Your Specific Skills

So far we’ve discussed why it’s important to evaluate your skills, and we have briefly identified the different types of skills that people have.

Today we’ll begin the process of identifying YOUR specific skills. We’re going to use the skills we have to help direct our job search.

The following activity will help identify the skills you have. I have created two lists to help in identifying what skills are specific to you. The first list is self management skills. Review the list (you can print a copy by clicking on the link), and place a check mark next to those self-management skills you have.

The second list contains several job specific skills with some being transferable. Review the list and check those skills that apply to you (you can always print a copy by clicking on the link). Something you might consider is placing two check-marks next to those skills that you have AND really enjoy. Several people have skills they had to develop, but they might not necessarily be skills we enjoy.

Employers are not only interested in the skills you possess; they want to know how your skills are going to benefit them. They are looking for productive staff that turns out quality work. To impress your next employer, talk about what you have done and the results your work has delivered. You can demonstrate your productivity by presenting your skills along with accomplishments achieved using those skills.

After you have identified your skills, pick your top three. Take a few minutes to record an example of a time when you were successful using that skill.

Activity: Pick your top three skills and take a few minutes to record an example of a time when you were successful using that skill. Click on the following link if you would like to print out a copy: Accomplishments.

SKILL:  Learn quickly

Example:  Developed training for staff at 11 offices within one week of receiving the instruction

1. Skill:_______________________________
    a. Example:_______________________________
    b. Example:_______________________________
    c. Example:_______________________________
2. Skill:_______________________________
    a. Example:_______________________________
    b. Example:_______________________________
    c. Example:_______________________________
3. Skill:_______________________________
    a. Example:_______________________________
    b. Example:_______________________________
    c. Example:_______________________________

After you have gone through and identified skills specific to you, think for a moment:

─ How many skills did you check?
─ Did you seem to have strengths in one area (one type of skill)?
─ Were you surprised by the number of skills you checked?

At this point we are beginning to see the direction our job search might take. Get ready for tomorrow!

Next Blog in This Series: Describe Your Skills!

David Spears is a member of the Workforce SolutionsNavigator team for the Texas Gulf Coast Region. Combining training and education to real world examples, David brings personal and professional experience with disabilities to the table in order to help job seekers with disabilities realize their potential. David has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration with over 20 years of experience in the business world.