Three free strength finding tools and how to use them to ace your application

It’s official. 

The holidays are over. 

It’s getting darker. Kids are back to school and normal routines can resume. 

This might sound like a cause for sadness. 

But for anyone looking for a job, now is a time for celebration. 

Finally, everyone is back in the ‘office’, refreshed and ready to get started on hiring for the year. 

After the summer drought (only in a job-searching sense, not from a weather perspective if you were in the UK 😢) there’s movement in the market again. 

So if you’ve got the September scaries at going back to a job that doesn’t fill you with joy. 

Now is the perfect time to take action. 

But before you start clicking send on all your applications. 

Take a moment to read our guide to the best free strengths finders and how to use them to ace your application. 

Plus! If you read to the bottom there’s a free CV template to help you build your strength-focused CV. 

Why understanding your strengths is important 

Having a really clear and deep understanding of your strengths is a vital part of a  successful job search. 

It isn’t just to showcase your skills and get the job.

It’s to make sure you’re getting the job that’s actually right for you. 

When applying for jobs, it’s very easy to be drawn in by great brands, great benefits and great bank. 

But often, these things don’t cut the mustard when it comes to actually enjoying your work. 

Sure, they’re nice, and they make work bearable, but not truly enjoyable. 

Flo Coaching told us that the number one reason she hears why people are not happy in their roles is that they do not feel they are able to use their strengths. 

So understanding and being able to communicate yours is vital. 

Here are three, FREE tools you can use to help you identify your strengths. 

HIGH5

When we get told to list our strengths, most of us will naturally try and list as many as possible. 

More is more, right? 

Well, not necessarily.

It’s not just about the words we can list but about how we relate to them and how often we really use them. 

That’s why HIGH5 is a great test as it provides just five core strengths. So you can really focus on what you’re great at. 

Take the test here. 

VIA Character Strengths  

VIA stands for ‘values in action’ which gives a clue to how ‘character strengths’ differ from what we might usually describe as strengths in a work setting. 

The test brings together findings in Positive Psychology that organises 24 character strengths under six virtues: wisdom and knowledge; humanity; justice; courage; temperance; and transcendence.

Everyone has all 24 character strengths but to varying degrees making your results and profile completely unique. 

VIA’s philosophy links the practice of mindfulness to living to our strengths. 

Find out your unique combination here. 

Squiggly Careers 

Now, we know that psychometric tests are not for everyone. 

So we wanted to provide some self-reflective tools too. 

And who better to turn to than the wonderful Helen and Sarah at Squiggly Careers? 

Their summer school on strengths is full of amazing activities to help you reflect on and hone your strengths. 

Access their resources here. 

What’s next? How to use your strengths to ace your application. 

Now you’ve got a good grasp of your key strengths how can you make sure these shine in your application?

The first and most important step is to start raising your self-awareness of when and how you use your strengths. The more confident and comfortable you feel about using them, the easier they will be to describe. 

Practice really does make perfect here!

Here are some other practical ways to showcase your strengths. 

1. Make your CV  strengths focussed. 

Making sure your strengths stand out on your CV can be easier said than done when you’re eager to showcase all your experience and skills. 

Use this template from Flo Coaching to help you format your CV and let your strengths shine. 

1. Put your strengths and skills on LinkedIn and start getting endorsements 

We all know what a powerhouse LinkedIn is for the job seeker. So make sure you’re showcasing your strengths. 

Use the skills section to list your top strengths and ask others to endorse you.  

1. When describing a success, use your strengths 

Gone are the days when a simple CV and cover letter combo would do. 

So, if you find yourself in a lengthy application. Make sure you’re showcasing your strengths in situation-based questions to describe how you responded. 

Now you’re aligned with your strengths and ready to go forth and get that dream job! 

Check out the roles currently available on our jobs board and put your new knowledge to the test! 

Good luck!