If someone hasn’t responded, send a reminder on the day of the deadline. You might write, “I want to understand my strengths so I can use them to be more successful. I really value your opinion, so I hope you’ll answer these questions about me. Please send your response by Friday, August 16. Also, thank you so much for your time and help. ”
For instance, your 3 experiences might be the time you won an essay contest, the day you started an internship, and the day you participated in an invite-only poetry reading. You might notice that the overlapping skills are your talent for writing, your creativity, and your ability to connect with others.
What comes easily to me or feels second nature? (Example: writing, repairing cars, public speaking) What role do I play in my family? (For instance, you might be the caregiver, the peacemaker, or the planner. ) When do you feel like you’re “in the flow?” (For instance, you might feel in the flow when you’re cooking or programming. ) What do people ask you to help them with? (Example: fixing their computer, romantic advice, help with a pet) What types of problems do you enjoy solving? (Example: You might enjoy home improvement projects or organizing someone’s workspace. ) What knowledge and skills have you learned throughout your career? (For instance, you might have learned managerial skills or public speaking. ) What talents, knowledge, and skills have you learned in your personal life? (Example: Web design, playing the piano, or dancing) What extra tasks have you taken on at work just because you like them? (Example: Planning office parties, designing flyers, or helping clients with their complaints) What kinds of things did you do as a child? (Example: You drew pictures, hiked in the woods, or played doctor. ) What qualities do you love about yourself? (For instance, you might appreciate your creativity and perseverance. ) When do you feel like you shine, either in your personal or work life? (You might feel like you shine when you’re helping others or showing off something you made. )
VIA Character Strengths Assessment (free): http://www. viacharacter. org/www/ University of Kent Strengths test (free): https://www. prospects. ac. uk/planner Truity Myers-Briggs Type Assessment (free or $29. 99): https://www. truity. com/test/type-finder-personality-test-new Clifton Strengths Assessment by Gallup (costs $49. 99): https://www. gallupstrengthscenter. com/
Verbal-linguistic intelligence (words and writing) Logical and mathematical intelligence (abstract logic and numerical reasoning) Spatial and visual reasoning (ability to think in images and visualize accurately) Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (ability to control your body and handle objects) Musical intelligence (ability to make music) Interpersonal intelligence (ability to understand and relate to others) Intrapersonal awareness (self awareness) Naturalist intelligence (understanding nature) Existential intelligence (understanding life’s deep questions)
Communication skills Empathy Social and emotional intelligence Leadership skills Ability to persuade Ability to analyze Critical thinking skills Strategic thinking skills Problem solving skills Planning skills Organizational skills Technical or mechanical abilities Traits like honesty, integrity, creativity, dependability, and responsibility Artistic ability Writing skills Public speaking skills Teaching skills Project or people management skills Physical coordination Humor
For instance, the job description might say things like, “ability to solve problems independently, knowledge of basic editing software, and ability to prioritize tasks. ” These are strengths you would need for the job.
This can give you insight into what they truly value. For instance, if the company is known for taking big risks, you’ll know they value innovation even if that’s not listed in the job description. Use this information to answer the questions in your interview. It shows that you’ve taken the initiative to learn about the company.
For instance, you might have a lot of experience with editing software that you can use if you get this job. On the other hand, you may not have worked independently in your prior jobs. However, you could use your talent for a solo hobby, like woodworking, to show that you can work well independently. You can show photos of your projects to back up your claims and make you more memorable.
If you examined your past successes to identify your strengths, use these stories to explain your strengths to the interviewer.
