Shun the “unfit” label
When applying for a job, it is paramount that you identify your strengths and weaknesses in addition to being prepared to address them in conversation. By knowing your attributes, chances are that getting the job you really want will surely get easier.
However, you should not be too confident since overconfidence is one of the common mistakes that plagues job applicants. Appearing too confident, or giving the impression that you are somewhat of a know-it-all, will only get you labeled by the interviewer as unfit for the job.
Identifying your skills
That having been said, let’s begin with first things first: Identify your skills. This is your ticket to get that job, and you should be able to articulate your abilities and expertise as best as you can. Many people have a hard time communicating their skills and abilities as this is sometimes seen as bragging when done socially. But you should not be shy or afraid to discuss your skills when pursuing a job; especially one that requires such skills.
In fact, it is important that you convey to your potential employer what your talents are; and in that situation be able to sell your abilities to that employer. Your ability to do so will be instrumental in getting the job that you really want. Just as important however, is that you do not appear arrogant or condescending while being careful to avoid selling yourself short.
If the interviewer asks you about your strengths or what separates you from the other applicants, you should be able to readily give a suitable or acceptable answer. So before you even go to the interview part of the process, your resume should highlight your skills and talents for the prospective employer to take a look at.
Types of skills
There are two main types of skills: Hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are tangible in the sense that these are things you do like. For example, knowing how to operate different kinds of machinery, knowledge of a specialized computer program, ability to type fast, skills on using various types of tools, credentials regarding special crafts, etc.
Soft skills on the other hand, are skills that tend to be rather abstract in nature, like personal qualities. This may include, for example, being a good team player, having the ability to work on your own, being enthusiastic or organizational and decisive.
The Steps to Follow
List your previous jobs and acquired experience
First thing you’d want to do is make a list of all the companies you worked for and the things you learned from those jobs. There will be a lot of things to list and you should be careful enough not to forget even the smallest details of activities you participated in or organized. It is also a good idea to list the volunteer activities you participated in.
Include a list of your hobbies
Although it might sound trivial at first, it is also very helpful to list all your hobbies. There are a lot of abilities that your prospective employer may get from your hobby list, a list which might also provide some insight into your personality.
For example, if you were part of the school’s debating team, your employer may deduce that you have good analytical skills. If you were a champion chess player, your employer might interpret this to mean you are good at making critical decisions.
Think of your daily routine and the things you do and often take for granted. Are you an organized person who always keep your things in proper order? Are you an extrovert who can easily make friends in a matter of minutes? These may seem ordinary to normal things to you, but your future boss might think otherwise.
Your decisions
Deciding what career you want – After listing all your skills and all the things you do well, it is then time to decide what field or career you want to pursue. Select the skills outlined on your list and partner them with the employment you are seeking. Always take time to consider if your skills are relevant to the job which you are aspiring toward.
Don’t worry if you have to remove some of the skills from your list. It is also important to include on your “skills list” any abilities the prospective employer will likely value, depending of course, on the particular employer.
Stand by what you write – You should be realistic about your skills and the level of expertise you are capable of. For example, if you indicate that you are a very organized person, then you should be able to show this to the interviewer by being able to organize your thoughts and effectively use the time that was given for your interview.
It is important to know your skills every time you go job hunting because you should always put your best foot forward. Good luck!