Tips for Advocating For Your Own Career as an Introvert - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Tips for Advocating For Your Own Career as an Introvert - Introvert Whisperer Tips for Advocating For Your Own Career as an Introvert Do you find yourself staying quiet in team meetings? Or do you struggle defending yourself in performance reviews? Most introverts have issues facing confrontation or speaking up for themselves, so you aren’t alone. Advocating for your skills and abilities, however, is a crucial part of advancing your career. Fortunately, introversion doesn’t have to affect your ability to climb the career ladderâ€" you can actually use it to your advantage! Here are some tips on how to champion yourself at work. Set up monthly check-ins Consider scheduling regular meet-ups with your supervisor or manager to discuss ways you can improve your work. Not only will this show your initiative and interest in advancement, but it will also serve as a great channel to share all the extra work you’ve been doing. Plus, working one-on-one with your boss in a more casual setting should make it much easier for you to feel comfortable expressing your thoughts, rather than in a large group or in one pressure-filled meeting. Dress for success   Many introverts are quiet in meetings with coworkers, which can (incorrectly) come across as having low self-confidence, a trait that’s often associated with lack of leadership. Instead of fading into the background, use your appearance to boost your air of assuredness and best display your talents. Try to pick modern, professional outfits and tame your hair in order to be noticeable and look put-together. If you don’t feel great about your options, consider splurging on a personal shopping experience for more flattering clothes, or one of many available hair loss treatments for healthier locks. This should help you join meetings looking and feeling confident in order to grab the attention of your coworkers without being over-the-top. Plan your networking accordingly   Networking is a great opportunity to share your skills with others in the industry and make connections about possible job moves. However, most introverts feel drained after large social situations and need time to recoup. Keep this in mind when scheduling your networking events. Don’t push yourself too far with back-to-back-to-back events. This will only leave you exhausted, burned-out, and likely unable to communicate effectively. Instead, plan on attending one every other week so you have more time to prepare and enter each event with a clear, productive mind. Use your strengths   Some of the best characteristics of an introverted worker include the ability to work independently and engage in thoughtful communication. Use these to your advantage every day in the office. Whether that means taking on new projects yourself or sharing insights with coworkers that will advance the team. Additionally, as opposed to extroverts, introverts are more likely to use logic instead of haste when approaching career moves, which can be an asset when thinking long-term. Keep these strengths in mind when looking to further your position in the office and strengthen your career trajectory in general. In today’s competitive job market, it’s important that you’re able to effectively showcase your skills, knowledge, and experienceâ€" especially as an introvert. Utilize these tips to make sure you’re able to present your offerings well and take control of your career. Author Bio:   Capri Fiello is a strong advocate for professional health and wellness. She believes that positivity and proactive planning are the keys to success in career, relationships, and life. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer