Step 2: Aptitude - Discovering Your Unique Qualities
There is nobody like you anywhere. There never has been and never will be. God Himself crafted you uniquely and individually.
The more you know yourself, the better you will understand the kind of work you are uniquely gifted and prepared to do and where you can best do it.
Discover your unique qualities in five categories.
Background — education and experience
Abilities — skills, talents, knowledge
Interests — things you enjoy doing
Personality — natural traits and tendencies
Values — standards, purpose, passions
Try this four-part process.
SELF-ASSESSMENT
Make a list of your accomplishments, experiences, and attributes. Look for patterns.
REFERENCE ASSESSMENTS
Ask 4 to 6 people who know you to make their own lists about you in each of the five categories listed above. You might create a simple form for them to fill out and return to you confidentially.
PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT
Dozens of assessment tests are available on the market, and more than likely you’ve already taken one or two through work or church. Some focus on skills, some on traits. Some can be taken in 10 minutes; others take hours and include follow-up sessions with a counselor. You should take at least one or two.
SUMMARIZE
Spread out all of the results from your assessments. Look for common themes in each of the five categories. Write down several qualities in each category to compile a well-rounded portrait of yourself.
For it was You who formed my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13
NOTE: This section of the website is only a summary of "How to Walk Through a Crossroads in Your Career™". For the full content, click here for a full PDF version, or click here for a PDF of step 2.
