by Shaheen Darr

Created on: August 14, 2011   Last Updated: August 24, 2011

SWOT (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis can be conducted by businesses and individuals to scrutinize existing strengths and weaknesses amidst an environment that can present both opportunities and threats. Just as businesses conduct a SWOT analysis to prepare their marketing and business plans it can also prove to be a useful tool for individuals who want to plan how to move ahead in their careers.

Strengths: Depending upon the type of industry in which you are seeking employment analyze the strengths you possess which can include both physical and mental attributes that will be useful for your career progression. Additionally, list any practical experiences, qualifications or skills you possess that will come in handy in your desired career or any personal achievements of which you are proud.

An expert who is superior in his knowledge of a product or of the market is valued as he is in a monopolistic position and has something that others around him do not. Include personal values like being hardworking, trustworthy and reliable or qualities which others have noted in you like good communication skills. An addition to your list of strengths can be a particular skill that none of your colleagues possess or being socially connected to a group that has important connections. Basically these will be all the positive, life enhancing qualities that you have achieved or acquired over the years which will be your strength in furthering your career.

Weaknesses: You have to be honest with yourself about the weaknesses you have and which others perceive in you which prevent you progressing in your career. These can be character traits like a lack of confidence, being disorganized, getting stressed easily when facing a difficult situation. Other weaknesses include a lack of ambition or rushing to do things which can sometimes cause a person to make mistakes.

Some people find meetings difficult as they cannot openly discuss problems in front of a group of people. Others are lacking in training or experience which makes it harder for them to advance in their careers. Ask yourself how you can improve these weaknesses and what hurdles you need to overcome in your personal circumstances order to do so.    

Opportunities: These are the external factors that can influence your circumstances and either fortify existing strengths or improve weaknesses to make you more employable. If it is a lack of training or education that is a weakness

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>