"Introverts Need Not Apply."

On a lark, I put "introvert" into a job engine to see what would come up. Here's what I found:

• If you are an introvert and seek a solitary, cubicle-based technology job - please don't apply.
• Wallflowers/introverts need not apply!
• The right personality/temperament is very important; an introvert will not work.
• No introverts.
• The executive is an introvert who is extremely nice, but...(I particularly enjoy the need to counter the boss's introversion with an assurance that he's very nice. Really.)

In contrast, putting "extrovert" into the same job engine pulls up phrases like:

• We're looking for a dynamic, extroverted, enthusiastic sales representative.
• Desire personality traits: A people person (extrovert)
• Extrovert (Ability to seek someone out and ask for something)
• Extroverts only please.
• The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of general accounting functions and an extroverted personality.

I've highlighted that last one in particular because accounting is one of the areas recommended to introverts as an introvert-friendly career path!

The whole world is mad for extroverts. People love people who love people, it seems. But there's also a serious misunderstanding happening here: the idea that introverts don't like people, can't ask for what they need, won't be friendly, or won't work well in teams.

What a smear campaign!

When jobs require that even accountants be extroverts (or ELSE), is there any room for people who do their best work in the company of their own thoughts? In a world that seems to focus more and more on teamwork, and in buildings where offices are being shucked in favor of cubicles, is the working world safe for introverts?