“Scope Your Employability”
Dictionary.com defination: Slang . to look at, read, or investigate, as in order to evaluate or appreciate.
Lots of people are uncomfortable talking about their strengths. That’s a shame, because career success is closely tied to being able to clearly articulate what you have to offer. You might need to convince your boss to put you on that fantastic project. Or convince a new employer to give you that job. Or convince a customer to give you their business. All of these rely on your own understanding of your employability.
If you want to convince anyone you are the best person for the job, you need to be able to tell them what value you offer. The secret to doing this is to spend some time – regularly – thinking about what makes you employable. That means looking at, investigating, evaluating and appreciating your employability!
Scoping your employability builds your career strength in several ways:
- It helps you get clear about where your talents lie – this is a necessary first step before you start trying to sell your strengths.
- It helps you make informed decisions about how to stretch and build your career.
- It builds your confidence when you identify and acknowledge your valuable qualities.
- And thinking about how your employability is developing in your current job can help you stay focussed, engaged and motivated by the work you are doing right now.
Like all our career stretches and meditations, you’ll get the most benefit from scoping your employability if you do it on a regular basis – not just when you really need to get a new job. Five minutes reflection at the end of each day, over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine should do it. It doesn’t have to be a detailed analysis exercise. The more you think about your employability, the more it will become second nature to you to do so. Then, when you really need to sell yourself, you will already be familiar with the qualities and talents you can draw upon.
If you have a tip or a question about scoping your employability, why not participate in our conversation on Twitter (#careerstretch) or join our LinkedIn group (Career Spa Community)?
Useful Websites
If you’re looking for career resources, try these free Australian websites:
For information on labour market statistics (which occupations are in demand):
www.joboutlook.gov.au; or www.deewr.gov.au/lmip
For information about jobs and training pathways:
www.myfuture.gov.au; or www.jobguide.deewr.gov.au
For information about career development practitioners around Australia:
www.cdaa.org.au
For information about setting up your own business:
www.business.gov.au
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