When being yourself hurts your job search

It's easy to tell people they need to cold call, walk in, and network.

For some job seekers, it is easy.

It's not easy for introverts.

This article from Fortune looks at how introverts struggle with the personal interaction involved in job searching. "Ask Annie" columnist Anne Fisher focuses on a strength that introverts can use to one-up extroverts: Preparation.

Anne advises introverts to be informed about companies they are approaching and to practice answers to common or expected questions. This preparation helps individuals express themselves without having to think up answers on the spot and gives introverts a boost of confidence.

Anne also allows for introverts to pace themselves in their networking, and promotes online connections as a safe approach.

Does your program provide options that meet the needs of both introverts and extroverts?

Areas that challenge Employment Specialists trying to provide individualized services are:
1. Expectations that job seekers make a minimum number of employer or networking contacts.
2. Group workshops that rely heavily on either lecture or participation without mixing teaching/learning styles.
3. Allowing job seekers to remain in their comfort zones which may leave them spinning their wheels.