Knowing your top strengths is vital to your job search efforts. To find your top strengths, assess your past successes. Fill out the following chart, and, next to each strength, list a detailed example of how you have excelled at this particular strength. Quantify as much of your example as possible, and ensure you include a clear beginning, middle, and end. Table 5.1 "Chart of Top Strengths" lists an example for your reference:
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Top Strengths |
Examples |
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1 |
Organized |
In my last internship, I was asked to manually organize paper work for the past year's real estate transactions, with little other direction. I was given two weeks to complete this, and all of the paper work was in approximately five boxes. I quickly reviewed the contents, which fit into four categories: (1) commercial, (2) private homes, (3) condos, and (4) incomplete transactions. I asked my manager to review this to make sure I was going in the right direction. He gave me the green light. I finished the project in one week, and I not only organized the files but also computerized the entire process.
As a result, my manager quickly focused on completing 25% of the outstanding transactions, adding |
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2 |
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3 |
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4 |
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5 |
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6 |
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7 |
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8 |
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9 |
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10 |
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Notice that the example is very detailed:
- Time was referenced (in a few ways): This project was during your last internship, and you had two weeks to complete the task. The work was actually finished ahead of schedule—in one week versus two.
- The duties were defined: You had to organize the contents of boxes of paper work for the year’s real estate transactions.
- The action was emphasized: You took the initiative to organize the work into four categories and you checked with your manager to make sure you were going in the right direction.
- The accomplishment was highlighted: You completed the task in half the time, and you automated the process. Most of all, you enabled your employer to close 25 percent of the outstanding transactions, adding about $100,000 in revenue to the bottom line.
(Whenever possible, identify the result(s) of your actions. Future employers will hire you because you have proved your worth to your past employers.)
Other strengths and skills could include (in alphabetical order):
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Analytical Detail oriented Client focused Conscientious Communicative Creative Hard worker Industry knowledge Technical Leader |
Loyal Optimistic Passionate Persistent Proactive Quick learner Team Player Tenacious Thoughtful Trustworthy Vigilant |
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