what are effective ways in discovering my strengths in prepare for resume writing?
Although I see myself finishing a bachelor degree one of the great achievements in life..but I find it very hard to pinpoint my strengths.
There are obviously things that I have done in my life but I am unsure about how to distinguish whether a quality is really my strength or is it just a skill that just happened to be used in an occasion.
This problem also poses difficulty for me when writing my resume. Please advise..!
#resume #self-discovery #job-application
5 answers
Morgan’s Answer
I'd also take a step back and think about what role you naturally assume when you are in a group project. Do you lead? Perhaps you have good organizational skills or are a big-picture thinker. Do you sit back and listen? Perhaps you're strong at listening and strategizing.
Put yourself in situations that force you to think about your strengths, and the rest will come naturally!
Paul’s Answer
Ashley’s Answer
Try this exercise: imagine that you are in an elevator with someone from your dream career. You have to convince them that you are the perfect person for the job. But, you only have 20 seconds. What words come to mind? Make a list. Think strongly about your values, goals, and what makes you stand out.
Another thing you can do is a Google search for a career you want and look at the job description. I do this all the time to incorporate the words from the job description to my resume. Figure out how you can demonstrate on your resume that you have these desired skills. It takes time, but you will have a list of amazing words and your resume will tell of story of your achievements.
Victoria’s Answer
For example, if you are called upon often to perform administrative tasks, you could add organization or administration to your resume.
If you often speak, that could translate to presentation skills.
If while in school you participated in debate, that is a form of communication.
Your parents or others in your circle (for example teachers) who've known you for a long time may also have input.
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Hollie,
First off, skills and strengths are your personal qualities. Listing your skills and strengths in a CV helps employers see why they should pick you. Everyone has skills and strengths, including you. They mean slightly different things:
Skills: You learn skills through being taught or through experience, like handling money or being fluent in French or being proficient in software like Word, Excel or Photoshop.
Strengths: You have natural strengths, or they're qualities you've picked up over time. Your strengths on a CV might include 'organised' or 'good communication skills when serving customers or undertaking reception work'. These strengths are also known as soft skills.
Where do skills and strengths go in a CV?
Your skills and strengths fit smoothly in the 'key skills' section of your CV
Doing them as bullet points like this makes them easier for employers to read!
You can give examples of where you've displayed some of your skills, e.g. "self-motivated and able to meet deadlines, as shown by completing my own project during my summer internship in 2014"
You can also add a few key skills to describe you when filling in your personal statement. You know what a personal statement is in a CV, right? If you're not sure, it's the beginning part of the CV that says a little bit about you, your education so far and some idea about what you're looking for in career/education next steps.
13 examples of key skills and strengths for your CV
HOT TIP: Try giving examples of where you've shown your skills! We've included some examples for you below in italics. When you're brainstorming your CV you can remove these examples, or change them to make them true for you.
- Problem solving skills
- Numeracy skills
- Written and verbal communication skills (built up through essays, presentations and coursework during my time at school/college, and through replying to email queries during my office work placement)
- Strong customer service skills (developed through retail work experience)
- Excellent telephone manner (built up through work experience involving reception work and answering phones)
- Self-motivation and ability to take the initiative
- Ability to work well under pressure
- I.T. skills including experience in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
- Punctuality and time-keeping (as displayed through good attendance when doing early shifts in a summer job)
- Able to take on responsibility (given extra responsibilities at school in the form of co-ordinating school assemblies and clubs and helping out at lunchtime. Past babysitting work experience required being in a position of responsibility, as did being given extra responsibilities at school like helping out at lunchtime)
- Good organisation, with attention to detail (organised a charity fundraising event)
- Teamwork skills (worked well as part of a team in previous summer office experience)
- Quick learner, keen to learn and improve skills
Ask yourself a few questions. Which of these skills and strengths sound like you? If you were asked in a job interview to give an example of when you displayed your skills and strengths, which ones do you think you could give an example of?
Answering these questions may help you choose which skills and strengths to put down in your CV, and could help you when it comes to job interviews, too.
Remember, whatever your level of education or work experience, you've always got skills and strengths to brag about. Don't be shy - let your light shine!
https://www.plotr.co.uk/advice/articles/cv-tips-how-to-write-about-your-skills-and-strengths-in-a-cv/
Good luck!