Customer Reviews

The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career

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I had a chance to see The Successful Introvert right before it went to press, and I absolutely loved it. I'm not just saying that because I knew more of the back-story, and because Wendy participated in the webinar... I loved this book because it speaks to a special person: me. This might surprise you, as I have a public face, but I consider myself to be an introvert. Networking, the job search, putting myself out there, tooting my own horn, all that stuff is a painful process.

I remember a few months ago I was at a conference where I was a speaker. The opening night of the conference was an open-bar networking thing, and most of the people there were social media people. It was the perfect crowd for me, right? Instead of going down and networking, I went to my hotel room, got into my pajamas, and hunkered down for a peaceful, quiet night.

That's me. Jason the introvert. Guess how all of my other networking efforts go? It is taxing. It's genuine, and once I get my groove I'm cool, but sometimes just getting that groove is hard, and scary, and takes a lot of effort.

As I read this book I learned about myself, as an introvert. And I could see how this would benefit job seekers who are scared to death of the job search. There's an idea that you have to be a loud, Type A personality to get what you want, otherwise the loud ones are going to take what you deserve. Wendy breaks down some myths, and helps me understand how to go about a job search as an introvert.

Here are the chapters:

* Chapter 1: Are You Introverted or Are You Shy?
* Section 2: Job Search and Transition
* Chapter 3: Promoting Yourself: Creating an Effective Resume
* Chapter 4: Cultivating Connections
* Chapter 5: Promoting Yourself: Interviewing
* Chapter 6: After You Land­: Transitioning to Success
* Chapter 7: Embrace Your Introversion

In addition to Wendy's personal experiences, she has a bunch of introverts sharing their thoughts, techniques, etc. with you. Here's one I really like from Patty Lebau, a teacher (page 37):

"[Job search] has always been a not-fun process, but when I changed it into a research project, I was able to turn it into something I could handle. A research project is the kind of intellectual area that I'm comfortable with."

One more quick comment. I LOVE the cover. I know how hard it is to come up with a good cover, but the image of the pearl really sums up the idea... great job Wendy!

Overall this book is okay. It is full of some practical advice to overcome (or shall I say maximize) your tendency to be introverted in career and social situations. I expected much more practical advice, though. The chapters regarding the strategies for networking and approaching social situations were the most helpful. It would have been nice to have had some hypothetical situations described in which some of the advice was or could be used. The small quotations from experts and professionals simply did not capture all of the practical strategies there are to use one's introvert personality to the fullest. Definitely not worth the full price - buy used.

As a Career Coach, I often work with clients who cringe at the thought of networking to find job leads or struggle with the idea of "selling themselves" on an interview. So many times I've wished I had a resource I could offer that would help them feel more comfortable with their introversion, as well as provide tools for how to conduct a successful job search. I have finally found such a resource. In the "Successful Introvert," Wendy describes the differences between "introversion" and "shyness" and offers insights into the challenges faced by introverts as they strive to manage their careers in a seemingly "extroverted" world. Being a Career Coach and an introvert herself, she offers empathetic advice, practical strategies, usable tools, and realistic action plans that will help any introverted or shy person feel more confident, empowered, and "OK" with who they are as they conduct their job search and manage their career.

Throughout the book are quotes by professionals in a variety of careers who consider themselves introverted, and who offer insights into how they've managed their introversion and tapped into their strengths to survive - and even thrive - in an extroverted world. I found these insights most valuable and I believe readers of the book will connect with the people she's interviewed and take strength from their comments. I highly recommend this book to anyone who considers themselves introverted and who wants to feel more confident in conducting their job search and in managing their career in general.

The Successful Introvert is a fantastic resource for those of us who are introverted. Shy people can also benefit from this amazingly accurate and insightful book. The Author writes with a very knowledgeable hand and speaks from her own, firsthand knowledge of being an introvert. With wonderful quotes from many successful business people who are introverted and shy, the Author makes her book come alive and gives it even greater authenticity. As an introverted person myself, I was really looking forward to reading this book! I am happy to tell you that I am really pleased with the common sense tips and information that the Author provides. With useful examples and proven methods, I am almost ashamed to admit that I have not figured out many of these things on my own. Much of the book's content made me feel more comfortable in my own skin; I realize that being introverted isn't odd or erroneous...it just makes me different from extroverted people. Like two sides of the same coin.
I very highly recommend this book!

(10 out of 10 Diamonds) - Absolutely LOVED it!!


© 2008-2009 Bobbie Crawford-McCoy (Book Reviews By Bobbie).
All rights reserved.

Anyone looking for a job will have butterflies in their tummy. For introverts, it is even more difficult. I have attributes of both extrovert and introvert. I can speak in public with very few butterflies. I can be self-confident in that situation. However, networking almost makes me sick to my stomach. I do much better in a career situation than a social one.
Wendy Gelberg offers exemplary strategies for the introvert facing networking and interview situations. Gelberg draws on her own experiences and those of other successful introverts. I found the chapter that defines shy people and introverts very interesting. Most people do not realize there is a difference.
As I was reading this book, I was reminded of a recent encounter. I was at a retreat. A very nice woman was sitting close to me. She was not very talkative. She did not participate in much. I ended up very uncomfortable. I had the feeling that she did not like me or found me annoying. She was an introvert. Not all introverts are rude, but their reticence often makes them appear that way. If I had a copy of this book with me, I would have presented her with it. With her attitude, I would never offer her a job.