Best Jobs for Introverts | Part-Time, Full-Time and Contract Examples

Introverts bring value to companies that use their unique skill set. Introversion is a personality type, and finding the right job can help introverted people be happier at work. There are many jobs that fit these personalities. In this article, you can learn about the personality traits of an introvert and match them with the best job for their unique skill set.

What are introverts?

There are several common characteristics among introverts:

• Introverts enjoy solitude, unlike extroverts who seek social interaction.
• While they can be an active part of a busy social setting, they need time alone to recharge.
• They are active listeners. Active listening involves listening to what another person has to say and trying to understand the message before responding. 
• They prefer working independently so they can focus on producing good work without being distracted by the social aspects of working with other people.
• They dislike conflict with other people.
• They prefer expressing their thoughts and emotions through writing.
• During stressful periods, these personality types prefer recharging by spending time with themselves. 
• They value quality instead of quantity in relationships and are likely to have a very small group of close friends.
• They spend a lot of time thinking and have an active thought process.

Introverted personalities tend to be happier in smaller groups and may prefer to work independently.

Great jobs for introverts

The best professions for introverted people are the ones that people can perform more effectively alone rather than in team settings. There are many jobs in different industries for introverts to choose from. 

These are some of the best types of jobs:  

Researcher

Many industries require researchers, and introverts happen to have a unique skill set that matches a research-based position. For instance, a person who chooses this job type, whether they are a research scientist, market researcher or an in-house researcher for an online retail store, can benefit from these abilities.

Examples for the skills of a Researcher:

• The ability to spend a lot of time working alone on projects in a laboratory-based environment or in front of a computer 
• An active thought process that enables them to analyze data, see patterns in raw data and develop insights or solutions based on these patterns
• Good communication to compile reports and engage stakeholders in their research 

Due to their personalities, introverts have most of the characteristics that suit this type of job. Gaining an academic qualification in the researcher position that interests you can help prepare you for this job.

Team Leader

An effective team leader needs to use the skills of their team members to meet goals. Due to their listening skills and introspective natures, introverts often have the natural ability to connect well with their team members and figure out the best way to motivate them quickly. 

They are also more likely to prioritize doing the actual work to meet team goals because introverts, when compared with extroverts, often derive more satisfaction from meeting work goals such as key performance indicators (KPIs) instead of interacting with the team. 

Building your experience in managing teams can help you to develop your skills for this role.

Physiotherapist

Working as a physiotherapist can be a very satisfying occupation for introverts. There are many different occupations in the field of physiotherapy, and each of these positions require the following skills:

Examples for the skills of a Physiotherapist:

• Good listening skills
• The ability to spot unhealthy thought patterns in patients that stem from their mental illness 
• The ability to address unhealthy thought patterns in their patients with insights from patient-therapist discussions, research and academic knowledge 

Introverts are likely to have all the soft skills that are essential for this role due to their personalities. They are also likely to gain job satisfaction from this type of occupation because it involves helping people heal and achieve a higher level of health. 

Independent Contractor

Introverts can thrive as independent contractors. Freelancers can use a project-by-project process for multiple employers, set their own working hours and control their working environments. These job aspects match the characteristics of introverts because they can often work with less oversight. They are also likely to be more productive in independent environments, which is very difficult to do when working as full-time, in-house employees. 

Getting certified in the type of freelance work that interests you or building your resume through work experience can help you to prepare for this occupation. 

Mechanical Engineer

Positions in mechanical engineering exist in many industries such as water, military, transportation and healthcare. 

Examples for the skills of a Mechanical Engineer:

• Assessing, measuring, changing, testing and improving components, engines and devices 
• Using computer-based software
• Doing research
• Interpreting raw data to develop insights or solutions
• Providing technical support 
• Developing stakeholder communication materials such as documentation and reports

Due to their preference for working alone, good cognitive skills and strong written communication skills, the position of mechanical engineer can be a great job for introverts. There are a number of routes into this profession for entry-level workers and many employers offer placements or degree sponsorship.