In today's job market, there's an increased focus on skills-based hiring - especially with inclusive recruitment processes and tools that help employers quickly identify the right candidates.
Your skills are your most valuable asset, and knowing what they are will help you align with the best job opportunities while identifying areas for growth. As many organisations face challenges in finding talent with the right skills, it’s more crucial than ever to be aware of your strengths and any gaps in your skillset.
When recruiters look at your CV, they’re primarily assessing the skills you've developed throughout your career. These skills determine your ability to perform the job, the impact you can make, and your potential for future growth within the organisation. A lot of companies now also use practical skills assessments as part of the hiring process, due to the growing need for upskilling and addressing skills shortages.
So, before you sit down to write your CV, take the time to evaluate your current skills and identify areas for development. Whether you're new to the workforce or seeking a career change, this process will help you showcase your strengths and address any gaps.
1. List Your Current Technical and Soft Skills
Begin by separating your skills into two categories: technical skills (specific, job-related abilities) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, leadership, etc.). Here are some ways to help identify them:
- Review the job description for your current position and research similar job adverts to pinpoint the skills required in your role – this is a great starting point to identify skills you have that you might not think of
- Analyse your past performance reviews for insights into your strengths and areas of improvement
- Ask for feedback from your colleagues, managers, or mentors to get a different perspective on your abilities.
As you go through this process, you may come across skills you haven’t yet acquired. For these you can create a separate "Skills to Consider Acquiring" list.
2. Identify Your Ideal Career Path and Work Environment
Understanding your desired career path can help guide your skill development. Consider the following:
- Psychometric tests like Myers-Briggs can offer insight into your personality and how it aligns with different career environments.
- Aptitude tests can help determine where your natural strengths lie.
- Reflect on what motivates you and gives you purpose in a job. Knowing what you enjoy and value in your work can help you align your skillset with roles that will be fulfilling.
3. Research Job Adverts for Your Desired Roles
Look for job listings that match your career interests and take note of the skills they require.
Compare your current skills to those listed and note any skills you’re missing as you can add these to your "Skills to Consider Acquiring" list.
Be honest with yourself about where your tangible experience lies and where you may need improvement.
4. Categorise Your "Skills to Consider Acquiring" List
Now that you have a list of skills you want to acquire, it’s time to categorise them. Sort these skills into the following categories:
- Skills necessary for the roles you’re interested in.
- Skills you’d like to develop for your own growth.
- Skills that are not relevant to your career goals.
5. Put It All Together
At this stage, you should have a clear understanding of your current skillset, your career goals, and the skills you need to develop. Now, you’re ready to either apply for new opportunities or work on acquiring the additional skills that will help you advance.
When writing your CV, make sure to include tangible examples of how you’ve applied your skills in past projects and highlight the results you achieved. For more tips on how to craft a standout CV, read our guide: How to write a killer CV
Evaluating your skillset is an essential part of job hunting, and it’s a process you should revisit periodically throughout your career. Not only does this give you clarity on how you can add value to an organisation, but it also boosts your confidence when approaching interviews.
To find your next opportunity and put these skills into practice, view the latest insurance jobs on iCAN Apply.