What Extraverted Job Seekers Can Learn from Introverts

What Extraverted Job Seekers Can Learn from Introverts What Extraverted Job Seekers Can Learn from Introverts 5Extraverts are often assumed to have an advantage in the workplace over introverts, since they may seem more outgoing and socially confident. These traits, which are classically considered “extraverted,” can serve job seekers as well. But even the most extraverted job seekers can benefit from following the lead of introverts to build rapport and cultivate trust with professional networks and hiring committees alike. Here’s what extraverted job seekers can learn from introverts during a job search: Try quality networking instead of quantity networking. Introverts know a secret that has been validated by research: networking more widely- having more Facebook friends, and growing your list of contacts ever-larger- isn’t what leads to landing a job. Instead, as reported in Psychology Today: “Getting a job is about the quality and diversity of the relationships you build, not the number of people you contact or the number of times you reach out to them.” The key is creating and building true connections with people- connections that help other people feel positive emotions. Studies of work teams actually show that while extraverts may feel more positive emotions themselves than introverts do, this doesn’t translate into others feeling good. With this in mind, extraverts should challenge themselves to up their game in the networking department, with a goal of creating closer bonds by helping to deliver quality experiences for other people. Use active listening during interviews. If you think of an extravert, your first image may be of someone who loves center stage. This can be a big benefit during a job interview in terms of comfort level, since extraverts aren’t intimidated by the spotlight that’s turned on them during the QA. However, there’s a caveat to loving the limelight: you need to be sure that you don’t take it too far and neglect the other people in the conversation. Introverts know that listening to others- and truly understanding what they are saying- is critical to successful communication. Even though you’re the one being interviewed, you want to make it clear that you’re listening actively to what the hiring team is asking you. To help improve your active listening skills, you might want to bring pen and paper to your interview to jot down key points that others are saying when they speak. If you’re so busy thinking about what you’re going to say next that you miss half of the question, your answer won’t be impressive. Replace “thinking on your feet” with “thinking it through.” Extraverts are often credited with a natural ability to “think on the fly,” not needing quiet time to formulate a response but instead being able to answer articulately right off the cuff. But don’t think too fast- introverts know the advantage of mulling ideas over before they speak. When an interviewer asks you a question, don’t just fire off the first thing that comes to mind. Take a moment to consider the question and choose the best approach to answering it. You might even ask the hiring committee to give you a moment to consider your response before delivering it. This shows the team that you’re taking their question seriously and preparing a thoughtful reply. While extraverts may have an easier time initially commanding attention during a job search, introverts just might be better at keeping the attention of decision-makers who count. If you want an extra edge while you look for a new position, take a page from the introvert’s playbook. Looking for more job search ideas? Check out our job search tips category.