Getting Hired for Your Strengths
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Finding a career that aligns with your strengths begins with self-discovery. You must decide that you want more from your career and be willing to explore what that looks like. Taking control of your career means actively engaging with your strengths and pursuing opportunities that resonate with you.
1. Understanding Your Strengths
Many people struggle to identify their unique strengths. Scott Anthony Barlow, founder and CEO of Happen to Your Career, highlights that even self-aware individuals often lack clarity on what they excel at. This is largely due to the ambiguity surrounding the term “strengths.” Often, people confuse strengths with skills, such as being adept at using Excel or other technical abilities. However, true strengths lie beneath the surface like the underlying talents that make these skills possible.
Think of it this way: if skills are the tip of the iceberg, strengths are the massive structure hidden underwater. It’s essential to dig deeper and understand what truly drives your capabilities. For example, if you excel at creating pivot tables, what is it about that task that you enjoy? Is it your analytical nature or perhaps your attention to detail? Recognizing this can help you articulate your strengths more effectively.
2. The Importance of Signature Strengths
Scott introduces the concept of “signature strengths,” which are the intersection of what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and where you can add the most value. This Venn diagram approach provides a clear visual representation of how to identify your strengths. People often fear that if they don’t enjoy a skill they excel at, they aren’t truly leveraging their strengths. This misunderstanding can be detrimental.
It’s vital to recognize that while you might be skilled at something, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pursue it if it doesn’t bring you joy. Instead, focus on the underlying talents that fuel your passion. This can lead to more fulfilling career choices that not only utilize your strengths but also contribute positively to your work environment.
3. Overcoming Common Fears and Misconceptions
Many individuals feel trapped in their current roles, fearing that pursuing their strengths could lead to financial instability. Scott reassures that this fear is common, but often unfounded. In fact, research shows that over 85% of people transitioning into roles that align with their strengths either maintain their current salary or earn more.
It’s crucial to understand that when you align your work with your strengths, you naturally create more value. This not only enhances your job satisfaction but also positions you as a more valuable asset to potential employers. The myth that pursuing a passion means sacrificing financial security is just that—a myth. With the right approach, you can find a career path that fulfills both your personal and financial goals.
4. The Role of Assessments in Identifying Strengths
Assessments can be a useful tool in identifying your strengths, but they should be approached with caution. Scott discusses the limitations of traditional quantitative assessments, which often fail to capture the nuances of an individual’s capabilities. Instead, he advocates for qualitative assessments that provide insights into your strengths while allowing you to take ownership of the results.
The Clifton Strengths assessment, formerly known as StrengthsFinder, is one such tool. It offers a framework for understanding your strengths in a meaningful way, helping you articulate them effectively. However, the key is to use these assessments as a starting point for deeper self-reflection rather than a definitive guide to your career path.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2024
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