Identify the Skills You Possess That You Enjoy Using

Sometimes when I talk to people about the kind of work they want to do and skills they would like to use, they have a difficult time identifying their primary skills. Generally speaking, skills can be developed and improved by using them repeatedly in a work situation, but also in volunteer, community, and family or personal activities. In many cases, people enjoy doing things they are good at. In some instances, you may be good at a particular skill, but you no longer want to use it on a regular basis. That is OK, too.

Skills have been categorized in different ways, but probably the most basic method is to think in terms of working primarily with people, with things, or with data. Although most tasks involve some combination of those skills, we can think in terms of these as primary skill sets.

If your primary skills involve working with people, that would generally mean you have the interpersonal skills to interact with others - whether one-on-one or with groups. You probably enjoy talking to and helping others, persuading or training or advising others. Your next steps would be to determine which of the 'people' skills you most enjoy using.

If your primary skills involve working with things, that would generally mean you have the ability to work with your hands - whether using fine motor skills, or working on large objects. You are probably good at maintaining or fixing equipment and machines, and finding out how things work. People who are good with things use a variety of tools and equipment. If this describes you, you probably have the ability to follow written instructions and the ability to build, repair, and/or maintain things. Many "things" people are good at operating machinery or tools, large or small. Again, determine which "things" skills you most enjoy using.

If your primary skills involve working with data, that would generally mean you have the ability to work with information - generally with numbers or other pieces of information. You may be good at handling details, storing and retrieving information, and problem solving. Again, you determine which of the "data" skills you most enjoy using.

Whether you are looking for employment or volunteer opportunities or even identifying new hobbies or classes you want to take, knowing the skills you possess, that you enjoy using, could be helpful. In some cases, you may need to learn a new skill to be fully marketable, but that could be relatively easy, if it builds upon other skills you possess.

In addition to some formal interest inventories, there are probably several an online quizzes or surveys to help you identify your preferences for working with data/information, people or things. One simple tool is available at http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca. It is sponsored by the Canadian Government. Choose the 'Skills and Knowledge Checklist' button. Following completion of the survey, you would receive a list of occupations that represent your primary preferences. You can also think about things/activities you are good at that you have enjoyed and create your own list of preferred skills.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and on-line. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.