Once you’ve spent some time reflecting on your strengths, you might also begin to consider your ‘Professional Strengths’.Many of our strengths can be translated well to the workplace and professional contexts, but it’s how we translate them and the language we use around them that transitions them from being ‘personal’ to ‘professional’.
This reflection can be especially helpful when you’re considering which jobs might be right for you. Once you know your personal and professional strengths, you can start to reflect on job roles in this context and find the ones that are the best match for you.
When applying for jobs where you feel unsure about which strengths to focus on, try following the below four-step method:
1. Is it Relevant for the Job?
This one is crucial. Many times we have our list of strengths and skills, but we don’t hone them down for relevance. When weighing up whether to include a specific skill set, reflect on the job role itself and review the job description. Is the skill mentioned in the job advertisement? Will it is required for the role, or will it add value to your ability to do the role?
If it is not relevant, do not include it.
2. Is it Accurate and True?
Many employers state one of their biggest annoyances is when candidates list skills that they don’t have. I often experience this with the students I work with, where they list a skill they know is relevant to the industry, but have little or no experience with it themselves. Make sure everything you list is accurate about you, and you provide a true reflection of your level of this skill. You will be asked about it!
3. Is it Adaptable?
There will be certain skills we pick up in one role, that are fully relevant and adaptable to another. If you identify some skills that fit this profile, make sure you detail how the skill can be adapted to the new role or industry you’re applying to. Years working in a retail job will give you excellent communication and teamwork skills, which could adapt well to an office or administrative environment.
4. Can You Provide Examples?
Linked back to point number two, make sure that with any skill you list, you can also provide a tangible example of when you have used or where you have developed this skill. This is especially important if it is a skill that was listed as required in the job advertisement, as you will likely be asked a question about it in an interview.
One of the best ways to structure an example that focuses on a specific skill – whether in a written application or a face to face interview – is the STAR technique. Here’s what that looks like:
S= Situation: This is where you set the scene for your example, describing where you were working and what your role was.
T= Task: Next, you provide details of what you were asked to do that demonstrates the skill you are seeking to describe and give an example of.
A= Action: This is where you paint the picture of what it was that you did to meet the demands of the task and show your skill.
R= Result: You finish your answer by detailing what happened as a result of your actions and skill.
Comments