Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Recognizing Your Skills and Abilities to Enhance Your Career

Employers are always concerned about the experience of the people they hire. However, don’t give up! There are opportunities just waiting for you provided you are able to connect the skills you do have to the job you want.

Recognizing Your Skills and Abilities

Essentially, it’s a question of recognizing and applying the skills and abilities you do have and being able to sell them. You need to be confident about what you present to a potential employer as compared to what their requirements are.

If you can convince them that you are the right person for the job and show them how you will apply your knowledge and skills, they should feel convinced that they have succeeded in their search for the right candidate.

Identifying the Skills You Have Developed

Think back over the different jobs you have trained for and worked in and the skills you’ve developed while there. It is in knowing and recognizing those skills and how to highlight them to your advantage that will get you the new job. Do not rule out simple things such as time and project management and customer relations.

Make a list of them, including the smallest and less insignificant as well as the better and more consequential ones that you have developed over the years. Remember not to rule out anything. Ensure that you spell out how they relate to the job you’re seeking.

Knowing Your Natural Talents and Abilities

Remember that you are unique as a person and have a combination of talents that may not be the same as anyone else. This will help get you noticed for the job you are applying for. At times you may not even be aware of some of your talents. Think about times when someone may have complimented you or mentioned that talent.

It is not be bragging if you bring it to the notice of your employers; it will only work to convince them that you would be able to handle this job. You should determine what talents and abilities will be required in this new job and whether the skills you have actually apply.

Identifying Your Interests

When you are looking for a job, identify a field you’re interested in, even if you have never actually worked in that domain. This will make it easier to convince your prospective employer that you can handle a job in the new field. Often employers ask a candidate why they wish to work for that particular company and need to be convinced that your interest is genuine.

If your skills and talents fit the area of your interest, the combination will be a perfect match. Employers recognize the qualities of a diligent, committed, and satisfied worker and you’ll have a better chance of landing the job.

Being able to honestly recognize and evaluate your skills, abilities, and other qualities are valuable qualities no matter what job you hold.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution’s Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for six sigma professionals including, lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.