Why not?
You may have heard from people that introverts can’t work in HR. But that’s not entirely true. In my opinion, you don’t have to be extremely extroverted or talkative to excel in the job.
In fact, being introverted can even be an advantage for you in HR. More so if you’re empathetic and a good listener to people’s problems. But of course, you need to know how to communicate and build relationships as well.
Understanding introversion
There’s no need to feel like you CMI in HR just because you’re not as outgoing as others.
That’s because being an introvert doesn’t necessarily mean you’re anti-social, right?
Introversion just means you prefer to recharge by yourself, and maybe you don’t talk too much. But that doesn’t mean you cannot communicate or dislike working with people.
Most introverts also possess practical skills like attention to detail, critical thinking, and compassion. These are all useful traits to survive in the HR world.
P.S. Just find a company that values your strengths and doesn’t force you to be someone you’re not.
Key HR job responsibilities and how introverts can excel
Recruitment, training, employee relations, and performance management are some job responsibilities of a career in HR.
Recruitment: Introverts are good at analyzing people and can use their attention to detail to screen candidates.
Image Credits: Freepik
Training: Look into offering one-on-one personalized coaching and mentoring.
Employee relations: Employ active listening and empathy to your advantage. Mediate conflicts and resolve issues in a calm and composed manner that extroverts may find hard to do.
Performance management: Assess employee performance objectively and deliver 1-to-1 constructive and tactful feedback.
Strategies for introverted HR-wannabes to thrive
First, cultivate your communication skills.
Learn to express yourself clearly and effectively, and also listen when listening is due.
If you’re shy, practice asking questions first and then listening to those answers. There’s no need to force yourself to be talkative right from the get-go; just communicate in your way.
Stan Bowman, an HR manager, uses observation skills to learn about people’s interests.
“My goal always is to find a common ground. Once we establish that, we have a connected conversation that’s of value to both of us.”
Next, balance social interactions with alone time.
As an introvert, you need the space to recharge and think, so don’t push yourself too much and burn out. Schedule quiet time in your workday, or request to work from home sometimes.
As Karen Gately, a people management specialist, rightly puts it:
“For most introverts, it’s critical to have focus times to work through priorities. Introverts don’t enjoy unanticipated interruptions, for example, to the same extent that extroverts do.”
And remember, growth and adaptation are important in any job.
So don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and try new things. Push out of your comfort zone once you’re more settled in the job and discover your hidden strengths.
Just because you’re quieter doesn’t mean you’re not capable of handling people. You can be the one who makes sure everyone’s happy in the workplace without talking too much. In a world where everyone wants a “voice,” being in an opposite position can do more good than harm. But if you’re feeling unsure, that’s normal. No one’s immediately good at a new job, so give yourself time to develop your communication skills. There’s no need to be so gung ho; take one step at a time, yeah.
