Whether you are searching for your first job, applying for a new job, or defining your personal brand, you have to know what your signature strengths are and how to effectively communicate them to potential employers, clients, and customers.
Much like your actual signature, you have signature “strengths” or talents that are unique to you, and are your greatest asset on the job market.
Signature strengths refer the combination of natural abilities, aptitudes, and skills that you possess and can deploy effortlessly to accomplish amazing results (e.g., collaborating, connecting people, thinking about the big picture, motivating team members, etc.). The most successful people don’t waste time trying to fix their weaknesses; they nourish and grow their strengths.
Identifying and developing your strengths is essential for becoming the best “you” that you can be.
So, where do you get started?
First, you need to identify your signature strengths. Gallup Press has published many useful books about how successful people use their strengths. In addition, the Gallup Organization offers an online tool that will allow you to quickly and accurately identify your signature strengths (http://tinyurl.com/b27bur). This assessment tool is supported by decades of sound scientific research and, in just a few minutes, will provide you with an analysis of your signature strengths.
Second, you need to learn how to represent your unique constellation of talents in writing (e.g., on your resume, blog, or website). Writing about your strengths in a pithy, visually appealing, and compelling manner will create interest about you and help you build a strong network.
Finally, you need to learn how to talk about your signature talents to potential employers, clients, and/or customers. You practice “pitching” your talents to different types of audiences try standing in front of a mirror and “selling” your talents to a new client, a potential employer, or a potential customer. Believe in what you’re saying about signature strengths: If you don’t, nobody else will!
I recommend creating two version of your sales pitch. The first should be a one-sentence description of who you are and how you’re currently using your talents (e.g., on a recent project, new venture, etc). The second description of your strengths should be a slightly longer “elevator speech” about who you are and how you use your talents to do good work. These verbal descriptions should show people how your signature talents could benefit their business or cause.
Identifying and developing your signature strengths is an invaluable skill for distinguishing yourself in professional situations. In the long-term, shaping your career around your signature strengths will put you on a professional path that allows you to do what you do best, develop mastery over your work, and make contributions to society.
DR. CHRIS GROSCURTH is founder and principal consultant of BaRENaKED Communication (BNC), a consulting firm specializing in employee communication and positive change. To learn more about positive communication, visit www.barenakedcommunication.com.
