Usually when we think about diversity, we think about categories such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or age. But what about personality type? A workforce that includes a mix of extrovert and introvert types balances the strengths and weaknesses of both groups.

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

If you are an introvert looking for work, take the opportunity to present those strengths in the course of your search – not by using the label itself, but by providing examples of the value you bring.

Highlight the successes you’ve had precisely because of the qualities that come from your introvert personality type. For example:

• Do you, like many introverts, tend to be cautious before jumping into an activity or moving forward in a potentially risky direction?
  If so, that has probably resulted in avoiding some undesirable outcomes. Tell that story in your networking, resume, cover letter, and job interviews.
  
  
• Do you, like many introverts, tend to deliberate before offering an opinion or proposing an idea or action plan?
  If so, perhaps you saved time or money for your employer by having a fully-formulated plan, ready for implementation, with the bugs and kinks already worked out. Tell that story in your networking, resume, cover letter, and job interviews.
  
  
• Do you, like many introverts, project a calm demeanor?
  If so, your calm may have enabled you to handle crises very effectively or served to reassure others and keep them focused on the task at hand. Tell that story in your networking, resume, cover letter, and job interviews.

Bottom Line:

Showcase the successes you’ve had because of your introverted nature to demonstrate the value of having a personality-diverse workforce.

© Copyright Wendy Gelberg, 2012. Used with permission.

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About This Author:

Wendy Gelberg is the founder of Gentle Job Search/Advantage Resumes and author of The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career. She is a certified career coach and resume writer whose expertise is in helping people who are uncomfortable "tooting their own horn." Wendy gives workshops, coaches individuals, and writes articles and blogs on all aspects of the job search process. Samples of her resumes and career advice appear in over 20 books. Wendy has owned her business for over 12 years. She has been an introvert her whole life. Contact Wendy at wendy@gentlejobsearch.com.

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