Question: I am an introvert, what is the best way to get a job?
Dear Introvert,
The first thing we must determine is if you are truly an introvert or if you are shy. There is a difference.
If you are truly an introvert, then this means you would just rather be alone but are not shy. But if you are shy, then this means you lack confidence. So let’s address both of these issues:
[heading h=”h3″ font=””]1. Being shy[/heading]
If you are shy, then I know what you are going through. As a child growing up, I was also very shy. However, what got me to break out of my shell was when I found something that I was passionate about.
Excitement is a force of energy that will electrify you and help you come alive. Once I discovered my passion, I became really good at my craft and this helped me develop more confidence.
Not only was I shy, but I had a deep-rooted negative belief that I was unworthy of money and success. Over time, I worked through these issues by taking action on the things that excited me in life.
So the first thing I want to ask you is this: Are you excited about the work you do?
The second question I want to ask you is this: Do you feel confident about the work you provide?
The only way you can overcome your shyness is by being confident. Shyness comes from not having confidence. So you are going to need to be honest with yourself and come to terms with the fact that it’s time to start taking small steps towards building more confidence.
2. Being an introvert
If you are an introvert (and not shy), then I know where you’re coming from. I too am an introvert. The funny thing about my life was that as a kid, I was shy first. Then I broke out of my shell, became confident, and was always around people.
As I’ve gotten older, I have become more introverted. I am very confident but just not a fan of huge crowds or being with people. I love being alone.
That being said, I have also come to terms with the fact that I have to have a healthy balance of being with people. I can’t just be alone forever or I won’t function in the world.
You need to find a way to be enough of an extrovert to function, and the best way to do that when it comes to getting a job is to focus on the results you deliver.
I know that at some companies, it’s like high school—it’s all about popularity and who you know.
However, there are plenty of companies that will be satisfied with you coming in and providing them with what they need. See yourself as someone who is providing a service that helps the company you are going to be working with accomplish what they want. Focus on selling the results you are going to deliver.
That being said, don’t kid yourself in thinking that you don’t need to build relationships with people at all. You can stay inside, read books, and be alone all you want, but at certain points in your life (like getting a job), you do need people.