Conducting A SWOT Analysis To Find The Right Career

Only you can decide the right career path for yourself, but there are a myriad of tools available to help you self-evaluate and guide yourself to the best decision. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a former athlete entering the workforce, or an experienced professional seeking a new path, there are tools to help you find the right path.

One of these valuable tools is the SWOT analysis. This strategic planning technique is used to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. SWOT is used in many industries to make important decisions, and you can adapt it to your personal needs to paint the path to a truly rewarding career! We’ll analyze each letter and how you can conduct a rewarding analysis for yourself!

Strengths

Strength is what it sounds like on the tin—what are you good at? This is where you can kick modesty to the curb and really hype yourself up. What sets you apart from others? If you do have trouble celebrating your own accomplishments, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback. Your inner circle might see things in a different light.

Job Hunt’s Don Goodman suggests the start with the strengths you have, especially ones you particularly enjoy, and then relating them to demand in the marketplace. Modern job descriptions commonly list the skills needed to thrive in that position, giving you an easy way to see what is in demand.

Look at the experiences you’ve had and categorize your skills into hard and soft categories. Many of these skills will be transferable in many industries, but this should overall position you towards finding industries suited to your personal strengths.

Weaknesses

While it’s easier to hype ourselves up, it can be challenging to name our weaknesses. But knowing what your weaknesses are is crucial in learning to overcome them or to know what career paths you may not be suited to. Again, be honest with yourself!

Comparison is the thief of joy, but Forbes’ Trinity Aikens believes comparing yourself to your peers in this case can answer some tough questions. What do you struggle with compared to your peers, or what takes you much longer than your peers is a good way to gauge if something is a weakness.

“Do other people see weaknesses that you don’t see? Do co-workers consistently outperform you in key areas? Be realistic – it’s best to face any unpleasant truths as soon as possible.” –Mind Tools

Opportunities

When you know your strengths and weaknesses, you can apply them to the grand scheme of things. What opportunities are out there for someone with your strengths and weaknesses? Indeed views opportunities as the external options available to you.

When you look at the things you excel at, what career opportunities come to mind? Is there a niche that you can fill? Because you took the time to list out your skills, new ideas you hadn’t considered previously may manifest.

Consider how technology keeps evolving and creating new opportunities. My position writing weekly blog posts catering to job seekers wouldn’t have been something fathomable in my childhood. Always be willing to reevaluate the current market to look for new and emerging trends.

“Like the people, mostly women, who were excellent typists in the 1990s saw the need for typing skills disappear as computers and word processing software became much more common and reliable, look at where the demand for your strengths may be increasing.” –Don Goodman

Threats

The inverse to opportunities, what outside circumstances could hamper your ability to seek out these new opportunities? The nagging voice in your head telling you what could go wrong is annoying, but in this case, hear it out and write what comes to mind.

Is there anything that could keep this potential career path from being viable in the near future? Look at things like the strength of the market, the amount of competition, and the necessity of the niche. Monster’s Dawn Papandrea suggests researching potential threats or trends you may need to contend with so you can start countering them.

“Moving outside your comfort zone will keep you from simply reinforcing your existing beliefs. Be unflinching in revealing faults and weaknesses, but also in celebrating your personal strengths.” –Marci Martin

Wrap up

With the list done, you can create a plan of action based on your data and begin the journey to career happiness. Remember to be honest with yourself during this process. The personal SWOT analysis is meant to answer questions about yourself and guide you to a promised career. You aren’t trying to impress anyone, and you won’t get the results you seek unless you’re truly introspective. Don’t be afraid to get feedback if necessary. With luck, the results of this analysis will paint a clearer picture and steer you toward the career you deserve.

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Setting Up An Effective Remote Workspace

Are you one of the many individuals drastically impacted by COVID-19 and all its complications? According to SHRM’s COVID-19 Business Index, 64% of U.S. employees are currently working remotely. With the massive shift to the virtual working world, it’s not easy to maintain productivity and passion for your work. 

Are you struggling to maintain focus throughout your workdays? Although being forced to work from home was beyond your control, there are still elements you CAN control for a productive workday. 

Clear the Clutter

First and foremost, identify your needs. Sort through your essentials and remove the unnecessary items, papers, or trash. If possible, now is the time to move on from the kitchen table or living room coffee table. Do you have room for a desk area containing your computer, monitors, and notepads? If you are a part of the 41% of Americans wishing to return to the office, explore the option of recreating your workspace. Find a time to retrieve elements from your in-office setup, i.e., your monitor, decor, chair, or even desk.

Additionally, your organizational capabilities are not limited to your physical surroundings, but the data on your computer as well. Chances are, many of the folders and documents saved to your desktop can be removed. You can designate time to rid yourself of your ‘digital trash’ and create more space on your computer.

Create a Schedule and Stick to It

Identify your biggest hurdles and set a game plan to overcome them. When possible, maintain your regular business hours, set your alarm and get up early. This medium is your best shot at staying productive while maintaining a work-life balance. Working remotely is not an excuse for allowing your level of communication to dip. Clear, honest, and consistent communication within your team and company is critical to staying productive. For example, if your team held weekly meetings every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m., emphasize getting them back up and running.

For an example of what it looks like to map out an entire day in advance, check out this article from The Muse’s Susie Moore, who has over six years of work-from-home experience.

“Our estimate is that 25-30% of the workforce will be working-from-home multiple days a week by the end of 2021.” -Kate Lister, President of Global Workplace Analytics

Block out the Distractions

Establish boundaries sooner rather than later. While it is encouraged to create time for coffee or lunch hangouts, it needs to dissolve at just that. Make it clear to your friends and family that despite being at home, you are at work. However, don’t allow your workload to push you into the evening too often. After your shift, be sure to dedicate time to see them elsewhere. Skipping out too many times can result in feelings of career burnout and ‘bottled up’ thoughts. 

If you know yourself to be easily distracted by phone applications such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, or ESPN, shut off these notifications on your phone during the workday.

High-Speed Internet

Are you content with the speed and efficiency of your internet connection? Are you the only one using it during the workday? No matter what your role may be, a speedy and stable connection is critical to staying productive and efficient in your daily routine. If you are sharing usage with a roommate or your spouse/children and have experienced moments of lagging, it may be time for an upgrade. If you are required to work from home and feel your broadband connection is lackluster, reach out to your manager/boss to help accommodate. After all, your employer wants to set you up with the best chance to perform your best and remain efficient.

Self-Care

When taking care of your mind and body, it is crucial to dedicate time to physical and mental exercises. Step outside, stay limber and give your mind a break during the workday. For myself, this looks like dedicating a block of time to morning stretches and light, in-home workouts. Are you taking advantage of your employer’s resources to combat mental stress or fatigue? If you have not received any, reach out to a superior to make this happen.

Further, finding a new hobby or developing a new skill can help fill the gaps in your daily routine before COVID-19. Courtesy of the Miami Herald, here are some of the most popular across the country: Reading, online games, sewing, crocheting, puzzles, card games, instruments, DIY projects, and at-home workouts.

Another great way to give your mind a break is to make plans outside your home for lunch. Whether it is alone, with a loved one, or catching up with a friend, eating lunch away from the desk can renew your energy and creativity after the busy morning. If you are unable to find the time and location to meet up, utilize video chatting services such as Zoom, FaceTime, or Facebook Messenger.

Wrap Up

Setting yourself up for success in your ‘home office’ begins with intentionality. Remove the non-essentials from your workspace and follow a consistent schedule. Establishing boundaries with your friends and family is vital, but setting blocks of time to ‘check-in’ is critical to your mental health. Courtesy of a recent global study by Qualtrics, over 40% of employees said their mental health has declined since the COVID-19 outbreak began. For more great tips and resources to alleviate stress/anxiety and improve your overall well-being, click here.

Remote Working Statistics

  • “56% of the U.S. workforce holds a job that is compatible (at least partially) with remote work.” (Global Workplace Analytics)
  • “Before the crisis, surveys repeatedly showed that 80% of employees want to work from home at least some of the time.” (Global Workplace Analytics)
  • “Work-at-home will save U.S. employers over $30 Billion a day in what would have otherwise been lost productivity during office closures due to COVID-19” (Global Workplace Analytics)
  • “88% of organizations have encouraged or required their employees to work from home”.” (Gartner, Coronavirus in Mind: Make Remote Work Successful)

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How We Helped a Former Valparaiso Baseball Player Start a New Career

At NexGoal, we take the placing of our athlete-candidates in their new careers very seriously—which is why our project coordinators spend so much time working with each candidate to put them in the best position to succeed. Once our candidates are placed, we like to take the time to share that candidate’s experience with all of you.

Recently, Taylor Evans had the opportunity to work with Jerry Duval to take the next step in his sales career with one of our valued clients. A former high school and collegiate baseball player at Valparaiso University, Duval embodied the hard-work, dedication and team player mentality shown by athletes, which our client valued very highly for this position.

When asked why he chose to work with NexGoal, the availability of our client’s jobs through various job boards stood out. Duval stated, “An interesting opportunity came through one of the job boards.”

Next we asked Duval what he enjoyed most about his experience with us throughout the job placement process.

“Taylor was very friendly and quick to respond to any issues.”

At NexGoal, one of things we really focus on is allowing our candidates to have a dedicated Project Coordinator, so naturally we always like to ask about the experience the candidate had with them. Duval, a man of few words, simply stated his experience with Taylor was “Great.”

Finally, we asked him why others should use NexGoal to help find their next career. He stated,

“Explore all opportunities and leads that come your way. I made a substantial industry change, and Taylor was instrumental in finding a good fit.”

The team here at NexGoal would like to thank Jerry for his kind words, and we wish him the best of luck in his new career!

If you are looking to change jobs and would like the team here at NexGoal to help you like we did Jerry, you can start by filling out our athlete-candidate application here! We look forward to placing you in your “NexCareer!”

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Sales Career Placement: Find Out How We Helped Another Candidate!

At NexGoal, we take the placing of our candidates in their new careers very seriously—which is why our project coordinators spend so much time working with each candidate to put them in the best position to succeed. Once our candidates are placed, we like to take the time to share that candidate’s experience with all of you.

Recently, Taylor Evans and Alaryce Shea both worked with Beth Jodon to take the next step in her sales career with one of our valued clients. 

When asked why she chose to work with NexGoal, the persistence of our project coordinators stood out. Jodon stated, “NexGoal contacted me for this job position after finding my resume online.”

Next we asked Jodon what she enjoyed most about her experience with us throughout the job placement process.

“The follow-up was great and both coordinators I worked with were very supportive and positive. They were very responsive to emails even outside of the 8-5 schedule.”

At NexGoal, one of things we really focus on is allowing our candidates to have a dedicated Project Coordinator, so naturally we always like to ask about the experience the candidate had with them. In this case, Jodon was lucky to have two Project Coordinators helping her make the transition.

“I was lucky I had 2 of them. Both were great to work with and they communicated well and kept me updated on the progress of the next steps.”

Finally, we asked her why others should use NexGoal to help find their next career. She stated,

“I would definitely recommend NexGoal to someone needing to work with a recruiter. They were very easy to talk to and after getting hired, I’m so lucky they found me for this position.”

The team here at NexGoal would like to thank Beth for her kind words, and we wish her the best of luck in her new career!

If you are looking to change jobs and would like the team here at NexGoal to help you like we did Beth, you can start by filling out our athlete-candidate application here! We look forward to placing you in your “NexCareer!”

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How We Helped a Former University of Akron Golfer Find a Career

At NexGoal, we take the placing of our athlete-candidates in their new careers very seriously—which is why our project coordinators spend so much time working with each candidate to put them in the best position to succeed. Once our candidates are placed, we like to take the time to share that candidate’s experience with all of you.

Recently, Alaryce Shea worked with Ryan Gutowski to take the next step in his sales career with one of our valued clients. As a former collegiate (University of Akron) and professional golfer, Gutowski exemplified what our client was looking for. 

When asked why he chose to work with NexGoal, the decision was simple. Gutowski stated, “A mutual friend told me about what they do. I was intrigued being a former college athlete and thought I would give it a try.”

Next we asked Gutowski what he enjoyed most about his experience with us throughout the job placement process. “They really helped me step by step through the hiring process, and were available if any questions came up. I felt like they worked hard to get me what I was asking for and it was a great experience. ”

At NexGoal, one of things we really focus on is allowing our candidates to have a dedicated Project Coordinator, so naturally we always like to ask about the experience the candidate had with them, which was Alaryce in this case. “My experience was great!”

Finally, we asked him why others should use NexGoal to help find their next career. He stated,

“I believe others would definitely benefit from this service as they would recognize the work ethic of employees here go above and beyond. I had no issues throughout multiple interviews and they prepared me very well. “

The team here at NexGoal would like to thank Ryan for his kind words, and we wish him the best of luck in his new career!

If you are looking to change jobs and would like the team here at NexGoal to help you like we did Ryan, you can start by filling out our athlete-candidate application here! We look forward to placing you in your “NexCareer!”

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