Finding Your Career Strengths and Weaknesses

A job search or career change is only as successful as the amount of effort you put into the process. Evaluating your career strengths and weaknesses and compiling a career summary should be an important part of your plan when changing jobs or careers. Find out more about yourself, your work performance and your achievements so you can accurately and successfully sell your skills.

Conduct an analysis of your skills before you begin compiling your resume and cover letters. Job seekers should pose questions to themselves that determine career strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Questions such as "What positive traits do you have?" and "What do you do better than others?" help determine strengths, "Do you have limited resources such as time or influence?" and "What are your negative work habits and traits?" determine weaknesses. View yourself from the standpoint of a potential employer, colleague or stranger to provide answers that are honest and realistic.

Evaluate the possible opportunities and the potential threats that you may encounter in the course of your job search. Analyze the state of the economy or your desired industry, and investigate new technology and the demand for the skills you possess in your career field to weigh the opportunities available. Threats such as strong competition, personal obligations and a lack of education are also a factor in your job search.

Once you have evaluated your career strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, use this information to compile a career summary to prepare you for your job search and the workforce. Begin by listing all of your relevant qualifications and skills. Include your experience from previous and current jobs and skills gained through education and on-the-job experience. List only skills and qualifications needed for your desired position or career so you can address these specific needs by selling your career strengths in a cover letter or interview. Customize the summary to line up with each position's job description so you are ready to explain how your skills and qualifications make you the perfect candidate for each job.

Within a summary, avoid describing career strengths that are not relevant to your position or that include soft skills. The interview is the ideal time to discuss your motivation, dedication and inspiration for the career field.

A job candidate who is able to honestly, accurately and professionally detail career strengths and weaknesses is often more prepared to enter the job market and nail the interview. Compile a summary of your career so your elevator pitch is ready at a moment's notice to make you stand out from the rest. Know who you are professionally, so you can accurately portray your personality, job dedication and passion for the industry during interviews also.

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