How To Network Your Way Into A Job- Even If You're An Introvert

As a career coach, I find that half the people I work with are introverts and ambiverts (which tracks with an article I found on hdrinc.com that indicates that about 50% of people are classified as extroverts, 30% are introverts and 20% are ambiverts). 

When I bring up the fact that strategic networking is a more effective way to land a job faster than just throwing your job application in along with the 100’s or even 1000’s of other applicants, the look on their faces - which vary from distaste to pain to terror- has become all too familiar.  

If you happen to be an introvert or even an ambivert, this post is for you, and I write it as an ambivert myself, but one who also knows I owe whatever strides I've made in my own career over the past 20+ years to strategic networking.

The Sherlock Holmes/Benedict Cumberbatch meme I chose for this article is hilarious to me because it hits pretty close to home. Despite the fact that a huge part of what I've always done in various iterations of my career have to do with public speaking, networking and reaching out to absolute strangers, I am happiest when I'm alone. I love quiet and solitude because that's when I'm most productive.

There's an article about ambiverts on thescienceofpeople.com about ambiverts which describes me perfectly: "In the right context and in the right mood, around the right people, I can flip up into extroversion. In difficult contexts, when tired or cranky, or around toxic people, ambiverts can flip down into introversion." Yep. Like when I was recently was at my daughter’s ballet wardrobe fitting, and I wedged myself into the corner, away from the other dance moms, put my headphones on to drown out these women talking excitedly about one mom’s sourdough starter who she had named Mando, and immersed myself in a re-reading of Jane Austen's "Pride And Prejudice" instead. (I'm not saying they're toxic. They're not. I just didn't really feel like I have much in common with them.)

While some people were going stir-crazy while in lockdown, I was perfectly happy not being in close proximity to other humans. The things I love to do outside of work - baking, arts and crafts, writing-  are definitely solo activities. The idea of leaving the comfort of home has always made me wince, but I force myself to go out because it’s essential for my business to thrive, and I know that when I finally show up, I thoroughly enjoy being there. But then, when I’m done being around people, I need several hours- or even days- of solitude and quiet to recuperate.

If you’re an introvert or even an ambivert, networking can be daunting, but given the data that shows that it's a vital part of landing a job sooner rather than later, you do need to do it if you don’t want to prolong the agony of job searching. 

Here are five tips to help you network successfully:

1. Prepare ahead of time: Prepare for networking events by researching the attendees (LinkedIn is your friend when you need to look up people) and identifying people you would like to meet. This can help you feel more comfortable and confident in initiating conversations.
2. Start small: Begin by attending smaller events, such as workshops or seminars, where you can interact with fewer people. This can help you ease into networking and gain confidence over time. I personally prefer these to events with 100's of people because I find larger events overwhelming.
3. Find common ground: Look for common ground with the people you meet. This can be anything from shared interests or professional goals. (Look into professional events for those in your chosen field by typing your own job title, industry or a technology that you use on Eventbrite, Meetup or Linkedin events).  Finding common ground can help you build rapport and make conversation easier.
4. Listen more than you talk: As an introvert, you're probably a great listener. Use this skill to your advantage by actively listening to what others are saying. This can help you connect with people and show that you value their input.
5. Follow up: After networking events, follow up with people you met. This can be as simple as sending a thank-you email or connecting on LinkedIn. Following up shows that you are interested in maintaining a relationship, which can lead to future opportunities.

Is networking easy or comfortable for introverts and ambiverts? No, especially not at the beginning. But it gets easier and more comfortable the more that you do it, especially given the fact that you will eventually end up connecting with those who not only share your interests but are also going to support you, inspire you, become your advocates during your job search and beyond.

Why am I such a huge proponent of strategic networking when I also grit my teeth at the prospect of dragging myself to events (which is, I find, the most effective way of networking)? It's because it's tremendously empowering. Nothing is as freeing mentally, emotionally and financially as knowing you will never have to worry about layoffs or putting up with anything that doesn't make you happy because you know how to source your own leads and opportunities through strategic networking.

If you have any questions on how to navigate your job search or career pivot, send me a connect request with your question or grab a free initial consultation at www.careercoachdezzi.com. I'm here to help.