by Shaun Burke

Many career consultants, coaches, books, and job-search web sites advise job seekers to develop a network to conduct a successful job search. For an introvert, this may be a difficult proposition. There are, however, ways for introverts to overcome their natural tendencies and ask friends, family, co-workers and area professionals to assist them in their job searches.

How do you know if you're an introvert? The main difference between extroverts and introverts is how they interact with the world and where they direct their energy. Extroversion and introversion are not synonymous with talkative and shy, respectively. Extroverts focus their energy on the world outside of themselves. Introverts focus their energy on the world inside of themselves. Shyness gives the impression that there is anxiety about being around others. The distinction between those who are shy and those who are introverts is that the latter often make a conscious choice to be solitary. Introverts do not fear social activities. They just prefer solitary activities.

Whether extrovert or introvert, each of us needs to take ownership of our careers and build relationships -- the world of work depends on them. As the saying goes, "It's not what you know, it's who you know."

A successful job search involves marketing oneself. This is easy for extroverts, who enjoy meeting others and expanding their business and social circles. Introverts, though, have to challenge themselves to go outside their comfort zone and create opportunities to market themselves. For introverts who believe that their abilities and actions should speak for themselves, this can be hard to swallow.

It's rare that an employer seeks out a particular individual to fill an opening, which means that job seekers must find and sell themselves to potential employers. If you have skills that make you valuable to potential employers, tell them! Be proud of your accomplishments. Express your goals, desires and ideas. Your job is to convince contacts and potential employers that you are the best thing happening. Coca-Cola didn't become the No. 1 soft-drink beverage quietly. What do you have to offer that no one else can provide as well as you can?

Increase your exposure to increase your potential for employment. Since a large proportion of job seekers and employers find one another through personal contacts, it is to every job seeker's advantage to network, network, network.

Building Your Network

How should an introvert create a network? One suggestion is to develop a network primarily consisting of extroverts and learn from them. Since extroverts enjoy making contacts and meeting people, they'll most likely be happy to help you make additional contacts with people who can assist you in your job search.

Having a hard time thinking of people to include in your network? List people you know, including teachers, family, friends, doctors, business executives, political/civic/community leaders, former classmates, salespersons, former employers, former co-workers, bankers/accountants/financial advisers, fellow volunteers, clergy, consultants, insurance agents and real-estate brokers. You may be surprised at how many people you know.

Group the people on your list into three categories: decision makers, influencers, and supporters.

Decision makers are people who make hiring decisions. They're also individuals of high status who have "clout." Influencers are those who know decision makers. Supporters include everyone who isn't in the other two categories. These are people you can go to for emotional support. Subcategorize members in each group as an extrovert or introvert.

Once you've made your lists with addresses and phone numbers, start making contact. Make your first round of calls to extroverts. They will probably jump at the opportunity to help you connect with other people. Send networking letters or e-mails to the introverts on your list. They also will want to help and likely will give you valuable information, but their help may come more slowly than from your more outgoing contacts.

Talking Points

What should you discuss with your networking contact? It's important to make "small talk" -- networking is about building relationships and social chit-chat is part of that process. Talk about your background, job-search ideas and most important, any contacts that they might have for you. It's important to get a commitment from them to call their contacts and learn if they would be open to meeting with or talking to you.

What should you not do? Don't ask your networking contact directly for a job. The purpose of meeting or talking with this person is to gain additional contacts and ideas on how to meet your job-search goals.

If, as an introvert, you can learn to network comfortably, you have a very valuable tool for your job search. Use your introversion to your advantage. Advance your job search by meeting others who have influence and can make decisions regarding your employment.

Make contacts, meet people, and you just might find a job that's right for you.