Skills, values and interests: the key to career success

When it comes to finding the right career path, understanding what makes us tick is essential. These core factors shape who we are, what we do well, and what motivates us. In his renowned career guide What Color is Your Parachute?, Richard J. Bolles highlighted how taking stock of these personal elements can guide us towards a career that’s not just a paycheck but a source of genuine satisfaction.

Why Skills, Values, and Interests Matter in Your Career

If we think of a career as a puzzle, these three factors are the most important pieces, each shaping our professional identity in different ways.

1. Skills: What You’re Good At Skills are the abilities and talents you bring to your work. Some skills might come naturally, like an aptitude for solving complex problems or empathising with others, while others develop over time through practice. Bolles emphasises the importance of recognizing both soft skills (like communication and leadership) and technical skills (like proficiency with specific software or machinery).

A career that draws on our strengths helps us feel competent and engaged. Knowing your top skills can guide you toward roles that naturally play to these strengths, making work more enjoyable and rewarding. If you’re a strong communicator, for example, you might thrive in roles involving teamwork or client relations. By focusing on your unique skills, you’re also more likely to find roles where you can make a meaningful impact.

2. Values: What Matters to You Values are about what you believe in, the principles that guide you, and what you need from your work to feel fulfilled. They cover a wide range, from financial security to personal growth, work-life balance, or a sense of purpose. In What Color is Your Parachute?, Bolles encourages readers to think about values as a compass for identifying not only the right type of work but also the right work environment.

Identifying your values helps ensure you don’t end up in a role that conflicts with what’s most important to you. If creativity is a top value, for example, a highly regimented job might feel stifling over time. Conversely, if stability is a priority, you might look for organisations with clear progression paths and long-term security. Values act as a guide, helping us navigate toward work that brings fulfillment.

3. Interests: What You Enjoy Doing Interests are the things you’re naturally curious about or enjoy doing, even when no one’s paying you. These could be anything from designing, teaching, or writing, to outdoor activities, technology, or science. When we’re interested in what we do, we’re more likely to be enthusiastic, dedicated, and willing to overcome obstacles.

Sometimes people overlook their interests when choosing a career, thinking work should only be about practicality. But finding work that aligns with our interests can transform our day-to-day experience, making work feel more like an extension of ourselves. An interest-led career can sustain our passion and keep us engaged long after the initial excitement wears off.

The Parachute Approach: Combining Skills, Values, and Interests

Bolles’ Parachute approach isn’t about finding a one-size-fits-all answer but rather about piecing together your unique combination of skills, values, and interests. When these three areas align, you’re more likely to find a career path that feels both sustainable and personally fulfilling. Here’s how each factor can play a role in career planning:

• Identify and List Your Skills: Start by listing the skills you’ve acquired in past roles, education, or hobbies. Be specific and think about the skills you enjoy using most. These are often the ones that come naturally to you or bring you satisfaction.

• Pinpoint Your Core Values: Reflect on what truly matters in a workplace, whether that’s collaboration, innovation, security, or making a social impact. Ask yourself: “What would make me proud to come to work every day?”

• Define Your Interests: Think about the subjects and activities that consistently grab your attention, both in and out of work. Consider how these interests might be incorporated into a career, even if they don’t directly relate to a specific job title.

  
  

Practical Steps for Integrating Skills, Values, and Interests

1. Use Career Assessments: Tools like Bolles’ “Flower Exercise” or similar career assessments can help organise your thoughts and identify themes across your skills, values, and interests. These assessments allow you to visualise your strengths and how they might apply to different career paths.

   
   

2. Research Careers that Align with Your Findings: With a clearer sense of your unique attributes, research roles that align with them. Look for industries, companies, and roles that match what you’ve uncovered about yourself. If creativity and teamwork are values for you, seek roles in dynamic environments like marketing or project management.

   
   

3. Seek Out Informational Interviews: Talk to professionals in roles or industries that interest you. Their insights can give you a better idea of how certain skills, values, and interests play out in real-world settings, helping you decide if a similar path might be right for you.

   
   

4. Work with a Career Coach: A career coach can help you interpret your skills, values, and interests, providing guidance on aligning these with practical career options. They can offer support through structured exercises, goal-setting, and providing accountability as you explore your options.

   
   

The Benefits of Finding Work That Aligns with Who You Are

A career that matches your skills, values, and interests not only enhances job satisfaction but also supports overall wellbeing. When your work feels meaningful and aligns with your personal strengths, it can lead to a greater sense of achievement and fulfillment. This alignment also helps with resilience—when tough times arise, you’re more likely to stay engaged because the work connects with something deeper than just “getting by.”

By taking a thoughtful approach to career planning, as Bolles suggests, we can each create a unique path that reflects who we truly are. Remember, finding a fulfilling career isn’t a sprint; it’s a journey. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a change, let your skills, values, and interests be your guide—taking you one step closer to a career that genuinely resonates with who you are.

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