Assessing skills needing further development

When you compiled your list of general and specific skills necessary for certain positions, were you able to fulfil all of the requirements? You probably possessed some of them; those that need to be acquired are your "underdeveloped skills".

If you are just beginning the job search, there may be gaps between the skills required by some of the positions you're interested in, and the skills you actually possess. Admitting this can be scary - will anyone want to employ me? What happens when they ask me about it in an interview?

But if you don't know your weaknesses, how can you fix them? Planning to overcome them via on-the-job training or further formal education is one positive response to the issue.

In terms of interviews, employers want a truthful answer. By taking a positive, targeted approach to your underdeveloped skills, you show potential employers that you are willing to tackle problems. You also show them that you want to continue to learn - a positive quality in any employee!

Activity

Make a list of up to five general or specific skills that you don't possess, but that are required for a position that you are interested in. For each item list a specific action you could take to acquire that skill. If you have a hard time generating ideas, talk to people currently working in this type of position, the La Trobe Careers Service, trusted friends, family, or members of a related professional association.