Career Icebreaker: Finding Your Hidden Talents and Resources

Are you wanting to switch careers or explore new job options? Perhaps you are unhappy with your current career, but unsure of what your options are. Maybe you have so many options that you feel overwhelmed. Whatever your situation, taking some time out for a self-evaluation prior to making any big change is a smart move. It’s probably been a while since you last thought about your natural talents and abilities! Career coaching can help you uncover and identify those talents and abilities that, once realized, can lead you on a journey to greater career fulfillment.

Try the following brainstorming exercise, meant to help you pull out the best parts of your professional personality. All you need is a pen and paper or your computer, and some quiet time to reflect. There are no right or wrong answers here. Just be honest with yourself. When we're reasonable about what we can achieve, we're better matched to a future position, one that satisfies us because we're already inclined to perform that particular role and do it well.

1. As a child, what types of leisure activities did you enjoy most?

(Were you handy with tools? Good at making crafts? Did you write stories, enjoy brain teasers? What about sports or outdoor exploration? Were you a budding entrepreneur, with lemonade stands, a paper route, or other lucrative childhood pursuits? What about science projects or caring for and spending time with pets?)

2. When asked to volunteer for a group project, whether it's on the job, with your church, school, or another place, in which areas do you typically offer your assistance?

3. Which electives did you sign up to take in high school, college, or other training school? Out of those, which classes stand out in your mind as being the easiest and most enjoyable for you? Which ones did you get the best grades in, and for what types of assignments or projects?

4. What extracurricular activities did you participate in at your high school and/or college?

(To which groups did you belong, and what areas did you sign up to offer your contributions? Were you on the school paper or yearbook committee? Did you enjoy building stage sets for the theater group or work as a deejay for your school radio program? Were you a sports team member or assistant coach? Computer or math club?)

5. Think back to all the memorable moments in your life where you were congratulated or acknowledged for your efforts. What did you do at that time to warrant recognition? If you can think back to notes of thanks, testimonials or other expressions of appreciation, what messages did people have to say about your best qualities?

6. When asked to write your performance reviews for previous jobs, which areas did you most excel at, and in what ways? Take some time to explain, citing examples of moments where you exhibited stellar performance on the job.

When you're finished writing out the answers to the above questions, go back and re-read your answers. What personal attributes can you see popping up repeatedly over the course of your life? Can you think of different types of jobs where you'd be able to best utilize these skills and personal strengths?

Congratulations! You have just taken the first necessary step to uncovering your career skillset. Now try your hand at writing your resume. If you have additional questions or want to take the next step in uncovering a career that fits for you, review the career coaching and career teleclasses page from HallieCrawford.com for more information.

Copyright 2006 Hallie Crawford. All rights reserved.

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