Creating a competence profile

We all have skills, and often much more than you might think at first glance. Skills are acquired in many different ways and from many different places and experiences. It is easy to think of it as just professional skills acquired through work experience or study. However, it is not limited to knowledge and skills acquired through work experience, but is also acquired through other experiences, such as studies, hobbies, positions of responsibility and some shorter courses. Recruiters also value experience and skills acquired in other countries. 

Before writing your CV and application letter, it is very important that you take the time to identify and articulate your skills and strengths. It is a good idea to practice this kind of self-reflection from time to time, so that you can keep track of what your core competences are. This will not only improve your self-knowledge but will also help you in your career planning and job search. Once you know your main skills and strengths, it will be easier for you to advertise and articulate them in your job search documents such as CV, job applications and, finally, in job interviews. 

To identify your own skills, it is a good idea to start by focusing on the different areas of skills. These areas can include, for example

• communication and performing skills, e.g. physical and mental skills, 
• leisure activities, e.g. volunteering, hobbies and positions of trust  
• social skills e.g. cooperation, workplace and interpersonal skills  
• professional and vocational skills acquired through education or work experience,  
• international competences such as language skills and knowledge of cultures,  
• IT skills such as software, systems and applications, and social media 
• personality and personality traits e.g. motivation, willingness to develop, personal strengths. 

If you find it difficult to identify your skills, it can help to look at job advertisements in your own field. You can spot keywords related to your skills in job advertisements.

Tools to help you recognize your skills and strengths:

• Mapping your skills and competencies / Optimum
• Competence / TEK
• Recognize your strengths / VAHTO-strength cards