.
10. Value your listening skills. When you're searching for a job and reaching out to others, you'll do this much more effectively if you're a good listener.
11. Do first the thing you're dreading the most - that call, that email - get it done by 9:00 am.
12. Acknowledge all of your small successes and build on them. You may not become an expert networker overnight, but every small step helps you increase your confidence and improve your skills.
13. Be yourself. Although you do need to push yourself out of your comfort zone at times, you don't have to pretend to be someone you're not. 

OK introverts, what has worked for you? How have you put yourself "out there" during a job search? What are you currently struggling with as an introvert in your job search?

Comments

[Walter Feigenson]

Great article! I hate “feel good” articles, but you had real tips and techniques in this post. It felt like you’d been following me around, because most of your techniques describe my networking style. Frankly, I'm glad to know that some of the survival methods I use aren't crazy.

[Paul]

This was a nice read. Thanks for not overhyping the "networking" card. Feels like that is the catchphrase of the new millennium! I'm an introvert myself and found, like you - that doing the hardest thing in front of me first builds up momentum to the easier tasks when finding a job. And yes, that usually involves yet another phone call. -Paul

[Jennifer G]

I would like to add another useful online tool for job seekers
www.123people.com - a people search site. You can find contact email addresses of hiring managers and reach out and network online to build a personal connection.

[Jim C]

Good stuff. Here are 3 more free tips:
1. Smile, sincerely
2. Have fun
3. And, as my wife always reminds me: Try to be someone I would like to have dinner with (Thanks, Hon! I think)

[Barbara Safani]

Heather,

So many people consider themselves introverts and this is an important post. Another great job search resource for introverts is Wendy Gelberg's book, The Successful Introvert which can be found at http://www.happyabout.info/thesuccessfulintrovert.php

[raju]

Best website links related to Online Job sites in India!

http://www.back2office.com

In order achieve success in their job search, job seekers must target a wide range of Job sites and use all the available resources. Yes, its time consuming. However, dedicating the time and energy will pay off with more and better job leads, more interviews and more job offers!

[K Major]

Thank you! In our world there is room for many different views and perspectives. Diversity means including people with a range of personalities. What lovely thoughts you provided on being sincere, genuine and true to ourselves yet also adapting to the environment.

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It's great you took a closer look at this problem because I've never read any issue concerning "introvert" job, although job search is stressful for anyone, introverts suffer even more from it.
http://www.jobofmine.com/

[sheila]

good stuff here! kinda reminds me of this blog http://www.integritycareertransitions.com/blog/ very informative! Thanks!

[lynn]

submit your resume to selectcandidates.com

[lynn]

you may also go to selectcandidates.com and send your resume

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I see that you have done challenging work, composing your good topic related to this good post. Thence, this kind of work people do accomplishing the thesis or thesis research exploring.

[Job Search Guru]

Social networks such as LinkedIn and FaceBook offer a great way for 1st introductions. While there is still a personal touch you don't have to worry about what you will do the first time you meet them, you will only have to think about what to say!

Great post!

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