The Successful Introvert

How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career

by Wendy Gelberg

The purpose of this book is to present strategies used by successful people – including numerous celebrities – in managing their introversion or shyness while becoming successful in professional endeavors. If you’ve ever felt that your personality was getting in the way of achieving your goals, if you’ve ever felt there was a gap separating you from most other people, this book will open up new possibilities. You don’t have to undergo a personality makeover to be successful in your job search and career. Learn to understand, appreciate, and celebrate your unique strengths.

This book is intended to both enlighten and empower readers with specific strategies to use in everyday personal and professional activities so that they can achieve greater success in their lives. At the same time, it is intended to enable introverts to understand, appreciate, and celebrate their unique strengths.

Praise for this book

"This is one of the most inspiring books I've read in a long time. The Successful Introvert speaks to me, helps me understand some of my actions and reactions, and learn why it's okay to be who I am. The techniques, tactics and stories make this a rich, must-read for anyone who feels like they should be more outgoing, but isn't quite sure how to do it, or if they are being dishonest with themselves."
Jason Alba, CEO, JibberJobber.com

"Finally, a book targeted specifically to introverts and their unique challenges in today's job search market. Wendy offers sage advice, strategies, action plans and more to help you better manage your job search, interviews, negotiations and more. Follow her plan to career success!"
Wendy S. Enelow, CCM, MRW, JCTC, CPRW, Author & Executive Career Consultant

"If you cringe at the thought of networking and 'selling yourself,' there is no better guide for your job search than Wendy Gelberg. From the informed perspective of an introvert who runs a very successful career practice, Wendy provides empathetic advice and practical strategies that will help any introverted or shy person not only be more successful, but feel more confident, assured, and 'normal.' 'The Successful Introvert' is an invaluable guide that is long overdue."
Louise Kursmark, Author, "30-Minute Resume Makeover" and 20 other career books; President, Best Impression Career Services, Inc.

"My 'dirty little secret' is that I am an ultra-shy introvert (yes, I'm both; thank you Wendy Gelberg for explaining that they're not the same). Given that way of characterizing my personality, you can see that I've been socialized to believe shyness and introversion are bad. In reading just the first few passages in Wendy Gelberg's Introduction, I immediately saw myself, relaxed and felt better about my 'affliction,' and drank in her words: 'My goal in writing this book is to pick up where other job search and career transition books leave off and to honor people of all types.' She is so right - that no other career book is dedicated to people like us.

As a major proponent of using storytelling in the job search, I embraced Gelberg's strategy of changing/re-framing our shyness/introversion stories so they work in the job search. Wendy Gelberg GETS me, and she gets the multitudes of shy and/or introverted people like me, all of whom will benefit enormously from this unprecedented take on the job search. Wish I'd had this 30 years ago! "
Katharine Hansen, PhD, Associate Publisher and Creative Director, Quintessential Careers

"I really enjoyed this book. Wendy gives introverts insights that empower us in general and strategies that work in the stress-filled moment. I heartily endorse the idea of embracing who you are and presenting our introversion as a strength. I was fascinated to learn the difference between introversion and shyness. I love the instruction to change the stories that get in our way. As the name 'Gentle Job Search' suggests, these ideas aren't painful to employ. They fit my philosophy of "Do what you love. Love what you do. Stop doing what you hate."
Liz Sumner, Director, Career Management Alliance

"What an immensely helpful book! Wendy has taken a fresh approach to a topic that is almost never mentioned in job search 'how-to' books. As an introvert myself, in my work as a career coach and résumé writer, I quickly recognize introversion in many of my clients and see first-hand how they struggle with many necessary job search tasks. Networking and interviewing can be painful for an introvert. But no more! I will recommend this book to every one of them. If you are an introvert, this book is a must read before beginning your next job search!"
Michelle Dumas, Career Coach, Résumé Writer, and Personal Branding Strategist, Distinctive Career Services, LLC,

"If you're an introvert, you need this book! Because Gelberg truly understands the introverted personality, you will find great relief and sage advice for managing a job search in this seemingly extroverted world we live (and compete) in."
Susan Ireland, Author, 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume'

"This book is very insightful and necessary in a world filled with personal interactions. Those who consider themselves introverts will be relieved that they share this same attribute as others, yet Wendy proves it's not exactly a bad thing. By reading this book, you will gain the self-awareness to make a difference in your life, secure the job of your dreams and become a better person."
Dan Schawbel, Publisher, Personal Branding Magazine