Promotions for Introverts: How to Advocate for Yourself in a World of Extroverts.

Much career advice centers on how you present yourself and communicate. But according to Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, “There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”

How can introverts effectively advocate for themselves in the workplace, especially when promotions are on the line? Below, we will examine several strategies introverts can use to make themselves heard without overtaxing their social batteries.

Put It in Writing

Cain, quoted above, describes introverts in this way: “They listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation. If this is true in your case, there are several solid ways you can advocate for yourself in writing.

The Resume—Still Important

Many people think of a resume only as something you use in order to get a job. But did you know that resumes are often requested when you’re being considered for a promotion?

With this in mind, it is important to keep your resume up-to-date. Review it once or twice a year and add any new skills, responsibilities, or training.

Of course, one promotion can beget another; if one boss or employer finds you worthy of promotion, it may draw the attention of another. But how do you show promotion on your resume? You don’t have to make separate job entries when you’re promoted; use the most recent promotion as your job title. But in the bulleted description, include a statement such as, “Promoted from [previous job title] to [current job title] following [achievement].” Your achievement might be a number of years with the company, a specific project you worked on, or a quantifiable gain.

The Written Request

Sometimes, promotions are not just offered to you; you may need to request to be considered. Remember to include how your current position qualifies you and ways you’ve made an impact. If possible, locate a referral within the organization who is willing to endorse your bid for the role.

Increase Your Qualifications

Lifelong learning is now a sought-after soft skill in practically every industry. As technology and the economy change, your skillset should shift and grow as well.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or well along in it, self-learning can be an ideal pathway for growth. Self-learning allows you to work at your own pace, around your own schedule, and without the pressure of a classroom full of onlookers. Consider taking only classes, reading books or industry journals, or watching informative videos.

Let Your Skills Speak for Themselves

Let quietly delivering results be your strength. Volunteer for high-visibility tasks and challenging projects. Document your contributions and make sure these are communicated to your supervisor through regular project updates—another opportunity for communicating via the written word. This can ensure you are top-of-mind when promotion decisions are addressed.

Network Strategically

As much as you may cringe at the thought of networking, picturing crowded events or endless small talk. When you approach networking strategically, however, you may find it less daunting and more effective.

Focus on the relationships most crucial for your self-advocacy. Usually, these are key decision-makers and stakeholders within your organization. Don’t worry about attending every function or being a part of every interchange. Look for opportunities to have one-on-one conversations in which you can express your goals and strengths.

LinkedIn is another pivotal resource. It’s not a network you have to log into often, but use it to make and maintain contact with people you meet.

You may also find it beneficial to seek out a mentor you feel comfortable with. A good mentor can be a sounding board and provide advice on navigating office politics.

Take Care of Yourself in Your Downtime

Cain further notes that “Introverts… may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas.” Self-promotion may involve actions that are uncomfortable or that do not come naturally to you, such as speaking in front of a group, attending events or meetings, having tough conversations, or advocating for yourself in tense situations. All of this can take a toll on your “social battery”—your capacity for socializing.

Take care of yourself by doing things you enjoy, even if that means saying “no” to social engagements with coworkers.

Key Takeaways

For introverts, the world can seem like a noisy and chaotic place. But introverts need not fade into obscurity in the workplace. Individuals can work to build new skills and let them shine through the work they do. They can network strategically and make requests in writing when this feels more comfortable. And most importantly, learn to take care of yourself and recharge. As an introvert, you possess a quiet power, and your abilities can help you demonstrate that you can handle a promotion as well as any outspoken extrovert.