Our resume.
Our LinkedIn profile.
These are the gateways to highlighting our skills and experiences.
However, what about the talents that don’t neatly fit into bullet points or job titles?
These hidden gems can significantly enhance our professional profile.
Set us apart in a crowded field.
Define our Me-EO value proposition.
Our relevant, differentiated qualities.
So, how do we discover these hidden talents?
Identifying Your Hidden Talents
Hidden talents can show up as personal interests, unique skills, hobbies or life experiences.
They might include:
- Creativity and Artistic Skills: Are you skilled in painting, photography, or graphic design? These talents can demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, & visual communication skills.
- Leadership in Non-Traditional Settings: Perhaps you organize community events or lead a book club. Such roles showcase your ability to motivate and coordinate.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in multiple languages not only facilitates communication but also reflects cultural awareness and adaptability.
- Problem-Solving Through Gaming or Puzzles: Skills developed from gaming or solving puzzles can demonstrate strategic thinking, analytical abilities, and perseverance.
- Public Speaking or Performance: Comfort in speaking or performing in front of an audience highlights confidence, communication skills, and the ability to engage others.
Marketing Your Hidden Talents
Once we identify our talents, we need to integrate them into our professional narrative.
Here are a few ways to weave the stories in:
- Personal Branding: We can incorporate hidden talents into our overall brand story. For example, artistic skills enhance the ability to think creatively in problem-solving scenarios.
- Networking and Online Presence: Utilize social platforms like LinkedIn to showcase our talents through posts, articles, or portfolio links. Engage in relevant online communities.
- Incorporate Volunteer & Extracurricular Work: Mention leadership roles or achievements in volunteer work or hobbies on our resume and in interviews.
- Tailor Applications: Customize our job applications to emphasize how our hidden talents align with the role’s requirements.
- Continue to Grow: Invest in further developing hidden talents through courses, workshops, or online learning platforms. This ongoing training demonstrates a commitment to growth.
Your Turn
Do you highlight your hidden talents in your career?
What are two hidden talents that no one in your professional circles knows about?
How could you start to integrate those into your brand narrative?