If you crave attention, fast moving environments and find yourself drawn to being around others, you could be an extrovert. Like all personality types extroverts suit certain types of jobs better than others. Extroverts excel in positions that require public speaking or interacting with customers or clients. But before considering the range of career options its worth taking a look at the qualities of an extrovert.
Qualities of an extrovert
Extroverts are people who enjoy being around other people and find energy in social situations. Many extroverts prefer to focus on the outer world of activities than their own inner world. They often thrive in fields that require interacting with others, like sales and customer service roles. Although introverts have unique qualities that make them valuable in different settings, extroverts have specific characteristics that make them excel in certain jobs and professions.
Some common qualities of an extrovert include:
- Having the ability to express verbal ideas easily
- Enjoying spending time with other people
- Being more productive when working with a team
- Having a lot of energy and enthusiasm
- Generally being naturally talkative and outgoing.
Careers where these traits would be beneficial include sales executive, event planner, marketing manager, bartender and PR specialist.
Career Options
Sales
Sales professions require an engaging personality, strong communication skills, and the ability to think on your feet. This makes sales work ideal for extroverts who enjoy meeting people and selling products or services.
Marketing
As with sales positions, those in marketing need to be able to relate to people and explain messages and concepts quickly and effectively. Extroverted individuals often find success in marketing roles as they can navigate complicated sales work without missing a beat.
Education
Extroverts typically make inspiring teachers due to their ability to communicate well with students while motivating them toward greater achievements. Activities such as role playing or using resources creatively play a major role here and can prove stimulating for an extroverted educator.
Social Work/Public service roles
Careers in social work and public services require lots of direct contact with others in various settings like hospitals, schools or government agencies. Empathy and an understanding of human behaviour requires constant interaction. This would make it a great option for an extrovert looking for more meaningful work within society.
Politics
Careers in politics may cover researcher, public relations officer, civil servant or you might become a politician in local or national government. The requirement to interact with others and promote a public profile would make this kind of work an ideal option for an extrovert. If you want to make a difference a political career can make it happen.
Entertainment
Extroverts fit will in roles such as entertainer or comedian. This might be for children’s entertainment, or within theatre of broadcasting. YouTube opens opportunities for extroverts to develop their own channel for entertainment or exploring a personal field of interest.
Tourism
From travel consultant to holiday rep there are a range of careers that would suit an extroverted personality. An extrovert would excel as a hotel manager, event organiser and receptionist or within the cruise industry. All areas within tourism benefit from an upbeat personality and a great communicator.
Tips for Succeeding in an Extrovert Career
Work on building relationships with others
It is important to recognize other perspectives when engaging with potential contacts or customers. People skills are critical in any communication situation; you must be able to connect effectively and grow relationships for mutual success.
Enhance your ability to use active listening skills, genuinely understand people’s needs, remain composed under pressure and find common ground within any discussion.
Stay Confident
One of the advantages of being an extrovert is gaining confidence from talking with others. Practice speaking confidently – eliminate any “ums,” “uhs,” or hesitation words. When telling stories focus on being accurate without exaggerating points; this will project competence in the workplace.
Network
Extroverts typically have no issue expressing themselves in professional situations. Take advantage of this innate trait by joining networking events in order to develop relationships which may lead towards career growth opportunities. Networking also provides a platform where questions can be asked to better understand an industry sector and best practice approaches for successful campaigns.
And finally…
Being an extrovert offers many options and opportunities providing you choose careers that play to your strengths. While extroverts tend to be energised by interacting with people and tend to thrive in group environments, they may find it difficult to cope with situations where a more introverted demeanour is favoured. By understanding the advantages and limitations your personality, you will be able to steer your way to a fullfilling and successful career.