What am I actually
good at?
Can you readily list your qualities or competencies? Our sincere compliments if you can! Many people find it a difficult question. First, because it’s not easy to say out loud what you’re good at. Second, because you might not know exactly what it is that you’re good at. How do you find out where your strengths lie? And how can you use your competencies, for example, when searching for a new job? Discover it with the following tips.
How do you clarify your competencies?
But first: What are competencies? There are countless definitions of the term. Essentially, competencies are the sum of your knowledge, skills, talents, and attitude. Everyone has a unique set of core competencies. They are the building blocks of successful behavior. Some are innate, while others you develop over time. They make you who you are. Almost all competencies can be learned and developed, but some require less energy than others. Which ones? That depends on your personal talents and qualities. Here are our tips:
1. Ask others for feedback
Ask family, friends, fellow students, or colleagues to describe you in five core words. This input is absolutely valuable. It increases your awareness of what you do well and where you might be less strong. It also shows how you behave in different situations: at home, with friends, during your studies, or at your side job. Let them give you five strengths and two tips!
2. Look for a (free) simple personality test
You can find various tests on different websites that can give you an idea of your personality and your competencies.
3. From core quality to allergy
Daniel Ofman’s core quadrant model provides insight into your core qualities, as well as the pitfalls, challenges, and allergies that come with them. For example, if you are punctual and tidy, your pitfall might be becoming perfectionistic and overly organized. A challenge is to let go more often. However, if you overdo this, the challenge may become an allergy, like being sloppy and disorganized. In short, a useful and insightful model. Here’s another example if your core quality is ‘consideration for others’.
4. Consciously take small steps
Do you want to work on your competencies? Focus on one at a time. Choose one quality you’d like to improve and make it as concrete as possible. Start by taking small steps, such as doing one thing differently each day. For example, try taking on a different, perhaps leadership, role during a study meeting. The key is to consciously make small steps forward so you see results more quickly. That will keep you motivated. Just remember, you can’t turn a square into a circle. Some competencies suit you better than others. The main thing is to play to your own strengths.
5. Substantiate your competencies well
How can you use your qualities to find your dream job? By backing them up well. Don’t list too many on your CV or in your cover letter. Two or three is enough. It’s more important to clearly explain what proves you possess these qualities. For example, give concrete examples in your letter of situations where you have behaved a certain way.
For a job interview, you can select five competencies. Use feedback from those around you or your core qualities as a starting point. Explain your competencies by providing examples. Prepare well. The goal of the interview is to be yourself and show what makes you unique. Ultimately, you want a job that matches your competencies and taps into your personal strengths.
