Achieving career success is impossible without a clear understanding of what you bring to the table as a professional. Knowledge, skills, and competencies form the foundation of your professional potential, but it’s not enough to simply list them. Structuring them effectively and backing them up with real-world experience is essential. In this article, we’ll explore how to audit your competencies, identify your strengths, and confidently present yourself in the job market.

 

Differentiating Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

 

To build a successful career, it’s crucial to distinguish between the three fundamental categories of professional competencies:

• Knowledge — the information acquired from books, manuals, videos, and other sources.
• Skills — the practical methods for completing tasks, developed through practice.
• Competencies — refined skills that have been honed to the level of automaticity through repeated application.

When conducting a professional audit, the focus should primarily be on knowledge and competencies, as they are the key determinants of your competitiveness.

 

Skill Classification

 

Skills can be broadly categorized into two groups:

Hard Skills: Technical Proficiencies

These are easily learned through training and often require a theoretical foundation. Examples include:

• For a programmer: programming languages like JavaScript and frameworks such as React.
• For an accountant: proficiency in Excel or specialized accounting software.
• For an SMM specialist: expertise in promoting content on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.

Soft Skills: Interpersonal and Cognitive Abilities

Soft skills demand experience and consistent practice to develop. They include critical thinking, stress resilience, initiative, and problem-solving abilities. These skills are crucial for any profession as they enable effective teamwork and adaptability to new challenges.

 

The Importance of Experience

 

Knowledge and skills gain real value when validated by tangible achievements. Employers are not just interested in your list of competencies but want to see the outcomes you’ve delivered.

• For instance, if you’ve worked on Facebook marketing campaigns, specify the tasks you performed and the results you achieved.
• Clearly demonstrate your contribution to projects so that your impact is evident.

 

Domain Expertise

Experience in specific industries such as fintech, gaming, logistics, or others can give you a competitive edge. Employers often prioritize candidates who are familiar with their industry.

 

Language Proficiency

 

Fluency in foreign languages is a significant asset, especially in today’s globalized job market. Be sure to list the languages you know and your proficiency levels.

 

Self-Presentation and Recognizing Achievements

Don’t shy away from talking about your accomplishments. Sharing your unique experiences and successes highlights your value as a professional. Platforms like LinkedIn are perfect for showcasing your expertise and standing out in your field.

 

Your Main Competitor

 

Take time to conduct an honest audit of your knowledge, skills, and competencies. Recognize your achievements and take pride in them. This self-awareness will boost your confidence, help you assert your value in the job market, and negotiate fair compensation for your expertise.

Compare yourself not to others but to your past self. Remember, your primary competitor is you.

 

Julia Jolkin 👠👠

Top IT Recruiter & LinkedIn Expert

 

Feel free to contact me if you need:

• A review of your LinkedIn profile to understand how potential employers, partners, or clients perceive it. This will help you quickly find a job or confidently promote your services at any time. Sign up for the upcoming LinkedIn Makeover session.

• A career consultation to revise your career path and skills, especially if you haven’t been to an interview in a while and want to prepare thoroughly.