The first step in your job search should be to identify and understand your core strengths. This level of self-awareness is an area where a lot of candidates are lacking. Clarity on where your unique strengths lie, will not only does it enhance your CV it will also enhance your confidence. Confidence in your overall abilities and an understanding of the value you can bring to the role.
So how do you identify your core strengths, well …
- Firstly, you need to understand that there is a difference between a strength and a competency. While you may be competent in teaching others how to use new technologies, you might not enjoy it. Whereas you might love exploring understanding and using new technologies. Therefore, your strength is the technological literacy, whereas your competence is in teaching and mentoring.
- Think of examples and write it down. You might know I am strong at talent management, but what is most important when it comes to your job search is that you can back this up. So, think about times when you demonstrated this strength, then write it down in quantifiable examples.
- Ask your friends and family. A question that I always ask my clients is how your friends and family would describe you in 3 words. They often come back with more soft skills like, supportive, creative, trustworthy. When we delve into this, we can then see how they relate in a professional context.
- Think outside of a working environment, we often are more likely to demonstrate our strengths through our hobbies, interests, or volunteer work. Think about how you spend your time outside of work. Where you feel you are being your best self and you will likely find this is because you are applying your strengths.
Your core strengths are the main thread that will weave through your application process. In your CV your core strengths should be present in your profile. For interview you should be able to speak to your strengths and how they relate to the job description. The main thing the hiring manager will want to see is how you can back this up so make sure you have measurable examples of how you have demonstrated these strengths in the past.
As a career consultant when I am working with my clients on their Job Search Strategy the bulk of our work will be understanding these strengths. Breaking them down into quantifiable examples and then utilising this knowledge to build the tools needed for their job search. Enabling us to create their successful CV and or LinkedIn profile.
However, while these tools are essential in securing a job. The most important element of this work is that it truly allows my clients to understand their value and what they can bring to the role, leveraging their strengths and leading to success on the next step in their career.
Laura Griffin
Note – the image used depicts the top 5 skills for 2027 from the findings of the World Economic Forums Future of Work Trends 2023 report
