SWOT analysis

Look for roles that will put your strengths to good use. Your strengths are what you are good at and what will be of benefit in the role.

Pick your 3 strongest attributes that you think will get you the job. Give examples of how you have used these strengths in a work situation. They could be:

• tangible skills, such as proficiency in a computer language
• intangible skills, such as management

Start with the job description. There is usually a section listing candidate requirements. This should give you an idea of what they are looking for.

Finding a job that matches your skills

Weaknesses are areas for development where you are less skilled or confident.

If someone asks “What are your weaknesses?”, you can turn this into a positive by showing steps you are taking to improve.

For example, “My IT skills could improve, so I am doing a Pitman level 2 course in IT to address this.” Your initiative could be a strength.

Finding training opportunities

Do not say, “I don’t have any weaknesses.” Your interviewer will not believe you.

Avoid “I tend to work too hard.” This is avoiding the question.

Opportunities help you to develop your career. For example, ask for training to develop your skills or find a suitable mentor in the organisation.

• working for a large company with many new roles becoming available
• availability of training
• more mentors available

Identify any threats to you or your career. Threats are things that may limit your career, such as:

• high level of competition for new roles
• difficulty negotiating flexible working conditions for senior jobs
• higher level of stress

Put your ideas in a table to make them easier to read.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis table