While going through my daily routine of new technologies for the 4th quarter, I came across an article from MIT Graduate Peter Peterson (yes I’m serious.) His www.forbes.com article “Focus On What You Do Best,”is exactly what the article’s headline suggests whether it’s choosing a college, a degree, or simply careers when you’re in the real world. What I love about this article is although he graduated many moons ago, his writing shows he understands what recent high school and college graduates are going through, not only with the recession but just in general decision-making. I’ve mentioned before I’m in sales and we know better than anyone that luck is a part of the game, whether it be a deal that falls into your lap or just happened to sit next to an HR Recruiter on a plane. Ever hear the phrase ”it’s sometimes better to be lucky, than good?” I wouldn’t always bank on luck only, but it’s important to remember that sometimes things happen from a little dumb luck. But enough about luck, really why I am sharing this is because too many times we focus on our weaknesses, not strengths. I agree you should always be aware and work on your weak points, but never forget you can always refine your strengths. When I am asked in an interview what my weaknesses are, I make them sound like they’re not that weak and always let them know it’s a weakness in the past, but this is going to be a strength. For example: “I’d say a weakness of mine is I put too much pressure on myself because I’m used to succeeding, but by the time I start with a company, I’ll know how to make sure I succeed without giving myself a heart attack.” Now does it sound like I gave a weakness that will ruin my chances? Or does it seem like even my weaknesses are strengths? So I encourage you to make your list of strengths and weaknesses. Email me if you want to talk about them or need more examples. But until then, check out Peter’s article here
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Ethan Oblonsky is a successful account executive for a Fortune 500 IT company and has been providing resume writing services and interview consulting for the past 3 years to a wide-range of clients.
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