When is the last time you took a “skills inventory”?

Most of us who’ve worked at the same job for a while have been able to adapt as the job changes. But for those of us who are shifting careers, or changing workplaces, how do we know that our skills are going to be enough to keep us at the top of the selection list for that new job?

In the spirit of challenging ourselves, a “skills inventory” can be an excellent way to ensure we close any skills gaps, and to present ourselves as a complete solution to a potential employer. By demonstrating that we’re the whole package: we have meaningful experience, current tech skills, and lateral training to make us promotable and adaptable, the employer knows that we’re the only logical choice for any new gig.

Start by asking yourself the following:

  • When was the last time my current job changed, shifted responsibilities, or had some sort of upgrade to new tools? How smoothly did I handle that?
  • Do I take the initiative to upgrade my skills, or do I wait for my employer to do that for me?
  • How sharp are my management skills? If I don’t currently supervise other employees, would I like a chance to be promoted to a position that does that?
  • In the main areas of computer skills, supervisory skills, and marketing or sales skills, how recently did I last do any reading or take training in those areas?
  • What are some special skills that would make me unique at my workplace?

If you’re currently looking for work, becoming an irresistible candidate means flexing muscles that other people may not even think about. If you have sharp skills in the basics of your software knowledge, or the basics of your specific industry, why not try padding those basics with something that might help make you more promotable, or something that adds to the marketing arm of the company? Diversity in your skills can only make you more valuable to employers current or future.

Another great article, from LinkedIn Training; The 2019 Workplace Learning Report. While this document is written for training managers with larger companies, it reveals what employers are looking for when they hire new employees.