What are the Best Jobs for Introverts?

Many different factors determine what type of job you’re suited for; interests, qualifications and skills are a few examples.   Something that can be overlooked is personality type. Psychiatrist, Carl Jung devised the idea that people can either be an introvert - people who prefer their own space, or an extrovert - people who thrive off the energy of others. It’s said that your personality type can also sway what type of job you’re drawn to.  Let’s see what sets an introvert apart from other personality types and see what jobs are best suited to people who fall into this category. 

How to know if you’re an introvert? 

The common misconception of an introvert is someone who is shy or socially awkward. This is a misjudgment of their personality.  The correct definition of an introvert is ‘someone who is focused on internal thoughts, feelings and moods, instead of looking for external stimulation’. So, while an introvert may be quiet, they’re not shy or awkward in social settings with people they know. In fact, it could be the exact opposite. They may be the liveliest and chattiest person in their group of friends.  Differing studies have been done to identify the key characteristics of an introvert, and most agree that an introvert is someone who:  

• Has a small, close group of friends
• Is left feeling drained by large social gatherings
• Doesn’t open up easily to people they don’t know well
• Is happy with their own company 
• Finds lots of noise and activity around them distracting
• Prefers to observe others doing a task before having a go themselves 
• Is self-motivated and knows what they need to do to improve
• Prefers to think before answering
• Is creative

Related: How To Answer “How Would You Describe Yourself?”  

Workplace environments suited to introverts 

The nature of an introvert’s personality means they tend to prefer working independently and in a quiet workspace. They find the noise and interruptions of others distracting and annoying.  Open-plan spaces, jobs that require a lot of team meetings or presenting and jobs with an unpredictable work schedule can be a nightmare for introverts. Instead, they thrive in peaceful spaces or in jobs that can largely be done independently or remotely. They also tend to perform well in jobs where last-minute tasks aren’t thrown at them.   Related: How To Find An Introvert Friendly Work Culture  

Best jobs for introverts 

Based on the characteristics of an introvert and the work environment they work best in, we have identified six jobs that are best suited to people with an introvert personality: 

Accountant

Working for a large top 10 accountancy practice may sound daunting for an introvert accountant. The good news is that there are thousands of smaller firms employing a handful of accountants. So, you’ve got a choice of whether you want to work in a large, busy office or somewhere that’s smaller and quieter. While accountants are supported by account assistants and admin staff, the majority of their time is spent working independently.  Visit Glassdoor’s Accountants Career Insight page to see what working as an accountant involves.   

Librarian 

Working as a librarian is a perfect job for book-loving introverts or introverts who enjoy working in a structured and organised environment. If you choose to work in a public library you will have interaction with the public. Which can be a nice mix for introverts who don’t like spending all their day on their own. Librarians can also work in academic settings like colleges and universities and this could mean working alongside knowledgeable academics. This offers these introverts a great opportunity to learn from their peers.   

Copywriter

Working as a copywriter, you’re no longer restricted to working in advertising or marketing agencies. As people demand more online content, copywriters are sought after by a wealth of companies; accountants, lawyers, retailers, coaches etc. Giving you a wide choice of work environments to work in. Or, as a majority of copywriters do, you can go freelance and choose which projects you work on. Being freelance, also means you can decide where you work best from. This could be from home, in a rented office or a shared coworking space.  Visit Glassdoor’s Copywriters Career Insight page to see what working as a copywriter involves.   

Surveyor

Some introverts find that being in an office all day hinders their ability to be productive and efficient. Working as a surveyor, provides the opportunity to visit different sites and use their technical knowledge to make measurements for new build premises, make plans for refurbishments or to prepare valuations for sale. Surveyors make work in a team, but the majority of their work is done alone.  Visit Glassdoor’s Surveyor Career Insight page to see what working as a surveyor involves.   

Graphic Designer 

Introverts have been identified as having a creative streak. Doing a job where every day you're designing and creating, can bring great enjoyment to an introvert. A graphic designer could work as part of a larger design or marketing team, but the majority of their time is spent working on their own or in small teams, thinking of new design ideas and bringing these to life.  Visit Glassdoor’s Graphic Designer Career Insight page to see what working as a graphic designer involves.   

Research Assistant 

A job as a research assistant is a great match for introverts as it suits their inward-thinking personality. Introverts like to spend time thoroughly thinking through problems/issues before coming to a conclusion. And, as research assistants are tasked with gathering information and analysing data, this job perfectly plays to the strengths of an introvert.  Visit Glassdoor’s Research Assistant Career Insight page to see what working as a research assistant involves.  Related: How To Find The Best Job For Your Personality Type