How to Identify Your Career Strengths

Reflect on achievements and recurring patterns

Begin by reviewing your work history to find repeated successes and moments when you felt energized. Make a list of 8–12 achievements—projects completed, problems solved, compliments received, or times you exceeded expectations. For each item, note what you did (task), the outcome (result), and how you felt. Look for patterns: do your wins often involve analysis, relationship-building, storytelling, or process improvement? These recurring themes point to natural strengths. Use prompts like: Which tasks flow easily? When did others seek my help? What accomplishment am I most proud of?

Use assessments and gather external feedback

Combine self-reflection with objective tools and other people’s perspectives. Personality and strengths assessments such as CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder), VIA Character Strengths, DISC, or a basic skills inventory can reveal consistent tendencies and preferred work modes. Pair assessment results with 360-degree feedback: ask managers, peers, and direct reports to describe moments when you added the most value. Request specific examples rather than vague praise. When your assessment results and external feedback converge, you gain confidence that those attributes are true strengths rather than situational skills.

Test, measure, and iterate in real work settings

Turn hypotheses about your strengths into experiments. Volunteer for tasks that align with a suspected strength—lead a small project if you think your strength is coordination, present at a meeting if your strength is communication, or own a process if you’re detail-oriented. Track outcomes and energy levels: did the project succeed? Did you enjoy the work and sustain motivation? Use short feedback loops (after-action notes, quick surveys of stakeholders, or a week-long focus period) to measure impact. If something doesn’t fit, adjust and try a different angle. Over time, repeated wins in similar roles confirm transferable career strengths you can emphasize on résumés and in interviews.