Jul

26

You’ve Got Skills!!

Posted by Dan

July 26, 2007 |

So many people want to make a change in their career and really desire something fresh and new.  But, often they find themselves staring at big, looming wall and written on that wall is…What Else Can You Do?  How Will You Do It?  This is the wall that we approach with a smile and after viewing these questions we sulk away with a frown.  Many of us just don’t know what else we can do and how we will do it – let along where we will find it.  So, how can you begin to tear down that wall and move forward? 

One of the first things is to identify all your skills – current and past – ‘all’ your skills.  Begin making a list.  This will probably be a list that will grow over a short period of time.  If you draw a blank when you begin, don’t worry.  It’s often the same way when you have to give a speech and you forget what you want to talk about.  Once you settle in to the objective then ‘skill memory’ will flow.  Ask yourself a few questions: 

What skills have I used at work (now and in past jobs)?

What skills do I use in my hobbies?

What have I done in the past and what skills were used?

What do my friends say my skills are?

What skills do I use in everyday life?

Are you involved in any professional organizations?  What skills are you using? 

What about sports, community or political groups? 

Don’t leave anything out.  This is a time to keep your ‘creative hat’ on and build a master list for your own use.  If you are still drawing a blank take a look at some of the job descriptions on the various online job boards (ie; Career Builder, Monster, Vault, Hot Jobs) and read about what employers are looking for.  You’ll be surprised by how many of the skills being advertised for are skills you know how to perform.  Write those down on your list and keep it growing. 

If you come across a skill that you know, but feel you would need more training in, put it down anyway and make a mark next to it.  Perhaps listing a #1 next to skills that are highly developed and a #2 next to those that require further development/refinement, but you are somewhat comfortable with. 

Here is a cool site I came across that can help you search and identify skills – Online Onet Center.org  if you’re stuck this is a terrific source for you to check out.   

I know this can be a seem like a long, frustrating task to take on, but just think about how beneficial it will be to you now and in the future.  If you keep an ongoing, growing master list of your skills it will help you to build your resume, change careers, talk confidently about yourself and what you can do, prepare for promotions or even re-enter the workforce.  These are great reasons to stay focused on discovering and uncovering your skills.  There’s never anything wrong with adding to your confidence.  The better you know yourself and feel about your abilities the better chance you’ll have of finding work that you truly love and are passionate about. 

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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