More often than not, we under-value ourselves when it comes to our career. We don’t apply for certain positions because we feel we may not be good enough or we doubt our skill sets. Although we have no problem doubting ourselves, we don’t take the time to do a career-self assessment and really learn what our strengths and weaknesses are. By doing this, we can learn a lot about the roles and the career paths we should be choosing and gain more self-worth.

By doing a career-self assessment you are evaluating your interests, skills, achievements, and values to an employer, which is critical to a successful job search.

What Are You Interested In?

Sometimes the idea of landing a job (any job!) overrides choosing the job that is the right fit for YOU. Clearly define what your interests are when it comes to a career.

  • What industry are you familiar and interested in?
  • Why does this career path appeal to you?
  • What work environment suits you? (consider salary, hours and the type of office environment you would want to be part of.)

You may also want to consider the location of your workplace as well – factor in your commute to work and how that will affect you.

Asking yourself these questions – even for multiple career possibilities, will help you clearly define the path you want to take.

What Skills Do You Have That Can Bring Value to Your Career?

List your top five skills and consider examples where you have demonstrated each one in your current role. Consider at least three examples specific to each skill. By writing down the skills and your experience with them, you are displaying your capabilities.

Use Your Skills To Determine The Best Career For You

Explore the career(s) you are interested in and review the skills that are required.

  • Are these skills you already have?
  • Will the current skills you have be of any value to this career choice?
  • Are these skills you are willing to improve or work on?
  • What can you do to gain the necessary skills required for this job if you don’t already have what is needed?

Ask for Feedback

And finally, you should ask your peers for feedback. Coworkers, directors and managers can provide you with insight that may help you determine if you are in the right work space or if you would be a good fit for a prospective career. Ask them what you do well at in your role and where you can improve. While you don’t have to tell them that you are considering a career change, you can simply let them know you are hoping to improve and that their feedback will be valuable for you.

After you have completed your career self-assessment you should have a better idea of your capabilities and where you would be a good fit. Not only is your development and skill set important, so is your happiness. This assessment will help you find a career that you can be happy with.