Skills Audit

Understanding what you can offer an employer will help you to identify and narrow down your options in a
more systematic way and make it easier to convince an employer of your suitability for a role.
Think about an interviewer asking you, “Can you tell me about a time you did X”. If you have a good
example, it may be something you are already experienced or competent in. If you struggle to think of one,
you may not have mastered it yet. Don’t be afraid of a low grade – self awareness is important (and
sometimes difficult!)! We do not read or grade this form – it will just help you monitor progress this year.
Grade each skill on a scale of 1 - 10 for the following:
 Level of competence, 1 = low (do not feel competent) & 10 = high (I am very competent)
 Interest in using this skill in a career, 1 = not at all & 10 = a lot (I’d love to explore this)
 Development: mark the skills that you think you need to develop further.

Level of Level of Area for

competence interest development?
Communication
Conveying information in an appropriate style of writing 6 6
Giving a presentation to a range of audiences 7 7
Explaining complex information clearly/effectively 6 6
Questioning to find out information 5 6
Actively listening to others, understanding key points 6 6
Negotiating 4 7 Y
Influencing/persuading 6 6
Working with Others
Developing & maintaining good contacts (networking) 5 9 Y
Recognising boundaries & using appropriate support 8 6
Collaborating to achieve goals 7 3
Adapting to the needs/styles of others 6 6
Understanding your behaviour & its impact on others 4 10 Y
(emotional intelligence)
Training/helping others to learn 6 6
Organising & Project Management
Prioritising your workload 9 6
Planning events 6 6
Managing projects through goal setting & prioritisation 6 6
Effective time management 8 6
Managing a budget 4 6
Creativity & Problem-Solving
Generating creative or entrepreneurial ideas 6 6
Finding creative solutions – original & critical thinking 6 6
Identifying options & gathering information (research) 7 6
 Level of Level of Area for
competence interest development
Making quick decisions 6 6
Taking initiative 8 6
Recognising & diagnosing problems 6 7 Y
Evaluating findings and those of others 6 6
Digital & Analytical Skills
Recording & presenting information 6 6
Analysing data: numerical/graphical/written information 6 6
Database management 6 6
Absorbing new information quickly 8 6
Comfortably using a range of digital tools on a day-to- 6 6
day basis (including communicating & collaborating)
Troubleshooting IT problems well 6 6
Strategic Thinking and Leadership:
Able to think strategically & see the wider picture 6 8 Y
Risk assessment 6 6
Resolving conflict 4 5
Confronting problems with others 6 6
Delegating tasks 8 6 Y
Monitoring progress of others 6 4
Giving constructive criticism 7 6
Developing & motivating others 6 6
Reflection, Confidence, & Resilience
Confident in articulating your skills & abilities to others 6 6
Recognise your own strengths & weaknesses 6 6
Reflects on experiences to learn from them 7 9 Y
Persevere when things don't go as planned 9 6
Understands own limits & seeks feedback 6 6
Undertakes opportunities in a new setting or 6 6
context
Remains calm under pressure 8 6
'Bounces back' from challenging situations 7 6

Remember, this may be a challenging exercise – because self-reflection is hard!

We ask you to complete this self-awareness exercise at the start of the year, then revisit it at the
end, so that you can see how far your skills have come.

Have fun developing your skills and experience this year – you’ll be amazed at what your extra-
curricular activities lead to!