The Art Of Self-Assessment

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A self-assessment is a realistic appraisal of yourself. For a fresh graduate, it is the first step to your career planning. It involves analysing and reflecting on your knowledge, skills or even what you may lack.

By knowing what you are good at (or what you’re not good at), you will be able to shape and plan your job search more effectively.

For example, if you know your talents, skills and interests well, you can communicate this clearly to the person who is interviewing you.

Likewise, if you are lacking in something, you can find a way to improve yourself so that you are better equipped with what’s necessary to succeed!

What does a self-assessment involve? Here’s a quick and easy-to-follow guide.

YOUR INTERESTS

These include your hobbies, your passions, what you’re interested in.

STEP 1:

Think of all the things you’ve participated in during the last five years.

STEP 2:

Ask yourself these questions:

1.       What did I like or dislike about each activity?

2.       What did I learn?

3.       What do I wish to continue?

STEP 3:

Consider your answers. They will help you gain insight on your interests.

It’s important to be aware of your past achievements and the kind of skills you

currently possess.

YOUR SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

It’s important to be aware of your past achievements and the kind of skills you currently possess

STEP 1:

Think of the things you are proud of.

STEP 2:

Identify what you did in each situation that helped you achieve your success.

STEP 3:

Differentiate your skills into two types:

•        Hard skills – These are easily measured and can be learned at school. They include technical skills, languages and other measurable techniques.

•        Soft skills – These are less tangible, such as communication and interpersonal skills that will come in handy in work situations.

YOUR VALUES

Values help us determine what is right, wrong, good or bad. Behaving in ways that are against with your values can cause frustration.

STEP 1:

Ask yourself what values are important to you, such as honesty, diligence, flexibility and loyalty.

STEP 2:

Identify the values that are most important and least important to you in the work context.

STEP 3:

Be aware of the values that are important and seek environments that are compatible with them. For instance, if flexibility is important to you, seek a work environment that encourages creativity.

Write down your answers in a book and refer to it from time to time when you’re planning your career! The answers will help you decide on the job you want as well as help you chart your career!

Adapted from Ready4work.my. Click here for more articles