In this series, we share some tips on how you can advance your career while staying true to your (introverted) self. This second blogpost will share some tips about how, as an introvert, you can find the right job that caters to your needs. The third installment will wrap up the series by sharing tips on how to succeed in the workplace as an introvert.
We have compiled a (long) list of tips to help introverted individuals not just to get the desired job, but to succeed on their career paths. In order to keep this short and sweet and you focused on your, we split the tips into a small series of three blogposts according to the relevant phase:
The first one covers the basics.
This second one covers how to find the right job.
The third one covers how to be successful as an introvert.
Getting the Right Job for Introverts
Introverts can be very successful in their careers and climb the ladder all the way to the top. One of the most crucial factors to so is to be in the right job that plays into your strengths and in an environment that caters to your needs. So how do you go about finding the right job? Here are some tips for your research phase and to secure the job.
1
Choosing the right career is essential
Certain occupations, such as those in science and research, may suit introverted individuals’ thinking styles better – or so society thinks. Furthermore, when choosing a profession, other personality traits should also be considered. These traits can vary in expression, and introverts may also possess qualities that are typical of extroverts. For instance, Angela Merkel required a strong motivation to lead effectively as the German Chancellor. Just as well, you might bring other relevant qualities to the table, that are not obvious but extremely helpful in advancing your career. Do not forget the study/survey ((LINK TO BLOGPOST 1)) showing that introverts are often extremely creative.
2
Exchange experiences/ideas with others in your field
If your field turns out to be the one you want to be in, connecting with peers and exchanging experiences can help to find the right employer or even focus area within the field. It can also help to find new strategies for dealing with challenges you experience with your boss or colleagues, which can improve things for you at your current employer.
3
Connect with somebody in your desired field
If you are looking to get into a field you have not been in before, connecting with somebody in that field can be helpful. Especially if you feel like that person could be an introvert, too. Ask questions about topics that make a difference for you (e.g. daily business and working conditions) and the advancement of your career (e.g. culture, opportunities, which traits/skills are seen in leadership there).
4
Research companies that fit your needs
Not every company offers the same working environment, as is made very clear by reviews of employers and through the fact, that the topic of company culture has seen increasing interest over the last years. Instead of just looking at jobs that you would like, start with companies offering the right working environment for you and take it from there.
5
Translate your strengths into a match
As mentioned before, introverts bring their own “superpowers” to the table, that make them exceptionally good at their jobs. Look at the skills required for a job, match them with your own “superpowers” and think of ways to translate the match into tangible examples of why you are the perfect fit for the role.
6
Be prepared for the job interview
Job interviews can present introverts with two challenges: being too nervous and answering too succinctly. Please do not misunderstand: introverts are not necessarily afraid of an interview, but rather do not like to talk about themselves or give a lot away. It can be helpful to not just check off the most important points in your answer but to come up with your own questions to ensure the conversation keeps going.
Another thing that helps is googling the attendees of the interview beforehand and getting a feel for who they are, what their career steps and experiences look like and what might be of most interest to them in the context of the job you are applying for.
It is often said that extroverts resort more often to using abstract examples – prepare some for explaining your successes to appeal to and connect with extroverts during the interview.
To help with nervousness: take deep breaths, meditate, distract yourself with other tasks and ensure you are well prepared. This includes being informed about the company and the job. Ask about who will be present at and the duration of the interview and prepare an intro about yourself. Besides having a better chance at predicting possible questions, it can help you feel like a “getting-to-know-each-other” situation rather than an interrogation.
7
Follow up after the interview
Following-up with an email after the interview can emphasize interest in a job. This is even more helpful, if you feel that you fell into the “introvert-trap” of giving too succinct answers than you would have preferred.
8
Master salary negotiations
Preliminary work plays an important role in salary negotiations. Draw up your minimum and maximum demands before any negotiation so you won’t lose focus. Additionally, it can give you a sense of security if you work out your arguments in advance. After all, charisma alone is not your “weapon of choice”, is it?
