25 JOB HUNTING TIPS FOR INTROVERTS PERSONAL CAREER PLANNING CLASS MR. ENDICOTT

1. GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO RECHARGE BETWEEN MEETINGS OR INTERVIEWS Leave enough time between meetings to recharge in the car or on public transportation, and make sure they don’t feel rushed or unprepared for each interview. Too much of this kind of high-pressure interaction can wear you out, so take time to reflect, rest, and collect your thoughts.

2. PLAN QUESTIONS AND CONVERSATION STARTERS  Making small talk or initiating a conversation is a challenge, which can make networking or interviewing difficult  Plan out conversation starters to use at networking events Conversation-Topics Conversation-Topics  Plan questions for interviewers ahead of time  By doing this-no stress to come up with something on the spot

3. SET A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF TIME TO SPEND AT NETWORKING EVENTS  For introverts networking events can be a challenge to attend or stay at for more than an hour.  Yet the more time you spend, the more doors you may open up.  Compromise by deciding how much time you’ll spend at the event before you go.  You won’t feel stressed to stay the entire time, but will stick around long enough to meet some new people.

4. HAVE A LARGE GROUP STRATEGY  Introverts by nature often shy away from large crowds, but in the hunt for a job, this may not always be possible.  Everyone’s strategy will differ but can include: being able to define your role as a professional having a bank of conversation starters and questions establishing goals for going up and talking to new people.

 It can be nerve wracking to call to follow up on an interview or a resume submission  Also, it can be smart to follow up with new connections.  Just remind yourself that conversations only need to take a few minutes, so the terror will be blissfully short-lived. 5. DON’T SHY AWAY FROM CALLING TO FOLLOW-UP  For introverts, certain jobs can be mentally draining.  Job hunting will be much more successful for introverts if they tailor their search to work that’s more introvert-friendly.  Not only will these jobs be healthier for introverts, they’ll also be easier to get with the intrinsic skill set many introverts have. 6. TAILOR YOUR CAREER SEARCH TO JOBS THAT WILL ENERGIZE, NOT DRAIN YOU

7. RESEARCH COMPANIES AND INTERVIEWERS ON THE WEB  To take a little bit of the anxiety out of applying or interviewing, do research online before meeting up with potential employers. Introverted or not, this is just a smart move, as it’ll give you something to talk about, help you learn if a company is a good fit, and make you look incredibly prepared for an interview.

 Most of the time, our biggest fears about interactions are that we won’t be prepared for what happens.  So prepare  Go through possible scenarios and questions ahead of time —script them if you need to— and pay special attention to issues that you’re most afraid of addressing. 8. REHEARSE CONVERSATIONS AHEAD OF TIME  Being honest about how intimidating you find talking to new people can help you make connections.  At a networking event, break the ice by admitting it took all of your courage to go up and talk to that person.  They’ll appreciate the effort and you’ll have something to immediately talk about. 9. BE HONEST ABOUT BEING AN INTROVERT WHEN NETWORKING

10. DEVELOP A CAREER PORTFOLIO  While a resume can be a great asset in an interview, a career portfolio can take things one step further in the right direction. Plus, it takes some of the pressure off of you to remember all of your career highlights.  Put together a binder or portfolio that outlines your accomplishments and showcases your best work from your previous jobs or college courses.  It’s a great solution for introverts who need solid talking points and who also aren’t keen on bragging about themselves to employers.

 Introverts also have strengths that can be significant assets to businesses of all kinds.  Don’t be afraid to highlight some of the introverted traits you have that can make you a great employee. 11. EMPHASIZE YOUR STRENGTHS AS AN INTROVERT  To hear no is not the end of the world  While introverts may know this in their heads, it’s still not easy to take risks.  Introverts need to psych themselves up, make a call, send an , or just get in touch with anyone who can help them. 12. DON’T FEAR HEARING NO NO!

13. CONSIDER WORKING WITH A RECRUITER  Introverts who aren’t great at talking themselves up or reaching out to employers may want to work with a recruiter who can take care of some of these tasks for them.  While this kind of approach may not work for every type of job, for some it could really make a difference, and help introverts get a foot in the door without feeling stressed about networking and cold calling.

 You are allowed and even encouraged to participate in a two- way conversation with whoever is interviewing  You have to evaluate whether or not a company is a good fit for you.  Don’t be afraid to speak up with questions or concerns. 14. REMEMBER THAT INTERVIEWS ARE CONVERSATIONS, NOT INTERROGATIONS  Those who can’t quite nail down a career path could really benefit from talking with a mentor.  Gives you confidence and information that can be a big asset in looking for any kind of a job. 15. FIND A MENTOR

 During the job search, complete the most dreaded things right away.  It might not be easy to do them, but usually the experience isn’t nearly as bad as we think it will be, and once they’re done, we can relax and focus on other less onerous tasks. 16. DO WHAT YOU’RE DREADING FIRST  Don’t go too far outside of your comfort zone.  Trying to be a person you’re not or pretending to have traits you don’t might help to get a job, but you probably won’t like it.  Just embrace being the best version of you. 17. DON’T PRETEND TO BE SOMEONE YOU’RE NOT

18. READ UP OR TAKE CLASSES  There are hundreds of books out there that teach communication, networking, marketing and other essential extroverted skills.  Just as many classes on the subject are taught at community colleges, business centers, or online.  With so many resources, an introvert would be remiss not to take advantage.

 When you’re trying to get a job, highlighting your successes at work isn’t bragging: it’s just smart.  Many introverts don’t like to talk about themselves, but in an interview, it’s essential.  So, let go of the modesty and talk yourself up! 19. DON’T BE EMBARRASSED TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS  You don’t always have to make new connections to find a job.  Many introverts can capitalize on existing connections.  That can be a much less stressful way to network for those who aren’t fond of career fairs and other networking events. 20. CAPITALIZE ON YOUR EXISTING NETWORK

21. CULTIVATE A STRONG WEB PRESENCE  If you’re shy in person, at least with people you don’t know, then make the most of opportunities to highlight your potential as an employee on the web, where you have plenty of time to think of what you want to say and aren’t on the spot.  Make a website, create a portfolio, and hone your resume in a situation that makes you more comfortable before bringing it out to the larger working world.

 Whether you pull together a collection of great job search sites, put in a good word with a friend, or pass along a resume, a friend you help can be an asset later on when you’re looking for a job yourself. 22. HELP OTHERS  The role of web media in the job search is a godsend for many introverts who avoid interpersonal interaction.  Start with Social Media: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn or any other social sites  Here you can show off your resume, expertise, and portfolio. 23. USE SOCIAL MEDIA

24. WRITE A “THANK YOU” INCLUDING ANY POINTS YOU WANT TO CLARIFY  If you’re the type who tends to get a bit flustered in an interview, don’t sweat it. When you write a “thank you” note to your interviewer, you can simply revisit issues you might not have been clear about in the interview, giving you a second shot at making a good impression. Thank You Greatly Appreciated Just wanted to mention…

25. WORK ON SKILLS YOU THINK YOU LACK  If you feel like you’re lacking in certain skills that are key to your job, then work on them. There’s no rule that introverts can’t be great conversationalists, salespeople, or public speakers.  Many introverts excel at these things, even if they don’t love doing them. Work on your skills on your own or take a class.  You can even put any classes you take on your resume so your potential employers know you’re aiming to improve.