A personal SWOT analysis is a powerful technique that can be used when seeking a career change (or indeed any other personal change in your life). Linked to a strong and powerful goal, it can enable you to take advantage of your skills, talents and abilities to take your career to the next level. SWOT stands for: Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Completing a SWOT Analysis To complete a SWOT analysis, take a large piece of paper and divide the paper into four quadrants and label each area as above. Look at each area and consider the questions that follow and write down the answers that come into your head. Strengths Personal strengths form an innate part of who you are and your characteristics. Consider your strengths as you see them and talk to your colleagues and friends for a further source of support. What skills and capabilities do you have? In what areas do you excel? What qualifications, accreditations or experience make you unique? What would other people consider to be your strengths? What qualities, values or beliefs make you stand out from others? Weaknesses Consider your personal weaknesses and how you may be seen by others. It is important to list any areas you feel may be holding you back. What are the gaps in your capabilities and what skills do you need to develop? In what areas could you improve? What would other people consider to be your weaknesses? What personal difficulties do you need to overcome to reach your goal? Opportunities Opportunities are normally external and may relate to changes in technology, people that may influence decisions, or training, development or support that may support your aspirations. What opportunities are available to you? What external influences can help you to achieve success? Who could support you to help you achieve your goal? Threats Threats are also normally external and are the things that get in the way of your success. What obstacles are you facing? What external influences may hinder your success? Who or what could get in the way of you achieving your goal? The next step Carrying out a personal SWOT analysis can help you to understand yourself and support the decisions you make. It will highlight areas you may not have considered before and may help you to realise a different perspective in each area. It gives you a foundation from where you can move forward with your goal to support your career change and for you to take action. There are various ways in which you can do this. You can review your strengths, and ensure these are reflected on your curriculum vitae or letter to a prospective employer. You can consider ways to address any weaknesses which you want to overcome or develop your skills and capabilities. You can review your opportunities as these can be used to your advantage. Also consider how your threats could be minimised or eliminated. These actions will enable you to take clear steps towards achieving your goal. Copyright Karen Williams 2007. All Rights Reserved
About the Author:Karen Williams is a Life and Career Development Coach and runs her own coaching practice, Self Discovery Coaching. She has over ten years experience of working in Human Resources, training, coaching and management roles and is a Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). For more information and to sign up for the Self Discovery free monthly newsletter, go to http://www.selfdiscoverycoaching.co.uk/ and receive a free career e-book.
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