Introducing the SWOT model

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

Companies often use SWOT to examine the current situation their company is facing. It is also often used for branding purposes in order to examine the company in relation to competitors. Just like companies use SWOT to learn more about their position in relation to existing competition, you can also use SWOT to understand your current situation and see how you stack up with other applicants to the jobs that you want to get.

Strengths and Weaknesses are both things that are internal, which you can control to some degree. Opportunities and Threats, however, are external factors that you generally do not have any control over.

Strengths refer to your natural abilities or things you have worked on in order to be better.

Examples: highly driven, flexible, efficient text editor

Examples: accounting, unsocial/avoid social situations, self-conscious

Examples: People retiring in your field which means more job openings, living in a big city where there are many companies to choose from

Examples: Economic downturn, outsourcing of jobs to foreign countries, financial crisis

In the next exercise you will be coming up with your own examples based on your unique situation, as this is something that only you can truly know.