Meeting new people can be a challenge for introverts. Searching for a job involves meeting new people. A few simple strategies can make the process a little easier.

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

Sophia Dembling surveyed introverts for her blog in Psychology Today (The Introvert’s Corner) to find out their favorite ways to meet people. She wasn’t talking about job search, but the strategies apply.

1. Introductions by friends and family.

These are the people who know you best and who are generally easiest to approach. Make sure your inner circle understands the kinds of opportunities you are looking for so they can help with introductions.

2. At work or school.

This is a little trickier if you’re no longer in a job or in school, but you can still reach out to former colleagues and classmates. Or, seek out opportunities for ongoing professional development, which upgrades your skills and gives you an opportunity to meet others who share your interests. (Side note – if your job search has been an extended one, “professional development” is a great answer when employers ask you what you’ve been doing for the past many months.)

3. Volunteering.

If you volunteer on a regular and recurring basis, you create the opportunity to become known and trusted by a new group of people, while you simultaneously get to know and trust them. At the same time, you’re making a helpful contribution to a cause or organization you care about and, in some cases, continuing to use your professional skills. (Side note – this is another great answer for employers if you’ve been in an extended search.)

Dembling concluded from her survey that “introverts prefer meeting people in situations where they can warm up and where there’s a natural subject for discussion (i.e. a club or class).”

Bottom Line:

You can meet new people in a low-key and natural manner that doesn’t have to take you too far out of your comfort zone. And meeting new people expands your job search network.

© Copyright Wendy Gelberg, 2012. Used with permission.

---------------------------------------------

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.

Return to Job-Hunt Home.