Job Search Tips for Introverts (Who Make Up the Majority of Lawyers!)

Introverts are people who gain energy from time alone and are drained by too much social interaction. The majority of lawyers are introverts according to the ABA. So this advice from LinkedIn on job searching for introverts should be especially helpful and conforms with my advice:

1. Don’t fake being an extrovert. Being authentic connects you with people, and connecting is essential in a job search. Plus, if you pretend to be someone you’re not, what are you going to do when you land the job? You can’t continue pretending (way too tiring).
2. Use your natural strengths: active listening, attention to detail, deep conversations. Prepare ahead of time so you have talking points and understand what will engage the interviewer. You know it’s a good interview when conversation flows and the interviewer is doing a lot of talking – that happens when the interviewee is listening closely. The LinkedIn article says introverts “can connect with interviewers on a deeper level and that will leave a lasting impression because they talked about not just the surface-level, and they want to know more and ask a lot of questions.”
3. Network to form connections, not to transact business. It’s not a good use of an introvert’s time or energy to go to a social event and gladhand people. Instead, research the profiles of likely attendees, take a look at nametags at the door, and have some thoughts ready so you will not be caught unaware. Try to form a connection with a small number of people.
4. Know that interviews are draining for everyone, not just introverts. Prepare mentally by researching your interviewer beforehand so you know what you have in common and have topics to raise.
5. Show energy during an interview, even though it’s draining. Be sure to start each interview strong because first impressions are essential. Project enthusiasm naturally by talking about great clients you’ve worked with and the results achieved. That way you aren’t self-consciously bragging about yourself but instead talking about a project important to you. Be sure to include the positive outcome! Have multiple stories lined up, though don’t deploy all of them. Just have them ready to avoid anxiety, and insert any if the occasion naturally arises.