Having observed many clients on their relaunch journey, one of the
things I’ve noticed is how often there is a reawakening to the
strengths, qualities and attributes they’ve taken for granted and often
don’t realize the applicability of these strengths to the
characteristics employers are looking for in a new hire.
So how do these relaunchers do this? It’s all about doing some
(positive) self-reflection, gaining insights from others, finding the
common threads and as a result regaining confidence. Instead of focusing
on what is missing, they start focusing on the strengths they bring to
everyday activities and interactions.
Resourcefulness
Are you the person that figures things out? Do others come to you to
help solve problems? Do you instinctively start researching on your own
before asking for help? Do you embrace new ideas and figure out how to
use new technology?
Team player
Do you get others involved? Do you see what’s needed on a project
and find people with the right backgrounds and expertise to participate
in that PTA project or nonprofit fundraiser? Do you keep the team
motivated when things get tough? Do you love working with others toward a
common goal?
Negotiator
Do you help resolve conflict among members of a group? Do you help
people find common ground vs. differences? Are you able to help others
step back and see the bigger picture in order to accomplish a goal? Do
you focus on a win-win philosophy? Do you strive for compromise in
negotiating decisions?
Creative Thinker
Do you ever bring a different approach to a project or problem? Do
you suggest doing something that the organization hasn’t done or tried
before? Are you the person that others invite to brainstorm ideas with
them?
So how do these relaunchers have this reawakening? There are
typically two parts to this discovery process. The first is to do some
self-reflection and the second is to enlist the help of others.
Self-reflection
Start making a list of things you’ve accomplished during your career
break. These don’t need to be major accomplishments. The list can
include classes you took or certifications you received. This list can
also include things like navigating the education system to get your
child the extra academic help she needed, gathering historical
information and documenting protocols into a handbook for new members of
a group, creating a neighborhood help list for someone in need.
Someone in my community started a “shop local” Facebook group right
before the holidays to support local businesses hurt during the
pandemic. It has continued well past the holidays and now has 5000 very
involved members and a very grateful local business community.
Enlisting others
Since others can sometimes see us more clearly than we can see
ourselves, talk to people you’ve worked with both during your career
break and before. What do they see as your strengths? What projects do
they recall accomplishing with you? What did they value in the work you
did together?
Labels can hold us back or propel us forward. Take that step back
and find those labels that will help you promote your strengths to
future employers.