Many find it difficult to identify their own personal skills. Here are practical methods to discover what makes you unique as a colleague.
Why defining skills is challenging
Personal skills often feel so natural to us that we don't recognize them as strengths. You might take for granted that you stay calm under pressure, not realizing this is a valuable skill others struggle with.
That's why structured methods for self-reflection are so valuable. They help you see yourself more objectively.
Method 1: Reflect on past experiences
Think about situations where you performed well or received positive feedback. Ask yourself:
- What was I doing when I felt most engaged?
- What tasks do colleagues often ask me to help with?
- What compliments have I received at work?
- When have I exceeded expectations?
Write down your answers and look for patterns. The skills that appear repeatedly are likely your core strengths.
Method 2: The STAR technique for examples
Once you identify a skill, document it using the STAR method:
STAR method
- Situation: What was the context?
- Task: What needed to be done?
- Action: What did you specifically do?
- Result: What was the outcome?
This gives you concrete examples ready for your CV or interview.
Method 3: Ask for feedback
Others often see our strengths more clearly than we do. Ask trusted colleagues, friends, or family:
- "What do you think I'm particularly good at?"
- "What would you come to me for help with?"
- "How would you describe my working style?"
- "What strengths do you see in me that I might overlook?"
Their answers might surprise you and reveal skills you've never considered.
Method 4: Use a skills list
Sometimes it helps to have a starting point. Review this list and mark the skills that describe you:
- Adaptable
- Analytical
- Collaborative
- Creative
- Detail-oriented
- Empathetic
- Flexible
- Initiative-taking
- Leadership
- Organized
- Patient
- Persuasive
- Problem-solving
- Reliable
- Resilient
- Strategic
For each skill you choose, think of a concrete example that demonstrates it.
Prioritize your top skills
You likely have many personal skills, but for job applications, focus on 3-5 that are:
- Relevant: Match what the job requires
- Strong: Skills where you genuinely excel
- Provable: You have concrete examples to support them
These become your "signature skills" – the ones you consistently highlight.
Key takeaways
- Reflect on past experiences to identify patterns in your strengths
- Use the STAR method to document concrete examples
- Ask others for feedback – they often see what you miss
- Focus on 3-5 "signature skills" that are relevant, strong, and provable