We can use our CliftonStrengths to support us in all areas of our life. Today is the final day of posts on how we can use our strengths to drive a job search – our overall approach and updating our resume.
Below is a summary of each Relationship Theme and some tips on how to use the theme in the job search. The first sentence of each comes from the CliftonStrengths Overviews. The ideas for approach and resume are my thoughts based on my work as a CliftonStrengths coach.
Analytical
“People exceptionally talented in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all of the factors that might affect a situation.” – Gallup
Approach: Analyze job market data, company performance, and industry trends to identify the best opportunities. Your decisions will be data-driven and well-researched.
Resume: Demonstrate your ability to dissect complex problems and make data-driven decisions. Use examples of successful analyses you’ve conducted.
Context
“People exceptionally talented in the Context theme enjoy thinking about the past. They understand the present by researching its history.” – Gallup
Approach: Reflect on past job searches or career moves, using your history to inform your current approach. You’ll seek roles that fit into your long-term career narrative.
Resume: Leverage your ability to draw from past experiences to inform your decisions. Employers appreciate candidates who learn from history.
Futuristic
“People exceptionally talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They energize others with their visions of the future.” – Gallup
Approach: Envision your ideal future career and target roles that align with this vision. Your job search will be forward-thinking, focused on long-term potential.
Resume: Use your visionary thinking to articulate long-term goals and strategies. Employers value candidates who can think ahead and plan for the future.
Ideation
“People exceptionally talented in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.” – Gallup
Approach: Approach your job search creatively, perhaps considering unconventional roles or industries. You might brainstorm various strategies to stand out to employers.
Resume: Highlight your creativity and ability to generate innovative ideas. Provide examples of how your ideas have led to successful outcomes.
Input
“People exceptionally talented in the Input theme have a need to collect and archive. They may accumulate information, ideas, artifacts or even relationships.” – Gallup
Approach: You’ll gather extensive information about potential employers, roles, and industry trends. Your job search will be thorough and well-informed.
Resume: Highlight your ability to gather and organize information. Employers value candidates who can provide valuable insights from their research.
Intellection
“People exceptionally talented in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.” – Gallup
Approach: You’ll spend time reflecting on what you truly want in a career. Your job search will involve deep thinking and perhaps exploring intellectual challenges in potential roles.
Resume: Demonstrate your love for intellectual discussions and deep thinking. Employers appreciate candidates who bring thoughtful perspectives to the table.
Learner
“People exceptionally talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. The process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.” – Gallup
Approach: Look for opportunities to acquire new skills or knowledge, perhaps considering roles that offer learning and development. You’ll approach the job search as a learning experience.
Resume: Position yourself as a continuous learner who is always seeking to improve. Employers value candidates who are adaptable and eager to grow.
Strategic
People exceptionally talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
Approach: Develop a comprehensive job search plan, identifying the best paths to your desired outcome. You’ll consider multiple options and scenarios before choosing your course of action.
Resume: Showcase your ability to see patterns and plan effectively. Provide examples of how your strategic thinking has led to successful outcomes.
Your Turn
Do you have Thinking Themes in your Top 5 CliftonStrengths?
Would the tips provided here shift how you think about your job search?
Are there new angles on your strengths you could leverage to add to your resume?
NOTE: To check out all the posts in the series this week, here are the links: Strengths in the Domain Categories, Executing Themes, Influencing Themes, Relationship Themes, and Thinking Themes.