The skills you need to succeed in your career are rarely the ones tested during the job search process. This is especially challenging for introverts, with interviews and more favoring extroverts. However, that doesn’t mean introverts can’t approach a job search in their own way.
Even though the process is daunting, don’t be afraid to tackle your job search by playing to your unique strengths. Follow these tips to shine and land that coveted role!
Focus on preparation
Extroverts are well equipped to answer questions on the spot, but more reserved introverts can struggle. To combat this, the more prior research and preparation you accomplish, the more ready you’ll feel to tackle anything that arises.
Practicing common interview questions to make your answers feel natural and impactful is a great start, and working your success stories into a framework like CAR can prepare you. But even before the questions roll in, FlexJobs’ Caitlin Lemon says to do some self-reflection and decide what you need in your next role and what companies fit those needs. This will give you deeper clarity and more confidence in later steps.
“You don’t need to write down an intro and memorize it word for word, but jot down a couple ideas for how to start out and keep them in mind so you have a bit of direction.” –Toni Frana, FlexJobs
Be ready with thoughtful questions
The reactive nature of answering interview questions puts you on your toes in an uncomfortable manner, but every interview will allow you to ask your own questions. This is a time when many job seekers stumble but where introverts can shine by preparing thoughtful questions in advance.
Authentic Jobs says that, thanks to your prior research, you should already have an idea of some basic questions. Instead, focus on thoughtful topics like culture, advancement opportunities, and team dynamics. These types of questions show investment in the role and visualize how you’ll integrate into the company.
Utilize your listening skills
There is a lot of back-and-forth in an interview, which can favor an extrovert’s traditional skill set. But one skill where introverts can thrive is with active listening, an often underutilized but priceless skill. This rare skill can help you stand out and captivate your interviewer.
Forbes’ Caroline Castrillon says to highlight this skill by using your body language to stay engaged, writing down key talking points, utilizing those thoughtfully prepared questions, and referencing topics from earlier parts of the conversation. This highlights a curious mind willing to learn and grow, which interviewers will love.
“Introverts are great at forming deeper connections with people. And those stronger connections may make you more memorable, leading to more referrals for open roles.” –Caitlin Lemon, Forbes
Don’t forget about social media
We’ve focused a lot on interviews thus far, but it’s far from the only key to the job search process. Having a visible presence clearly demonstrating value will endear you to hiring managers and recruiters during their initial research. This means you want to be actively networking and using social media to your advantage.
Thanks to social media, you can highlight your personal brand proactively. Career strategist Ana Goehner says to update your LinkedIn headline and About Me with keywords and desired skills in your chosen role, have an updated resume that highlights accomplishments over duties, and develop a reputation by regularly posting on LinkedIn and other social platforms. This will attract recruiters to you without you having to reach out.
Attack things in your own way
Every professional conversation is a performance in some ways, but you still want to be true to yourself. The job search process does favor extroverts, causing many introverts to try to emulate their traits in the process. Don’t feel like your own skills are inferior in this process. Rather than try to emulate others, find ways to show your value in your own way.
Career expert Yolanda Owens uses the example of using visual tools (slideshows or physical examples) while you demonstrate your accomplishments. Tools can make you feel more comfortable and show your process, giving interviewers a better idea of how you’d operate on a typical workday. Best of all, you can gauge the interviewer’s reaction. If they don’t seem to enjoy your process, you’ll know this is probably a bad culture fit for you.
Wrap up
Job searching isn’t fun for anyone, but introverts can find the process particularly grueling. While many aspects of the search process favor extroverts, introverts have their own skills that can position themselves as the ideal candidate. With extra preparation and knowing how to leverage your best skills, you can get the job! For more helpful tips for introverts, check out this excellent collection from Susan P. Joyce.
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