By Lavisha Dayaram – Associate Consultant, Sales & Marketing Recruitment, Links International Hong Kong
Ask yourself these two questions: are you happy with your job and are you happy with yourself?
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. These are the four components that combine to create the SWOT analysis, a useful tool we learn to implement in our daily lives – or should do at least.
Businesses around the globe have been utilising this tool for centuries, and it is exceptionally helpful in increasing efficiency and motivation in the workplace. Throughout our lives we learn about several different tools including the PEST analysis, PESTLE analysis, STEEPLE analysis, and similar variations, and we apply these to our current corporate scenarios. What if people started using these tools on themselves?
Use your strengths, improve your weaknesses, take your opportunities and eliminate your threats.
There is always room for improvement in our ever-evolving society, whether it be in the workplace or solely in our everyday lives. When you’re looking for a job in Hong Kong, be proactive, not reactive. Be ready with a mental image of your personal SWOT map – use it to your advantage, whether you’re about to have an interview, or have constant goals to step up the corporate hierarchy. There may be times when you’re stuck in a rut and confused about how to build your future career path – what do you want to do, what do you like, what do you enjoy? It can often get out of hand, and that is where the SWOT analysis comes in and saves your mind from going ballistic!
Below is a simple framework for the sort of SWOT questions you can ask yourself:
Strengths:
- What is it that makes you happy?
- What is your favourite thing to do when you have downtime?
- What is something you can do that you are too shy to show?
- What resources are available to you over others?
- What are your proudest moments or achievements?
Weaknesses:
- Are you able to accept and change your weaknesses?
- What do you dislike doing the most?
- What do you feel you are lacking?
- What is it that usually gets you into trouble?
- What makes you zone out or uninterested?
- Why, if at all, are you not able to step out of your comfort zone?
- What are you scared of?
Opportunities:
- What do you have access to that other people do not?
- Are you able to receive further learning/education?
- Does the country/city you live in allow you to grow in your most preferred industry?
- Have you built up a large network?
Threats:
- What circumstances stop you from moving forward?
- What are aspects you cannot do anything about?
- Why, if at all, do certain individuals negatively perceive you?
- Do the people around you, in any way, intimidate you?
- Do you have a poor work-life balance?
- Are your connections unhelpful?
This basic framework will allow you to learn more about yourself by questioning every step you take. It allows you to ensure that you highlight your strengths and opportunities in order to move to the next milestone.
Now answer those two questions again: are you happy with your job and are you happy with yourself?
Do you need help in furthering your career? Conduct a personal SWOT analysis and talk to one of our recruitment specialists in Hong Kong to find out how we can emphasise your strengths and opportunities and eliminate your threats and weaknesses to help you find the most suitable job that will help take your career to the next level. Even if you are unable to figure out your personal SWOT, we can help – please do not hesitate to contact us.
