Introvert or Extrovert? Tips for Job Search No Matter Which ‘Vert’ You Are
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**I am a member of the Career Collective, a group of resume writers and career coaches. Each month, all members discuss a certain topic. This month, we are talking about networking and job search whether you are introverted or extroverted. Please follow our tweets on Twitter #careercollective. You can also view the other member’s interesting posts at the end of the article.
The old adage ‘the grass is always greener on the other side,’ fits many situations. Today, it is especially relevant to job seekers. In the world of the job hunt, two personality types often emerge, each with strengths and weaknesses. Extroverts and introverts alike often find themselves wishing they were exactly opposite of themselves. The truth is that understanding how to craft a resume and how to interview, utilizing the strengths or weaknesses of either an introvert or an extrovert, can mean success in the form of a new job. I think I border both, because in ‘new’ situations I tend to either get quiet or talk more than I would like to. Both can be bad, or good, depending on how you look at it. Which are you?
By determining which you are, introverted or extroverted, and by understanding the strengths and weakness of your personality type, you can begin a successful job search with your resume. If you are most comfortable alone, or in smaller settings and find it difficult to express yourself verbally, you are most likely an introvert.
Those that are social enjoy crowds and talking is typically considered extroverted behavior. You might mistakenly assume that extroverts always interview well while introverts present above par resumes. The truth is actually somewhere in the middle.
The Resume
Both personality types are urged to remember the purpose of a resume. It should be a clear, precise representation of a candidates experience and related skill sets. While introverts, very good at introspection, may have an easier time paring down their resume, they often make the mistake of providing too little information. Extroverts tend to be more inclusive in their resume attempts, but often provide too much information. When writing or updating a resume, both personality types should focus on the format of the resume, including relevant details and facts about themselves and removing any unneeded information.
The Interview
Extroverts, who love to talk, often quickly settle into an interview. Introverts, often find themselves ill at ease and uncomfortable. Unlike the extrovert, the introvert is unlikely to engage the interviewer himself or herself. While it sounds like the extrovert wins the interview round, both personality types need to make adjustment to their interview style in order to be successful. Extroverts need to remember to keep their answers short and to the point, while introverts must allow themselves to be drawn out during the interview process.
In general, the both introverts and extroverts should follow the same guidelines when preparing a resume or interviewing. Resumes should be in the correct format and provide information relevant to the job position. When it comes time to interview, candidates of both types should have had a good nights sleep and should be prepared. It is a good idea to bring a list of questions for the interviewer. Practicing short, informative answers to typically asked questions can be helpful as well.
Always remember that both personality types have strengths and weaknesses and learning to play on these is the best way to be successful in your job hunt. Introverts should take advantage of their inquisitive and analytical nature while extroverts should use their ability to fit into any social situation. By carefully balancing these strengths against their weaknesses, either personality type can be successful. Good luck!
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Don’t forget to check out other similar articles from members of the Career Collective:
- 5 Little Secrets About Networking, @Careersherpa
- Networking: Easy as 1, 2 , 3, @WorkWithIllness
- How to Take the Intimidation Out of Networking, @heathermundell
- Networking for the Shy and Introverted, @KatCareerGal
- A tale of two networkers, @DawnBugni
- Introvert or Extrovert: Tips for the Job Search No Matter Which ‘Vert’ You Are, @erinkennedycprw
- Networking for Job Candidates Who Hate Networking, @heatherhuhman
- Networking? Ugh! @resumeservice
- Network, Network, Network, @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes
- 3 ways to make networking fun for introverts and extroverts, @Keppie_Careers
- Grow Your Career Networking Seeds Organically, @ValueIntoWords
- Networking: It’s a Way of Life, @WalterAkana
- Social Media Networking & Your Career, @GayleHoward
- Your Networking Circle, @chandlee
- Networking for the Networking-Phobic, @JobHuntOrg
Written by Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW - Visit the website to hire executive resume writer Erin Kennedy, CERW, CPRW
Erin is an internationally renowned certified resume writer specializing in professional and executive level resumes and career services.
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Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW owns Professional Resume Services, where she and her talented staff of writers specialize in professional & executive resumes. Erin is internationally recognized by her peers as one of the best of the best, she is a perennial award-nominated certified resume writer.
There are also people who on the surface get along with people, put themselves “out there”, laugh loud and long, have fun and attract people, but who exhaust themselves by doing this and need to be alone to recharge the batteries. They are also introverts although on the surface, they don’t appear to be! The main thing for people who fear interviews or are concerned they are not “extroverted” is to a) understand that they are not alone (nobody really likes interviews including interviewers!) and b) that people gravitate to roles for which they are best suited. So the qualities that are important for say a research scientist are not the qualities required for an advertising executive. And that’s a great thing. It’s exactly as it should be. Really enjoyed your article Erin!
Great comments Erin, how true. Generally I see introverts take longer to secure a new appointment over extroverts.
Erin:
I love how you’ve pointed out strengths and weaknesses of the two types! Self awareness is a good first step.
Enjoyed this post a bunch!
career sherpa´s last blog ..Why Did You Leave Your Job
I agree with you, career sherpa that self awareness is the first step to all of these. Familiarization of oneself is much important when communicating to other people how you are qualified for the said job interview. Thanks for the good post!
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I enjoyed your post (although I’m a little scared of the guy wearing a red undershirt…)
Personality types are a funny thing, they seem to change with the weather. I agree with the previous posters that self awareness is an excellent first step. The day I realised I was an extrovert was the same day I resolved to really notice the way I communicated with people.
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Erin,
I really like how you zeroed in on how BOTH intro- and extroverts should follow the SAME guidelines when interviewing and preparing their resumes. Such critical guidelines those are!
As well, as you pointed out, the grass is not greener on either side of the fence — both introverts and extroverts have their positive and well, not so positive aspects, but both can mold their career messages both orally and in writing to maximize their opportunities.
I, too, feel I sometimes straddle the introvert/extrovert line (though, if pressed, I guess I’d say I’m an introvert, but oh how i resist being pressed ; )
Thanks again for another lively blog post, Erin!
Jacqui
Thanks, Jacqui!
I think quite a few of us straddle the line based on situations/circumstances. The key is knowing when to move forward and when to back away a little.
Thanks, Dan.
P.S. I loved the guy in the red shirt… to me he represented a perfect case of introvert/extrovert. Who knew that quiet, lil’ old Clark Kent turned out to be none other than Superman?
In our sales folks we look for outgoing extraverts , our accounts guys intra’s. All depends on the roles you need them for in the workplace. A good mix and a nice balance will help you get the right feel for your business
Do you actively search for people who are introvert or extrovert, or does it just work out that way?
I’d be interested to see if there is any major benefit to seeking out specific personality types for specific jobs, but I tend to think it’s probably not overly relevant to most positions.
Daniel Rose´s last blog ..If you watch too closely- you don’t see the big picture
Personality types are a funny thing, they seem to change with the weather. I agree with the previous posters that self awareness is an excellent first step. The day I realised I was an extrovert was the same day I resolved to really notice the way I communicated with people.Thanks for sharing this blog with us.
Awesome post, These days I have been looking for job and I am glad that I have found your site which is full of useful information
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