When you’re looking to fill a position in your company, you probably pay close attention to candidates’ skills, working history, and five year vision for their future. However, there’s an important factor you’re missing here: how will this employee fit into your existing workplace?
Every business environment has a certain personality, one that’s the sum of the industry, the people already working there, and short-term factors like the time of year. Sometimes a candidate will look great on paper but they just don’t mesh. This will impact both their performance and the performances of established employees.
One of the most important factors is whether a potential employee is an introvert or an extrovert. You can learn this by giving them a quick MBTI test. One personality is not better than the other, but each of these types may be a better match for certain positions or job environments. Here are some of the strengths and challenges that extroverts and introverts have:
Extroverts in the Workplace
What makes an extrovert? These people are energized by interacting with others. For instance, at the end of a long, exhausting workday, they’ll stop to chat with a neighbor and feel an energy boost. This makes them ideal for jobs that have a lot of face-to-face interaction like salespeople, receptionists, and public relations personnel.
Strengths and Challenges
- Extroverts are charismatic and can grow your company’s positive image.
- Some are good at managing inter-office relations and can help keep the peace. You may find them bringing the mood up with well-timed jokes or friendly chitchat at the water cooler.
- Others have a larger-than-life personality that makes them great for networking positions.
- However, extroverts tend to do poorly at tasks that require long stretches of solitary work and focus. After hours without social interaction, they may find their mental energy has ebbed away.
Introverts in the Workplace
Unlike extroverts, introverts are energized by solo time. For instance, after a long and exhausting workday, they’ll go home and curl up with a good book for a boost of energy. Introverts are well suited for jobs that have a creative aspect and require self-discipline and working alone. They’re a good fit for positions like programming, accounting, and data collection.
Strengths and Challenges
- One of introverts’ biggest strengths is that they’re self-motivated. Once they understand the task at hand, they typically don’t require much oversight.
- Introverts are also efficient with their time and energy and less likely to get distracted while on the job.
- As highly creative people, introverts tend to have unusual insights and come up with novel problem-solving strategies.
- However, introverts may struggle during big group projects and feel that their opinions aren’t heard.
Are Introverts and Extroverts Really So Different?
Extroverts and Introverts do find different sources for mental energy. However, that doesn’t mean that an extrovert can’t handle a programming position, or an introvert won’t be able to close a sale. Everyone has their own mix of strengths. Look at their introversion/extroversion as just one factor in your hiring decision.
Matching the Right Job With the Right Personalities
Have you been looking for a while for a candidate that’s the right fit? Ad-VANCE Talent Solutions can help you. We’re an experienced job placement agency with reach all along the Gulf Coast. Whether your business is in Hospitality, Health Care, or anything in between, we can find a great job candidate for you. Contact us to find out more.