The 18 Best Jobs for the “People Person”

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Updated on March 21, 2023
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  • Extroverts thrive in careers that deal with people and the general public.
  • Studies show that extroverts generally take home higher salaries than introverts.
  • Some of the best "people person" jobs include sales, PR, politics, and law.

How much you earn throughout your career isn't just about your education and experience — your personality type can also play an important role. Research shows that those who identify as a "people person" have a better shot at lucrative jobs.

If you naturally gravitate to others, you may want to consider a career in which your people skills are sure to come in handy. These jobs all require you to be around and interact with people on a frequent or daily basis.

What Is an Extrovert?

Extroverts tend to be more talkative and outgoing than introverts. Those who are extroverted process their thoughts out loud as they speak rather than taking the time to think before saying something; this tendency makes these people a generally gregarious bunch.

Extroverts thrive in dynamic, social situations and enjoy being the center of attention. They feed off the energy of others and are usually good at engaging in conversation and working in teams.

Extroverts thrive in dynamic, social situations and … are usually good at engaging in conversation and working in teams.

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Some famous extroverts you've likely heard of include Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Tom Hanks, and Martin Luther King Jr. Your favorite social media influencer is probably an extrovert, too.

Not everyone fits one category or the other, though — many of us fall somewhere between extrovert and introvert. If you're not sure which term describes you better, there are many online tests and assessments that can help you determine this. You might even be asked to take a personality assessment when screened for a potential job.

Do Extroverts Make More Money Than Introverts?

Several studies show that extroverts typically make more than introverts. According to research by Truity, extroverts command a premium of nearly $10,000 more a year. Similarly, an analysis of BBC data by The Sutton Trust found that highly extroverted people have a 25% better chance of holding a high-earning position.

According to studies, extroverts are more likely to earn higher salaries than introverts.

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This data isn't particularly surprising considering that extroverts are more likely to ask for raises and show off their skills and performance at work.

These individuals' positive demeanors can also help them overcome any negative aspects of their job or work environment. A recent University of Toronto Scarborough study identified how certain extroverted characteristics, such as strong communication skills, can offer a competitive advantage in the workplace.

Extroverts' ability to engage with other people, combined with their enhanced persuasion skills, often pushes them into leadership positions, with many developing a take-charge mentality. In addition, extroverts tend to excel at sales jobs, which can offer extremely high earning potential.

A smiling businessman wearing a suit and glasses shakes the hand of the businesswoman sitting across from him.

Top Jobs for Extroverts

Some jobs and fields are well suited for extroverts. If you're not a people person, a career in sales, for example, might not be the best choice. Extroverts often thrive in occupations like sales because of their ability to comfortably engage in conversation with people they don't know.

Just about any job that requires individuals to work directly with the public on a regular basis is a solid fit for an extrovert. Below is a list of the top 18 careers for extroverts.

Ultimately, whether you're an extrovert, an introvert, or somewhere in the middle, choose a profession that makes you happy. Chances are that your inherent personal nature will steer you toward the ideal occupation.

Public Relations

Public relations is all about influencing and building relationships with people across a variety of platforms. These public-facing professionals make media contacts, pitch stories, conduct interviews, and handle crisis situations.

Popular Online Public Relations Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Business Management

Management involves effectively working with people, inside and outside your organization. Successful managers in any type of business boast strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Popular Online Business Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Politics

Many famous politicians worked their way up the political ladder by leveraging their charismatic charm. Being able to lead, negotiate, and influence people is necessary for a successful career in politics.

Popular Online Political Science Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Teaching and Education

Not all teachers are extroverts, but being one can certainly help. Teachers regularly converse with parents and students. Being able to motivate and develop relationships with students is critical to the success of both the student and teacher.

Popular Online Education Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Human Resources

Human resources (HR) professionals interact with people on a daily basis — it's where the "human" aspect comes into play. HR managers manage people, serving as a link between the employer and its employees. As such, having superb people skills is an important element of this job.

Popular Online Human Resources Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Law

The practice of law attracts introverts and extroverts for different reasons, and both personality types can thrive in this profession. That said, extroverts do have some advantages, especially if you want to pursue a career as a public defender, district attorney, or trial lawyer — all roles for which you'll need to continually perform in the courtroom.

Popular Online Legal Studies Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Healthcare

Careers in healthcare involve frequent, ongoing interaction with patients and other medical professionals. It helps to have great interpersonal and communication skills, particularly when you're trying to extract important health information from patients. Healthcare workers deal with difficult, complex situations that require a positive attitude and demeanor.

Popular Online Healthcare Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Social Work and Community Health

Social workers and community health professionals work with patients, families, caregivers, and medical providers. Being able to assess situations and efficiently gather information is a key component of this job; it also helps to have superior people skills.

Popular Online Social Work Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Coaching

Whether you're a sports coach, business coach, or life coach, you'll be interacting with people on a routine basis, and how well you engage can mean the difference between success and failure. An excellent coach must be able to motivate, lead, and inspire.

Popular Online Coaching Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

School Counseling

School counselors are important members of the educational team, assisting students with their social and emotional development, directing career paths, and helping students become active and productive members of society. Counselors routinely interact with parents and other service providers, meaning you'll need a high level of professional communication.

Popular Online School Counseling Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Consulting

Consultants constantly work with people. Many consultant roles require frequent interaction with clients and other professionals working on the same team or project. You should be determined, have confidence in your expertise, and boast strong social skills.

Cosmetology

A cosmetologist who struggles to engage with their clientele likely won't welcome many clients. Solid people skills are a must for anyone choosing to work in hair-styling, cosmetics, skin care, and other forms of beauty treatment.

Acting

Getting discovered is half the battle for aspiring actors, so being able to put your personality on display is paramount. You might assume that all actors are extroverts due to the nature of the job, but this isn't the case. Still, it does help immensely if you've got a winning personality (or personalities).

Flight Attendant

If you plan on becoming a flight attendant, you should enjoy being around people, as you'll be around them most of the day some 30,000 feet in the air. Being friendly and positive, as well as possessing great communication skills, are all qualities needed for this exciting role.

Social Media

Whether you are in a social media marketing role or have built your own social media brand as an influencer, your chances of finding success increase dramatically if you enjoy engaging with others and have an outgoing personality, both online and offline.

Sales

Sales is by far one of the best jobs for extroverts. Calling on and meeting new customers is a crucial function of this position, meaning extroverts flourish in these situations. Small talk comes naturally to them, and outward enthusiasm for what they are selling can inspire confidence in customers.

Event Planning

It's pretty much a requirement that meeting and party planners possess great people skills. Coordinating successful meetings and lavish parties means working with a variety of vendors, clients, and staff while demonstrating impressive leadership and organizational abilities.

Customer Service Management

Premier communication and people skills are key requirements for customer service managers. In this position, you're tasked with handling concerns of the public and any issues that arise with your support staff. It's important that you build positive relationships with customers, employees, and other management teams.

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