For us introverts, the prospect of finding, applying for, and landing a job can feel like a pretty nerve-wracking endeavour. After all, we need lots of time to recharge our social battery if we want to function at full capacity, and the job-hunting process can take up a lot of our day.
However, this pessimistic mindset really isn’t something you need to give in to. Introverts possess a unique set of skills that can actually set them apart from other applicants and help them win over hiring managers; all they need to do is identify and fully utilise their talents! To clarify how one might achieve this, we’ve put together a ‘Careers for Introverts’ guide to provide career advice to those who might need a little confidence boost before entering the workforce. If this sounds like you, read on; what follows might just help you land your next job!
What are the Signs of Being an Introvert
Before we delve into our top-notch introvert career tips, we need to establish what an introvert actually is and whether or not you are one. Contrary to popular belief, not all introverts cut themselves off from all social interactions. Many simply feel most comfortable with people in their inner circle and need a solid amount of alone time after socialising. In short, introverts aren’t always immediately recognisable (and you may be one without even realising it)!
If you’re on the fence about whether you consider yourself an introvert, check out our list of signs that you might be an introvert. The more you say yes to, the more likely you are one:
You Enjoy Spending a Lot of Time Alone
We know; this one is pretty obvious. However, it’s the single most defining characteristic of an introvert. If you’d rather spend your Friday nights watching Netflix, knitting, or reading than going out with your friends, it’s unlikely that you have extroverted tendencies.
You Need Quiet Time to Concentrate
You know those people who can study with music blaring, a show on, and two friends chatting in the background? Yeah, you’re not one of them. If you want to get something done, you need a perfectly curated focus zone with no outside interactions (except maybe some quiet Lofi beats).
You Have a Few Super-Close Friends
To introverts, the saying ‘quality over quantity’ applies directly to relationships. Instead of having a large circle comprised of acquaintances, you’d rather have a couple of best friends that you can share everything with. After all, the closer you are to your people, the less drained you feel after socialising!
You Don’t Like Group Work
If you’re an introvert, the mere mention of a group project would send your eyes rolling and elicit a massive sigh. When you have a task to do, you do it best alone; your powers are self-direction and motivation, but not necessarily directing others.
You Wouldn’t Like Being the Centre of Attention
A lot of people nowadays dream of a career in the public eye. After all, with stardom taking so many forms (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, acting, music, etc.), Gen Z and Gen Alpha are spoiled for choice when it comes to fame pathways. However, none of that appeals to you. In fact, you find the thought of it terrifying. Putting your life on show? No thanks!
Why Being an Introvert Can Be a Good Thing for Career Growth
The best career advice we can offer to introverts is to play to your strengths and acknowledge potential weaknesses. It’s important to note that by talking about weaknesses, we’re not diminishing the potential of introverted job hunters. In fact, extroversion has the same number of pros and cons; everyone should learn to recognise what they’re best at and what they need to work on. Believe us, it isn’t just you.
Introvert Strengths
One of the best strengths associated with introversion is the ability to complete work to a high standard with little supervision or help. However, there’s a lot more where that came from. Introverts are also highly skilled at displaying:
- A high level of autonomy and initiative
- A purposeful approach to communication
- Strong observational skills
- A heightened sense of empathy
Introvert Weaknesses
The weakness most commonly associated with introversion is the desire to avoid social situations. However, this weakness (and those that we’re about to list) don’t have to remain weaknesses. If you simply work on the things you aren’t naturally adept at, you’ll gradually get better. It just takes a little perseverance!
With that in mind, some areas that introverts may want to work on are:
- Difficulty speaking up
- Hesitance to work with others
- Inward thinking rather than sharing ideas
- Difficulty standing their ground
What Are the Best Careers for Introverts
Introverts can truly thrive in any career, and thus, our introvert career advice is simply to push yourself to land the job of your dreams (even if it feels a little uncomfortable). However, if you’re an introvert who needs some career inspo that caters to those who like being alone, here are some of the top careers for introverts:
- Graphic Designer
- Accountant
- Engineer
- Video Editor
- Data Analyst
- Librarian
However, if you’re still feeling unsure about where you want your career path to lead, we have a fantastic career quiz that will bring your strengths and passions to the surface! If you want to kickstart your career journey, try it today!
Land the Job as an Introvert
With all the info you’ve just been given, it’s time to make the most of your introversion, amplify your unique skillset, and land the job of your dreams! Take the first step by heading over to our employers page and discover how you can get hired today.
