You have decided to quit. You have handed in that eloquently written resignation letter, said your goodbyes and collected your office supplies. And then it sets in. That dreaded feeling of what’s next? Now before you panic and get swayed by the next attractive job spec that pops up on LinkedIn (even if they offer unlimited vacation leave or call you a “unicorn”), take a moment to pause.
If you have been winging your career up until now, taking some time out to plan your next steps are vital. Consider why you left the last job you had. Reflecting on the skills you gained and the things you enjoyed or disliked in your previous positions will set you up for success in your next role.
We are here to help guide you on how to effectively leverage the skills you have gained and perhaps even uncover new skills you may have overlooked. With our tried and tested tips, when you are ready to take up your new role, you’ll be well-positioned to answer the most common interview question: “What skills do you bring to the company?” and crush that interview.
So how do you unlock those hidden skills? Here are some tips for finding those hidden gems that will land you the interview for that dream job you have your eyes on.
3 Steps to Unlock your Best Skills
#1: Don’t overlook soft skills.
Perhaps you took time off to focus on your family? Don’t dismiss this as a “gap” in your CV. You most likely developed leadership skills, communication proficiency, and time management skills during this time ‘off’. Or maybe the entrepreneur bug hit, and you started a business and learnt all about operations, HR, Finance and strategy, and now these key skills will give you the competitive edge in the race to land that coveted CTO title at the next big tech conglomerate. No matter whether every year is filled with impressive job highlights or whether you took the odd sabbatical, each role (professional or personal) on your CV taught you invaluable skills that can apply to your next career move. Be willing to embrace the “soft” skills you have honed over your years of experience and use them to your advantage.
#2: Upskill, upskill and upskill.
The World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report 2020” predicts that 50% of all employees globally will need to upskill or reskill by 2025 to stay competitive. Technology and innovation are constantly evolving, and the skills we will need in the future are largely unknown. Taking regular courses, reading and staying up to date on the latest skills in your industry will put you in good stead to succeed. A career transitioning coach will help you identify and recommend any “up-skilling” required to position yourself competitively in today’s market. A good career coach will offer tailored one-on-one coaching to develop the skills you need and support you in your job search.
#3: Find “transferrable” skills.
The pandemic changed the way we work. More flexible job opportunities are now available, and companies are now increasingly focusing on “transferable skills.” These are skills you may have used every day in your previous role. Skills like leadership, adaptability to change, critical thinking and problem-solving have become highly sought-after skills to grow your career. If you are unsure which skills would be “transferable” to your next career move, work with a career coach who will offer one-on-one sessions to reposition your career based on your goals
That’s one of the first things we’ll set out to do when you partner with Amelia Brooke Career Coaching. We’ll explain and offer different approaches that factor for specific needs we’ll explore together.
For testimonials and to learn more about Amelia Brooke’s tried-and-tested career coaching methodology, go here.
Choosing a career coach is an important decision. Even when speaking with Amelia, take your time to qualify things. The success of the relationship will extend out of the quality of your early engagements.
Amelia Brooke career coaching practices throughout the UK and Europe. Schedule an exploratory call with Amelia to gain a better understanding of how your career can gain value from her experience and expertise.
