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Self-assessment

On the job market? Self Assessment Is Critical

Many companies routinely post information on desired skills and experience when recruiting. But what are talents and how do they differ from skills?

Talents are “recurring patterns of thought, feeling or behavior” – things that cannot be taught. Skills, on the other hand, are learned behaviors. The key for managing your career is to be crystal clear about your talents and differentiate them from your skills so that you can apply them in the most appropriate way to become professional assets.

To do this, however, a comprehensive, thoughtful self-assessment is critical. JIU professor and professional career coach Sabine Amend presents a strong case for self-assessment in your pursuit of professional advancement. Click here to read her entire article.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: SKILLS VS. TALENTS

  • Talents are “recurring patterns of thought, feeling or behavior.”
  • Skills are concrete competencies that can be learned.
  • Excellence is only possible through developing your talents into strengths.
  • Understand how your brain works.
  • Each person’s brain chemistry is unique and has a profound impact on their talents.
  • Your values deeply influence what energizes you.
  • Do honest inventories of what’s important to you.