Perfect Jobs for Ambiverts
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | Aug 26, 2019
You’ve surely heard of introverts and extroverts, and chances are you’ve been told you have to be one or the other. But there’s a third kind of person—a middle ground of personalities, if you will—that is an ambivert, or a person who is not strongly extroverted nor strongly introverted.
In fact, the dictionary (and clinical) definitions of an ambivert is a person whose personality is smack in the middle of an extrovert and introvert. And without the strong pull of extrovert or introvert tendencies, some ambiverts might not know where they perfectly fit in the workplace.
When it comes to work, these personality types “collaborate well and don’t compete often,” says Mary Joye, M.A., P.A. and licensed mental health expert. “They can be large-and-in-charge or work as a team. They love being with colleagues as well as retreating to their office to recoup and regroup—and they do well if they take a walk around the block and get out in nature, too.”
You can see how those dichotomies can lead to some career confusion; but Joye, who identifies as an ambivert herself, offers some clarity: Ambiverts in a “highly competitive, dog-eat-dog environment probably won’t do very well,” she warns. “They are the mediators and the solution seekers. They are the listeners and the problem solvers. Ambiverts may appear to be duplicitous, but they are just really well integrated with big-picture thinking and perceiving because they can gather data from other people’s points of view and present it back in a collaborative format.”
So, with that in mind, here are five jobs perfect for ambiverts. If you’re one, get ready to apply!
Why it’s perfect for an ambivert: Paralegals are responsible for extroverted activities—think: interviewing witnesses and collaborating with lawyers—and introverted activities, too, such as drawing up contracts and proofreading documents, which can be an ideal balance for ambiverts.
Who’s hiring paralegals: Professional Financial Temporaries, Inc., Parnall Law Firm, Kopka Pinkus Dolin, Lowenstein Sandler, and more
Why it’s perfect for an ambivert: As Joye points out above, ambiverts are natural mediators and problem solvers, which can make them ideal counselors. (Plus, the job gives them the chance to be social—then retreat to do research, read the latest studies, or simply reflect on themselves.)
Who’s hiring counselors: Independent Group Home Living, Turning Point Services, Blomquist Hale Employee Assistance, Thomas Allen, Pinnacle Treatment Centers, and more
Why it’s perfect for an ambivert: While talking in front of a packed classroom and engaging with students may call to an ambivert’s extroverted tendencies, more solitary job duties—such as grading papers and planning lessons—balance out his or her introverted tendencies, too.
Who’s hiring teachers: Edgenuity, Mulberry School, Sylvan Learning Centers, Shasta Head Start Child Development, InPro Corporation, Goddard Systems, Inc., and more
Why it’s perfect for an ambivert: Yes, being a salesperson requires a lot of facetime with potential and existing clients, which seems to land this job squarely in the extrovert’s camp. But being a good salesperson also requires good listening skills, which is an introverted quality. And that combination makes being a salesperson a perfect balance for ambiverts.
Who’s hiring salespeople: ABC Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric Inc., Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Tompkins, Next Level 30, Goldston Lev, and more
Why it’s perfect for an ambivert: Public relations offers the best of both introvert and extrovert worlds: the chance to strategize and craft materials in private, and network and promote clients in public.
Who’s hiring public relations managers: Kobrand Wine and Spirits, Clinc, King County, Anova Culinary, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, Intercom, and more
Glassdoor Team
Our team of savvy experts are here to help you, whether you’re navigating your career or working to make your company culture shine. Glassdoor has the unique insights and guidance you need to experience your best worklife. Stick around to learn how to prepare for an interview, negotiate your salary, develop DEI programs, engage your employees, understand the state of the job market, and more. Check out our community to share and learn from professionals just like you too.
Tags:Hot JobsNew Job
