8 Job Search Tips for Introverts (Including How to Network)

The job search process is difficult for everyone, especially if the thought of interviewing or networking drains your energy or fills you with anxiety. Unfortunately, that’s the case for many introverts, and it can make these already challenging tasks even harder. As an introvert myself, I know just how stressful searching for a job can be.

However, introversion tends to come with strengths and skills that many employers find highly desirable, and it can give you an edge over other candidates. The key to success is to leverage your strengths for an effective job search so that you stand out without always having to speak out. Read on to learn ways to make the process easier and how to succeed in business as an introvert.

Job Search Tips for Introverts

These eight tips will make job searching for introverts much more manageable. Take a look below for an in-depth breakdown of each tip:

1. Identify your strengths and soft skills
2. Build a great resume and cover letter
3. Research job descriptions and company websites
4. Consider the company culture
5. Strengthen your web presence
6. Practice for job interviews
7. Make any clarifications in the thank you letter
8. Go deeper than traditional networking

1. Identify Your Strengths and Soft Skills

So, what are these strengths that make introverts so great? You may have heard that introverts are considered quiet, shy, awkward, or some other description with a negative connotation in the business world. However, introversion doesn’t always correlate with shyness – there are plenty of shy extroverts, too. And just because someone is quiet doesn’t mean they have nothing to say.

In general, introverts tend to prefer listening to talking, which can lead to a more insightful or thoughtful approach to their own work, as well as an increased opportunity for their colleagues to contribute to important conversations and projects. Other common strengths found in introverts include creativity, an aptitude for planning, increased focus or concentration, dedication, and collaboration. But no one is the same, so it’s important to reflect on what you bring to the table and find a way to leverage those strengths so that a prospective employer sees the value you bring to the table.

2. Build a Great Resume and Cover Letter

Your application documents are what get your foot in the door, and they’re the perfect spot to make your soft skills shine. Once you’ve determined what makes you a great candidate and employee, including those strengths in your resume and cover letter is an easy way to talk yourself up without actually talking.

You can list them in the skills section of your resume or reference them in your summary or achievements sections. When writing your cover letter, be sure to mention your strengths and how they relate to the position or your work history. You can also make your resume searchable on job boards to allow recruiters to reach out to you instead of the other way around.

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3. Research Job Descriptions and Company Websites

Everyone should thoroughly review the job description and research the company they’re applying to so that they can customize their application. But doing this research can also be a good way for introverts to ease their anxiety. The more you know about the position and the company, the more prepared you can be for the interview. Doing this research will also allow you to find jobs that will energize you instead of draining you.

4. Consider the Company’s Culture

When doing your research, try to find out as much as you can about the company culture. This will enable you to make an informed decision on if it sounds like a place you’d feel comfortable working at. Ultimately, you’ll know what’s best for you, but if you see phrases like “we work hard but play hard,” it could mean that there will be lots of in-person group activities, which may not be for you. On the other hand, companies that emphasize work-life balance or offer remote work can be good fits for introverts who need to recharge after social interactions.

Additionally, if you have an in-person interview, be sure to take note of the work environment and how the office is laid out. If it’s a large, open space with no privacy, you may feel less comfortable than if you have your own office or cubicle. If you do notice that there seems to be limited privacy, ask if they have focus rooms or open offices where you can escape to for heads-down/solo work.

5. Strengthen Your Web Presence

Another way to stand out before the interview is to make your web presence as strong as possible. This can mean updating your social media profiles, creating an online portfolio, and engaging in online discussions. Creating an online brand for yourself will make it easier for interviewers and recruiters to understand you and your abilities before you get to an interview, and it gives you something to talk about during one. That can be a lifesaver for introverts.

6. Practice for Job Interviews

Interviewing is one of the most stressful parts of job searching for introverts (panel interviews might actually be my worst nightmare), but there is a way to make it easier on yourself: practice, practice, practice. Take a look at the most common questions interviewers ask and practice your answers in the mirror or with a friend, and don’t forget to come up with questions to ask the interviewer so you don’t have to be the one in the “hot seat” the entire time. The more prepared you feel for an interview, the more comfortable you’ll be when talking to the hiring manager. Your research from earlier will help, too.

Also, remember to be yourself. It's okay not to be a gregarious salesperson in your interview that immediately nails every question. Taking a few seconds to carefully consider your responses is perfectly fine, and enables you to provide thoughtful and effective answers.

7. Make Any Clarifications in the Thank You Letter

If you make a mistake, forget a key detail, or say something inaccurate during the interview, try your best to shrug it off and don’t let it derail the conversation. It might be difficult, but just know that you can address any misstep later in your thank you letter. To do so, write a brief clarification statement at the end of the letter.

That doesn’t mean you should rely on your thank you letter as a supplement to your interview. The focus of the letter should be to thank the hiring manager for the opportunity and reiterate how you’d be a good fit. Long explanations will take away from that and can hurt your chances.

8. Go Deeper Than Traditional Networking

One of the toughest aspects of networking for introverts is approaching people and the small talk that usually begins each new encounter. Doing that continuously over the course of a networking event or conference can be incredibly draining. Instead of focusing on talking to everyone and making as many new contacts as possible, try to connect with just a few people and build deeper relationships with them. If there’s a guest list, look up the guests on LinkedIn and reach out beforehand to anyone you’d like to talk to. That way, you can skip the small talk when you arrive.

In fact, there are several strategies introverts can use to make networking more bearable (or at least less bad). Keep reading to learn how to network as an introvert.

How to Network as an Introvert

The following tips will make networking easier for introverts:

• Research the event and the attendees
• Come with a list of questions or conversation starters
• Ask friends to introduce you
• Rehearse your personal elevator pitch
• Expect some awkwardness and don’t let it faze you (even extroverts deal with this)
• Look for specialized/niche events or smaller events
• Set a minimum amount of time to spend at networking events
• Take breaks to recharge

Networking doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. If you come prepared and make deep connections, you can be incredibly successful at networking as an introvert. The same goes for searching for a job. Lean into your strengths and search with a plan to find the job that’s right for you. For more job search tips, head to our Job Seeker Resource Center.