#1 What are your natural strengths?

It seems like there are a million strength assessments to choose from, but the CliftonStrengths test by Gallup is our favorite. 177 questions, 60 minutes, and 1 enlightening report – it’s genius.

Our self-assessments are often influenced by past work experience, but what if you haven’t even had the chance to show off a powerful side of yourself? It’s also very difficult to truly be unbiased. If you’re going through a challenging career change or you feel burned out, your judgment might be clouded by negative emotions.

Again, this process is all about knowing yourself. It’s time to strip away the external inputs, social commentary, and whispering voices. Career coaches use data-backed assessments to get more honest answers.

• Are you an independent learner?
• Do you have the power to lead with influence?
• Can you command a room?
• Do you have bright ideas and strategic plans for the future?

Let’s find out.

#2 What tangible skills give you an edge?

Next up, it’s time to identify your unique list of hard skills and soft skills. During the self-assessment, you learned a little more about how you’re wired and how your personality shapes strengths at work. Skills add another layer of detail to define what you’ve mastered over the years.

Your career coach sees this list of skills as a jumping off point, and so should you. Feel free to get as specific as you’d like (“I’m a wizard with Premier Pro motion graphics”) or lump related groups of skills together (“I know how to make any and all marketing materials look good”).

This list helps you pitch yourself with confidence and picture a career that matches what you’re best at. Plus, you can brainstorm new, related skills that you want to learn next.

#3 What lights you up and makes you proud?

Making a career change can be stressful. It’s a time of uncertainty and there are lots of unanswered questions, but it’s also an opportunity to put the focus back on yourself.

You deserve to step into your next role with a smile and pivot into work that truly resonates with your priorities. We carry our careers home at the end of the day, even if it’s unintentional, so it’s important to find work that matches your personal values too.

• What kind of people are you drawn to?
• What places, destinations, and activities bring you joy?
• What stories and accomplishments are you most excited to share with friends?

All of these personal details work together to create an inner compass and help you find your fit.

You can start the process on your own, but real progress starts with the right partner. At 4THWALL, we offer personalized career coaching and inspiring group sessions to help you break down barriers.