Introverts are personalities that fall under the temperament melancholic. Naturally they are not sociable and tend to keep for themselves preferring seclusion over crowds.
For a job search, networking might prove difficult for a person with this kind of a personality. We are aware networking is crucial in any setting especially when wanting to establish ones career. The traditional method of sitting on your computer and sending resumes is no longer as much effective as it used to be without some one-on-one with your employer.
However, the networking process for an introvert can be an absolute intimidating moment for him/her. This nevertheless does not mean that an introvert cannot secure a job. There are many methods that can be used by an introvert to seek that job or create ways that would neutralize the process of job seeking through networking.
1) Know your personal style:
While networking does not mean a personality revamp, but an understanding of who you are and what your strengths are. Many introverts are mostly good listeners, a quality that most extroverts lack. And this might be a better explanation of how many introverts are successful sales people. Getting an understanding of your personality as an introvert will boost your communication style enhancing your networking skills through capturing the other person’s conversations and spinning them into your own.
2) Engage in non-face-to-face networking:
This kind of networking does not necessarily require one to show face. This kind of networking works best for the introvert. It involves the following:
- Letter writing and follow-ups calls: This is an introduction letter that mentions the person who referred you to the particular person. This introductory note serves as the first contact information in reference to networking. By breaking the ice further you can call up later and create an impression of following up on the letter.
- Script-write your conversational phone call: This is a written dialogue of how the person contacting you and yourself are going to make a conversation. Note to not cram but make it as conversational as possible.
- Volunteer at organizations or in recreational areas your professional skills and expertise: This enables you to gain visibility in a much easier way and fostering relationships through networking will come in more naturally.
- Publicize yourself: This can be through contributing to newsletters or any other kind of publication within your practice. This way there will be more recognition to your name. Common examples are LinkedIn and Sixdegrees.com, among others. These online networks vary in terms of social group discussions, webinars, web-groups and more. Your contributions are vast and unlimited and in the event that you are providing valuable input, you will get recognition and therefore much easy networking.
3) Do your homework:
Before attending a networking event ensure to have contacted ahead and found out the people who are going to be part of the event. Surprises bring tension; therefore it is good to be aware of your surroundings way in advance.
Try and get a function, like in a committee, this way you feel that you have something to offer to the guests and will definitely fulfil your purpose at the networking arena. Preparedness is the ultimate ice breaker in a networking event. Prepare brief conversations starters and come with business cards (if any) or any documentary evidence of what you do.
When you come early you are able to get in sync with the rooms atmosphere and mood. This way you are also able to participate in small talks with groups that arrived early as well, who will be your company later on and even further introduce you to others.
Bring someone with you who is an extrovert and knows quite a lot about you and can back you up. This though, does not mean he/she is your spokesperson, but is quick enough to notice you are tense and brings a lighter subject in a conversation.
It is important to realize that networking does not mean you talk to everyone in the room, but those who are relevant. When your energy lags, always feel free to leave the room. Be sure to find a way to maintain the relationships that you have established.
Author: Kate Funk is a professional editor and writer. Currently she manages the team of talented writers at Aussiessay, focusing mostly on providing them with comfortable work conditions and discovering new ways to motivate people.
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