If you are an introverted person, there are many jobs that could be a great fit for you. Read below for a list of ten great jobs for shy people. Then read a list of job searching tips for introverts.
Second, think about how many new people you will have to interact with in the job. Many introverts find meeting new people to be particularly wearying. If you have to interact with new clients on a regular basis, it might not be the job for you. Instead, look for jobs where you will generally be surrounded by the same people every day.
1. Animal Care and Service Worker
Animal care and service workers provide care for animals. They might work in kennels, zoos, animal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics, or even their own homes. Their duties vary depending on where they work, but they often groom, feed, exercise, and train animals, and sometimes examine their health. Because animal care and service workers interact more with animals than humans, this can be a good job for introverts.
2. Archivist
Archivists appraise, catalogue, and preserve permanent records and other valuable works. They might work in a library, a museum, or even within a corporation’s archives. Most archivists need a master’s degree in archival science, history, library science, or a related field. Because archivists spend so much time either with physical archives or on the computer, they do not need to worry about interacting with too many people.
3. Astronomer
Astronomers study celestial bodies like planets, stars, and galaxies. They spend a lot of time on computers, analyzing astronomical data. They might work on a small team with engineers and scientists, but they also do a lot of work on their own.
4. Court Reporter
Court reporters create word-for-word transcriptions of legal proceedings. They also sometimes play back or read back a portion of the proceedings if a judge requests it. While this job requires being surrounded by people in the courtroom, the court reporter rarely has to interact with those people – he or she just needs to be a good listener. Many court reporters have a certificate in court reporting from a community or technical college, and they receive on-the-job training.
5. Film/Video Editor
Film or video editors use video-editing software to produce a final product. They have to interact with a small collection of other people, including the director, other editors, and editing assistants. However, most of their work is done on a computer, so they do a lot of work alone or in a small group.
6. Financial Clerk
Financial clerks do administrative work for companies like insurance agencies, healthcare organizations, and credit services companies. They typically keep and maintain financial records for the company and carry out financial transactions. There are different types of financial clerks, including payroll clerks, billing clerks, credit clerks, and more. A lot of their duties involve working alone on a computer; however, some clerk jobs require interaction with customers and clients.
7. Geo scientist
Geo scientists study the earth’s composition and structure. They spend time doing fieldwork outdoors and doing research in laboratories. They often work with a team of technicians and scientists, but much of their work in the lab is solitary. Geo scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree for an entry-level position, but many also get a master’s degree.
8. Industrial Machine Repairer
Industrial machine repairers (often known as industrial machinery mechanics) fix factory equipment and other industrial machinery. They need to be able to read and understand technical manuals, and recognize the cause of a technical problem with a machine. Because many machines are run by computers, many need not only mechanical skills but also knowledge of computer programming. They work with machines more than with people, so this is a good job for introverts. Industrial machine repairers typically need a high school degree and at least a year of on-the-job training.
9. Medical Records Technician
Medical records technicians and health information technicians organize and maintain health information data. They might use paper files, computer files, or a mix of both. Technicians might work in hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing facilities, or administrative offices. They do not interact much with patients, but they do work with nurses and other healthcare professionals. They often have to retrieve information for these people. However, much of their work is done behind a computer, so it is a good job for people who want to say out of the spotlight.
10. Social Media Manager
You would think that, with the word “social” in the title, a social media manager job would be a bad fit for an introverted person. However, social media managers maintain a company’s brand from behind a computer. They create online content, respond to online comments, and answer online questions. They have to be comfortable creating and distributing a brand’s content on a number of online platforms. While social media managers have to work with their employers and colleagues, they typically do not have to engage directly with clients.
Other job fields that are ideal for introverts include engineering, accounting, and office management.
Job Searching Tips for Introverts
Even if you are not interested in any of these specific jobs, here are some tips for finding a job without having to alter your personality:
Network at your own speed
Networking is a key aspect of job searching, but if you are introverted, it can be intimidating. Look for networking opportunities that allow you to meet people in small groups or one-on-one. Set up one-on-one informational interviews, or attend smaller networking events or seminars.
Use the internet
Luckily, in today’s world, much of the job search process can be done online. Build up your professional network online, using networking sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Networking sites are a great place for you to connect with people and share your professional knowledge, without the intimidation of a face-to-face group meeting.
Pay attention to company culture
When applying to jobs, be sure to thoroughly research the company culture of each organization. Read the “About” section on each company’s website, and speak with employees or former employees about the company atmosphere. Is there an emphasis on teamwork and team projects? Does the office have an open floor plan? Only apply to jobs that offer the sort of office environment you are comfortable with.
Emphasize the positives
An introverted personality can be an asset in many jobs. In your cover letters and interviews, emphasize the aspects of your personality that make you a strong candidate. For example, many introverts are great listeners and strong critical thinkers. Think about how you can use your personality to your advantage in the job search and on the job.
