Know Your Strengths
Know Your Strengths
Why Strengths Matter
When you are starting a job search, it can be hard to know what kind of work you will enjoy or be good at. Understanding your strengths can help you notice what feels natural, what gives you energy, and what kinds of jobs might be a good match.
Your strengths also help you explain to employers what you do well, how you learn, and how you work best. This makes it easier for them to understand what you can bring to their team.
How to Find Your Strengths
Think about real examples from school, volunteering, hobbies, past jobs, or daily routines.
How do you solve problems?
Do you break things into steps? Do you ask questions first? Do you try ideas and adjust?
Possible strengths: problem-solving, careful thinking, persistence.
How do you connect with people?
Do you listen closely? Do you build strong one-on-one relationships? Do people come to you for help?
Possible strengths: communication, empathy, teamwork.
How do you help others understand your point of view?
Do you explain things clearly? Do you use examples? Do you stay calm in difficult conversations?
Possible strengths: advocacy, teaching, conflict resolution.
How do you organize your work?
Do you like clear plans and routines? Can you stay steady when things change? Do you think ahead to avoid problems?
Possible strengths: planning, time management, adaptability.
Strengths Many Blind or Partially Sighted Jobseekers Develop
Not everyone will relate to all of these, but many people build strong skills by navigating a world that is not always accessible.
You might notice that you are:
A strong problem-solver
You often find new routes, tools, or steps when something is not accessible.
A planner
You think ahead about transportation, technology, or materials you will need.
A clear communicator
You explain your needs, check information, and set expectations with others.
Skilled with technology
You learn and use complex tools such as screen readers, magnifiers, OCR apps, GPS, dictation, or braille displays. These tools can be detailed and technical. Using them well shows you can work with complex systems to stay organized, efficient, and independent.
Detail-focused
You may notice important information through listening, touch, or careful observation.
Why Strengths Help Your Job Search
Knowing your strengths can help you explore roles that make sense for you, write clearer resumes, speak confidently in interviews, and understand what kind of work you may enjoy. Strengths also guide you toward jobs where you can grow and do well.
Try This
Think about moments in your life when:
• Someone thanked you for something you did
• A task felt easy or natural
• You solved a problem in a helpful way
• You felt proud of how you handled something hard
These moments show your strengths.
Notice What Others See in You
Sometimes the people around you see your strengths before you notice them yourself. Write down times when someone:
• Thanks you for something you did
• Compliments your work or effort
• Says you explained something clearly
• Tells you that you helped them
• Points out something you did well without being asked
Keep these notes in one place. Over time, you may notice patterns. These patterns can show strengths you did not realize you had.
Reflect
• Which strengths sound most like you?
• Which strengths come from your lived experience?
• How could these strengths guide the types of jobs you explore?
Your strengths are a starting point. They can help you choose work that feels like a good fit and where you can do your best.