More on Job Search for Introverts: Job Search for Introverts Home Introvert's Path to Job Search Success Managing the Message About Your Value How to Choose a Career: Help for Introverts Introverts' Job Search Advantages Introverts as Leaders Proud to Be an Introvert Finding a Job That Fits The 4 P's of Job Search Success 10 Steps to a Successful Introverts' Job Search Introverts' Guide to Recruiters and Staffing Firms Introverts' Job Search Quiz Job Search in a Tight Economy Lessons from Presidential Campaigns Highlighting Introvert Diversity Value New Year's Job Hunt Resolutions Interviewing Tips: Alternatives to Self-Promotion Informational Interviewing for Introverts Express Enthusiasm in Job Interviews Beating Introvert Interview Fears Networking Nuggets: The Real Goal of Networking Connecting with Your Network 5 Tips for Introverts to Keep Your Network Alive Introverts' Guide to Large Networking Events Face Your Fears The Art of Listening Pace Yourself How to Meet New People Successful Follow-Up Preparation Paves the Way to Networking Success Social Networking for Introverts Holiday Networking for Introverts Job Search for Introverts Expert: Wendy Gelberg, Job Search for Introverts Expert Additional Resources: 15-Minute Guide to Job Networking for Introverts Career Changers Guide to Careers

During your conversation, concentrate on learning about the other individual. Think of it as a research project.

Remember that your purpose in talking with someone new is not to get a job (even though you may urgently need one), but rather to build a new relationship.

So:

1.  Learn about this individual.

Take off your job seeker hat, and put on your professional hat: Use your introverted curiosity and ability to concentrate deeply to find out about such things as the other person’s:

• Knowledge of or opinions about current trends in his occupation or industry
  
• Areas of expertise
  
• Career path
  
• Areas of interest – personal as well as professional
  
• Affiliations – personal as well as professional
  
• Family

Some of this information may just arise organically from the conversation. Some of it you may ask about, if you feel it’s appropriate.

2.  Connect after the first meeting.

Make sure you have contact information for your new connection (ask for a business card), and write a brief and sincere email or note telling the person how much you enjoyed talking with him/her. (A phone call is perfectly fine, too, but many introverts prefer the written word.)

Refer to something specific from the conversation that you found especially valuable or interesting.

3.  Stay in touch, thoughtfully.

Treat this new person the way you treat people you already know.

That is, let them know when you come across something that you think would be of interest to them – a person they might want to talk with, an article they might want to read, some information they might want to know about. Or check in to find out the outcome of any situations they shared with you that had not yet reached their conclusion.

Be thoughtful and authentic. Your gestures will be appreciated, and the other person will recognize you as a valuable new contact.

Bottom Line:

By nurturing your new relationships, you will be regarded as an asset and you will stay "top of mind" when your new contacts learn of opportunities that are suitable for you.

© Copyright Wendy Gelberg, 2011. Used with permission.

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