Job Search Tip – 5 Ways Introverts Can Network to Find A Job

Various polling methods report 60% to 70% of jobs are found through networking. Thank goodness it doesn’t necessarily mean going to a networking event; but it does mean to tap into your already established network. Introvert, shy or reluctant extrovert, use your networks effectively for anything you need including a job. Introverts may find this approach more suitable since it’s from an introvert perspective.

Plan who you will talk with. First take time to identify, by writing down or thinking it through, people in various contact spheres. It could be at church, a book reading club, your current job, your family or even places you volunteer. The people who you hopefully are comfortable to contact are people who you already know since they know, like and trust (KLT) you. The truth is that finding a job is selling yourself and the KLT factor is intact with people who you know.

Get clear on the work you want. Just as with many people who are in sales or in business for themselves, you want to get specific on the type of work you want before you set your networking to a job plan into action. Take time to identify specific industries, companies or a role that you are best suited for and would love to work.

See who you can help. As an introvert in sales for 30 years I usually find best results when leading with value first. By finding out how you can help other people first, you may find it easier to then be more direct in asking others, of another contact sphere, for help with your job search. It’s like taking a break from the energy you are putting out to find a job. Clarify who you think might just need some help from you in some way now. Then, go back to your own job search.

Try social networking if you haven’t already. I’ve only been starting to use Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn this year even though I signed on last year. There are many recruiters online who have jobs they must fill and they want to connect with you. One of my Twitter and LinkedIn connections is a CEO of an IT recruiting organization with a highly regarded reputation. The point is, social networking is a perfect environment for introverts to network.

Follow-up. This is an important step to continues to deepen your relationships. If someone refers you to a person or company for a job they know is open, you must follow-up! First, to make contact where the possible job opening is. Second to thank the person or give an update of progress to who gave you the lead or referral. Remember, the reason the people who you know find it easy to give you a lead to a possible job is because they know, like and trust you. You want to continue to enhance those kind of relationships.

Networking to find a job – a plan, a clear goal, recharge by helping someone else, social networking and to strengthen already solid relationships. Certainly there can be more steps but these are the basics. As an introvert, does this sound like a networking plan you can put yourself into to find a job?