Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Clarifying My Strengths

What might I think about when clarifying my strengths?


What are strengths?

Strengths are what you are good at.  They are generally things you know how to do, and can do when, where, and how it’s required. Strengths are important when Choosing Work because what you’re good at may impact what you want to do, and the jobs you can get later on.

Who can help me figure out what I’m good at?

Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies, which can provide a vocational evaluation if you qualify for their services.  A vocational evaluation may give you a sense of the kinds of tasks you are able to do and which tasks you struggle with.

Peer Specialists can support you as you explore your strengths. Peer support specialists are people who have experience with recovery from mental illnesses. They also have training in supporting people from a place of mutuality, respect, and shared experience in the service of recovery.

How do I figure out what strengths could help me in a job?

Review your experiences with work.  It may help to write the experiences down. Notice what you were good at and not so good at.  List for yourself your strengths, as you will want to consider them in your decision-making.

Top 10 Soft Skills for Job Hunters

These days many employers are looking for Soft skills – skills related to interpersonal relationships on the job – in job seekers. Through these tips, discover ways to improve & exhibit soft skills to a potential employer.

What if I don’t have any strengths?

Everyone has strengths!  Sometimes, it may seem like you don’t have any, but the truth is we all have strengths in something.

If you are feeling like you don’t have any strengths, ask someone you trust to comment on a strength (or two, or three) that you have. Review your resume, or write down all the tasks that you did in your last job. Allow yourself to see all the things you were able to do, even if you weren’t the best at them.

Strengths can also be supports that you have that will help you choose a goal.  Supports may be the people, places, things, and activities that help you to be successful and satisfied. (Anthony, et al.) When considering your strengths, consider the supports you have around you. Whether it’s people who are behind you, places you can count on to be there for you, things that help you, or activities that help make you stronger.

Return to the main "Choosing Work" page.

Where am I in my employment journey?