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How do I choose a job?
I’m a introvert. I only talk around people I feel comfortable with. #student #job
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Gloria’s Answer
Hi Xavior,
If you do not know what you want to do as a career, you should begin with your own innate skills and talents. What do you do as a hobby or when you have free time? Think about what skills and talents that you are using in those tasks. I have written my whole life. If I have free time, I am writing stories or poems. I would write all day if I could. Writing is also a communication skill. You may see in some job descriptions that you need to have good verbal and written communication skills. My work with writing also means that I am able to organize thoughts, creating outlines and seeing processes in steps. Those are project management skills.
You also mentioned being an introvert. I am an introvert as well. You can't and should not let that stop you from doing anything that you want. It is not just about being comfortable about talking with people you don't know. It is also about needing time to process information and needing time alone to recharge. These are not things to be worried about. They are things to be used to your advantage. And sometimes you will need to step outside of your comfort zone, like job interviews. Or maybe you want to be a performer. That is really going to put you outside of your comfort zone. For that, I would say this. It is easier to go outside of your comfort zone when you are confident in what you do. I am a talented designer who has two college degrees. That is what it took for me to be fiercely confident to do my job, even when it involves being engaged with many people that I don't know. But all my knowledge does not keep me from making mistakes. Learn to shake off mistakes - own them and they will not own you. When I make a mistake in my work, I acknowledge it, provide a solution to correct the mistake, and move forward. Many times "mistakes" are actually opportunities to make your work even better.
Gloria
If you do not know what you want to do as a career, you should begin with your own innate skills and talents. What do you do as a hobby or when you have free time? Think about what skills and talents that you are using in those tasks. I have written my whole life. If I have free time, I am writing stories or poems. I would write all day if I could. Writing is also a communication skill. You may see in some job descriptions that you need to have good verbal and written communication skills. My work with writing also means that I am able to organize thoughts, creating outlines and seeing processes in steps. Those are project management skills.
You also mentioned being an introvert. I am an introvert as well. You can't and should not let that stop you from doing anything that you want. It is not just about being comfortable about talking with people you don't know. It is also about needing time to process information and needing time alone to recharge. These are not things to be worried about. They are things to be used to your advantage. And sometimes you will need to step outside of your comfort zone, like job interviews. Or maybe you want to be a performer. That is really going to put you outside of your comfort zone. For that, I would say this. It is easier to go outside of your comfort zone when you are confident in what you do. I am a talented designer who has two college degrees. That is what it took for me to be fiercely confident to do my job, even when it involves being engaged with many people that I don't know. But all my knowledge does not keep me from making mistakes. Learn to shake off mistakes - own them and they will not own you. When I make a mistake in my work, I acknowledge it, provide a solution to correct the mistake, and move forward. Many times "mistakes" are actually opportunities to make your work even better.
Gloria
Updated
Gilbert’s Answer
I am also an introvert but over my career, I have practiced and developed skills that allow me to effectively lead large projects and teams, including presentations and facilitations. It does take time, practice and help from others to develop the skills and build the confidence. I find that I can engage with various people in a topic where I have interest or expertise. If you have an area of interest, do some research on leaders in the area and learn about what they did or how they developed. I just did a google search on "famous introverts" and names such as Elon Musk showed up. Being introverted is really about how you get your energy and to the point that others raised, not whether you have the ability to do a career.
Updated
Karen’s Answer
You have already taken a great step in asking for help. Describe yourself as a good listener and see if you can add brief comments when you are with others, but also accept being a quiet person which the world needs!
Many people today work from home and use tools like computers to communicate. Hope you find a job where you are passionate about what you do and the rest will be history.
With every good wish.
Many people today work from home and use tools like computers to communicate. Hope you find a job where you are passionate about what you do and the rest will be history.
With every good wish.
Updated
Vivian’s Answer
Hi Xavior, it's not easy finding a job, especially if you're not comfortable talking to new people. The good news is that there are tons of research online to help you prepare for the interview. Preparing to answer questions with personal stories that help demonstrate the skills being asked, will help you naturally roll into a casual conversation with the interviewer. Also, prepare a few questions to ask about the company as well. Not only does that show you've done your homework, it also helps fill in awkward silences, which will help fend off the nerves.
At the end of the day, practice makes perfect. Just get started with the applications, and use each interview opportunity to practice! Best of luck with the search.
At the end of the day, practice makes perfect. Just get started with the applications, and use each interview opportunity to practice! Best of luck with the search.
Thank you for the great information. I will do.
Xavior
Updated
Ariane’s Answer
Hi Xavior, as a fellow introvert I'd say it can be really challenging but one thing I've learned from experience is that we need to adapt because in reality, we don't always get what we want. But, if we try harder, we might just get what we need.
Always remember that being an introvert doesn't make you less qualified to get a job that you want. It helps to do a quick self-reflection to learn more about your self -- find your passion, learn about your strengths and weaknesses, understand what you can and cannot do. Build that courage and confidence in you so you can overcome the anxiety of being with other people that you don't know or perhaps in a situation where you're surrounded by a crowd.
You can take strengths finder tests online. Some offer them free like https://high5test.com/strengthsfinder-free/.
Also, you can try the MBTI personality test to better understand what type of an introvert you are. This test provides good insights on the different personality types. Hopefully this can help you to better understand yourself and the people around you. https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
Always remember that being an introvert doesn't make you less qualified to get a job that you want. It helps to do a quick self-reflection to learn more about your self -- find your passion, learn about your strengths and weaknesses, understand what you can and cannot do. Build that courage and confidence in you so you can overcome the anxiety of being with other people that you don't know or perhaps in a situation where you're surrounded by a crowd.
Ariane recommends the following next steps: