The Chatty Introvert

LinkedIn just sent me the article "Best Career Mistake: Drawing a Blank With a Powerful Executive." I started reading it, then cut myself off. I've done this. I've made this mistake. I've blanked when approached by execs, and when blindsided by hiring managers.

I talk a lot. I hate talking, I hate talking on the phone, and I really don't like people. But I trick myself into being social during those 'blanks' by gabbing like a crazy person about any and everything. I hold onto the actual important things, and end up blurting them out at the end of a call, or sneaking them into an odd email. It must be a nervous habit.

I make all of the mistakes. But I think there's a reason. Why did I blow that interview? Because another, better opportunity was right around the corner.

LinkedIn Profile

After making the decision to move, Seth and I started scouring job sites. I dug through the bags of merchandise I'd taken from Michigan Tech's career fair over the years, finding company names and searching their sites for job postings. I started worrying about my resume and eventually fleshed it out...

In my excitement I started looking at places to live, moving companies, top restaurants in the area. All for what we're calling "the dream."

I even told my current boss about my excitement, my goal to get out of here and hopefully make it in a big city (Seattle). She didn't sound all too excited--and not just because she'd be losing a valuable team member if I was actually successful. She's all about simplicity, living simply, without the frills. It was that mild discouragement which convinced me to flesh out my LinkedIn profile and finally work on it regularly.

I'm a Social Media Specialist - Community Manager, Technical Writer, and Editor... Pretty much what everyone is in Seattle, besides those measly software engineers.

Here's my permalink:
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/brenda-harjala/39/322/6b7