How to Get a Consulting Job for Introverts

There's been a lot of talk about different personality types lately, and much of this talk has been centered on the subject of introverts versus extraverts. People are becoming more aware of the differences between the two extremes, and they are increasingly viewing life through the lens of extraversion versus introversion. This is especially true in the business world, where most people would agree that extraverts are better suited. While the differences between introverted people and extraverted individuals are important, one's personality type should not affect the types of jobs for which he or she would be qualified. If you are an introvert, you might have a natural tendency to shy away from certain activities or situations, and you might not think that you have what it takes to be successful in consulting. If, however, you feel like you can make an impact in this field and you want to know how to get a consulting job, I have some advice for you.

Everyone Needs to Adapt

As an introvert, you will certainly have to adapt to situations that you might find uncomfortable. As a consultant, you'll have to find a way to become more comfortable with groups, and you'll have to find a way to feel at ease when you need to speak your mind. The other side of the coin is that extraverts also need to adapt. In fact, most people need to learn how to adapt to join the field of consulting in order to be successful, regardless of personality type.

Conventional wisdom says that extraverts are better suited to business and consulting, but the reality is more complicated than that. Extraverts might be comfortable when they speak to groups of people, but they need to know how to adapt to groups that might not share their extraverted energy. If an extravert tries to present an idea to a group of analytical, introverted people, the message might fail if it isn't delivered in a way that makes sense to them. Therefore, the extravert will need to go against his or her nature, if only temporarily, to make the desired impact.

It doesn't matter what personality type a person has. That individual is going to need to adjust and adapt to be effective. This requires stepping out of one's comfort zone, and it applies to everyone, not just introverts.

How to Get a Consulting Job as an Introvert

If you're willing to adapt as an introvert and you want to know how to get a consulting job, here are some pieces of advice:

• Understand and develop your EQ, or Emotional Intelligence
   

• Stay true to your introverted nature – passing yourself off as an extravert won't make a good impression
   

• Use your more introverted, analytical qualities to separate yourself from more extraverted candidates for a project
   

• Spend some time learning about the ways in which extraverts communicate and listen
   

• Let your confidence shine through – confidence, not extraversion, is what makes outgoing people so effective among others
   

• Don't assume that your quiet nature is a detriment – many people will view your serenity as a strength

Conventional wisdom tells us that consulting is a career choice that is best suited for extraverts, but this line of thinking couldn't be more incorrect. Introverts certainly need to adapt to become consultants, but so does everyone else. If consulting seems like the right career choice for you, don't let non existent rules about personality types govern your next move; go forward with confidence and a willingness to adapt to those who can benefit from hearing your message.

If you would like to learn more about how to get a consulting job, or you're interested in how you might fit into the world of consulting, I recommend that you download your free copy of my eBook, “Experience Matters.” You should also download the valuable consulting guides that are available at no cost from the Ex3 Matters website.