SWOT analysis
Knowing and understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) can help you to come up with a plan for your career. This can be particularly useful if you’re trying to get promoted.
How to get a promotion at work
You can use the following example of a SWOT analysis to help you do your own.
Strengths
Look for roles that will put your strengths to good use. Your strengths are what you’re good at and what will be of benefit in the role.
Pick your 3 strongest attributes that you think will get you the job. Give examples of how you have used these strengths in a work situation. They could be:
- tangible skills, such as proficiency in a computer language
- intangible skills, such as management
If you’re not sure where to start, look at the job description. There is usually a section listing candidate requirements. This should give you an idea of what they are looking for.
Weaknesses (areas for development)
Weaknesses are areas for development where you’re less skilled or confident.
If someone asks “What are your weaknesses?”, you can turn this into a positive by showing steps you are taking to improve.
For example, “My IT skills could improve, so I am doing a Pitman level 2 course in IT to address this.” Your initiative could be a strength.
Do not say, “I don’t have any weaknesses.” Your interviewer will not believe you.
Avoid “I tend to work too hard.” This is avoiding the question.
Opportunities
Opportunities help you to develop your career. For example, ask for training to develop your skills or find a suitable mentor in the organisation.
- working for a large company with many new roles becoming available
- availability of training
- more mentors available
Threats
Identify any threats to you or your career. Threats are things that may limit your career, such as:
- high level of competition for new roles
- difficulty negotiating flexible working conditions for senior jobs
- higher level of stress
Put your ideas in a table to make them easier to read.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
Numeracy skills Writing skills Time management | Talking to people People management Lack of confidence |
| Opportunities | Threats |
Working for a large company with lots of vacancies Availability of training budget More mentors Job share | High level of competition for new roles Flexible working may be harder for more senior jobs Higher levels of stress |
Last reviewed by Scope on: 27/11/2023
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