A SWOT analysis helps you organize and examine the internal and external environments, strengths and weaknesses in the internal environment and opportunities and threats in the external environment. Here is a diagram of how a SWOT Analysis is structured and a completed table with suggestions:
SWOT Analysis
I
N
T
E
R
N
A
L |
Strengths
Internal positive characteristics that are under your control
-
Work Experience
-
Education
-
Strong technical knowledge within your field
-
Transferable skills such as: communication, teamwork, leadership skills
-
Personal characteristics such as: strong work ethic, self-discipline
-
Good contacts/successful networking
-
Interaction with professional organizations
|
Weaknesses
Internal negative characteristics that are under your control and that you may plan to improve
-
Lack of Work Experience
-
Limited related education
-
Lack of goals
-
Weak technical knowledge
-
Weak skills such as: leadership, interpersonal, communication
-
Weak job-hunting skills
-
Negative personal characteristics
|
E
X
T
E
R
N
A
L |
Opportunities
Positive external conditions that you do not control
-
Positive trends in your field that will create more jobs
-
Opportunities you could have by enhancing your education
-
Opportunities for advancement in your field
-
Opportunities for professional development in your field
-
Geography
-
Strong network
|
Threats
Negative external conditions that you do not control
-
Negative trends in your field that diminish jobs such as: downsizing
-
Competition
-
Competitors with superior skills, experience, knowledge
-
Competitors with better job-hunting skills
-
Obstacles in your way
-
Limited advancement in your field
|
Perform your own job planning SWOT analysis using the A SWOT Analysis of My Job Planning (pdf) worksheet.
