The very first step in developing a career is to look inwards. This is what is call, Self Assessment.

Why is it important?

1. It's only the resources and strengths you've got inside of you that can help you to thrive in any chosen field.
2. Frustration is what happens when you find yourself in a place where you're not inherently wired to be.
3. Knowing your weakness(es) also helps you to know what to improve on and where you may not fit in well.

A lot of people, according to statistics, leave their jobs out of frustration within the first one or two years and one of the key reasons is lack of fulfillment in the job. If proper self assessment is done prior to job searching, prospective employees won't just land a good and well-paying job, but a fulfilling one as well and employee turn-over rate will reduce.

What are the things to look out for during Self Assessment?

1. Your talents, strengths, weaknesses and abilities.
2. Your personality type and temperament make-up.
3. Your core values, interests and life principles.
4. Acquired skills, trainings and certifications.
5. Your life ambitions and dreams.

It is what you know about yourself that can be of value in anywhere you find yourself. What you don't know and have not articulated cannot be of value. So, knowing all of these things is very crucial and highly needed when putting your CV together.

NOTICE: You can do a personality test here.

You probably may be asking yourself what your talents are. Let me help you with that briefly. You see, knowing your talents is about knowing that thing you're good at. The challenge is, you can never know you're good at something until you have tried it out and gotten feedback. So, to know your talent, you must learn to explore and be diligent at it.

Another thing about talent discovery is that when a particular skill, craft or profession inspires you so much especially when you see people doing the work, it's an indication that you've got something in you that calls for that thing. Your passion and interest are indicators to your talent.

Another easier way to know your talent is to find out from true friends and loved ones. Ask them what they think about you, what they feel you're best at, where they feel your strength zone lies, etc. Their feedback could help you to figure out one or more talents.

Talking about Core Values, these are things you hold in high esteem and you're always ready to defend them whether consciously or unconsciously. They are ideals, principles and rules that govern your way of life, decision making, choices, association, etc. They could be stuff like honesty, transparency, respect for people, diligence, time-consciousness, respect for elderly ones, excellence in carrying out tasks, moderate living, etc. So, find out yours.

What are those things that inform our core values?

1. Environment
2. Upbringing
3. Notable life experiences

So, looking at these three areas, what are those core values you have formed to govern and rule your life?