Introduction
You've heard it before: "Know thyself." But when it comes to your Career Skill Audit, this ancient adage takes on a whole new meaning. Understanding your skillset is crucial, whether you're a college student looking for online jobs or a seasoned professional aiming to climb the corporate ladder. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to perform a self skillset audit. Let's get started!
Why a Career Skill Audit?
Before diving into the "how," let's talk about the "why." A skillset audit helps you:
Identify your strengths and weaknesses
Make informed career decisions
Tailor your resume and keep it updated
Plan your professional development
Understanding Hard and Soft Skills
Before you start auditing your skills, it's crucial to understand the difference between hard and soft skills.
Hard Skills
Hard skills are technical abilities you acquire through formal education, training, or experience. They are quantifiable and often specific to a particular job or industry.
Soft Skills
Soft skills, on the other hand, are interpersonal skills that are harder to quantify. They relate to how you interact with people and handle work situations.
Examples of Hard and Soft Skills
Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|
Coding (Python, Java, etc.) | Communication |
Data Analysis | Teamwork |
Project Management | Problem-Solving |
SEO Optimization | Adaptability |
Graphic Design | Leadership |
Financial Analysis | Time Management |
Foreign Languages | Creativity |
Machine Learning | Conflict Resolution |
Video Editing | Emotional Intelligence |
Copywriting | Decision Making |
Database Management | Negotiation |
Cloud Computing | Customer Service |
Social Media Marketing | Empathy |
Sales | Stress Management |
Event Planning | Initiative |
CAD Design | Accountability |
Legal Research | Networking |
Electrical Engineering | Collaboration |
Quality Control | Critical Thinking |
Medical Procedures | Cultural Awareness |
Game Development | Listening Skills |
Statistical Analysis | Persuasion |
Plumbing | Patience |
Step 1: Inventory Your Skills
Hard Skills
These are the technical skills you've acquired through education, training, and experience. List them all, from coding languages to project management tools you're familiar with.
Soft Skills
These are your interpersonal skills—think communication, leadership, and problem-solving. Don't underestimate these; they're often what set you apart from the competition.
Step 2: Rate Yourself
Assign a rating to each skill based on your proficiency. Use a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "novice" and 5 being "expert." Be honest but not overly critical.
Step 3: Gather External Feedback
Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or even friends who can provide insights into your skills. Sometimes, others see strengths or weaknesses that you might overlook.
Step 4: Align with Career Goals
What skills are essential for your career path? Whether you're looking to earn online as a student or transition into a managerial role, align your skills with your career objectives.
Step 5: Identify Gaps and Opportunities
Look for gaps between your current skills and your career goals. These are areas for improvement. Also, identify skills you already excel in; these are your unique selling points (USPs).
Step 6: Create an Action Plan
Based on your audit, develop a plan to enhance your skills. This could involve taking courses, attending workshops, or even reading books. Set achievable milestones and deadlines.
Step 7: Revisit and Update
Your skillset isn't static; it evolves. Make it a habit to perform a skillset audit at least once a year or whenever you're considering a career move.
Action Steps
List Your Skills: Hard and soft, jot them down.
Self-Rate: Be honest and thorough.
Seek Feedback: Ask people you trust.
Align with Goals: Make sure your skills serve your career path.
Spot Gaps: Know what you need to work on.
Plan: Set milestones and deadlines.
Re-audit: Keep your audit updated.
Complete Checklist: Your Skillset Audit To-Do List
Inventory Your Skills
List all hard skills
List all soft skills
Rate Your Skills
Rate each hard skill
Rate each soft skill
Gather External Feedback
Reach out to colleagues
Reach out to mentors
Align with Career Goals
Identify essential hard skills
Identify essential soft skills
Identify Gaps and Opportunities
Spot gaps in hard skills
Spot gaps in soft skills
Create an Action Plan
Set milestones for hard skills
Set milestones for soft skills
Revisit and Update
Schedule next audit
Update your resume
Conclusion
Performing a self skillset audit is like taking a career selfie. It gives you a snapshot of where you stand and where you need to go. It's an invaluable exercise that can guide your career decisions and help you grow professionally.
So, when was the last time you took stock of your skills? Isn't it time for a self-audit?
