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# 2. Audit Your Career Assets
- URL: https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/2-audit-your-career-assets/
- Published: 2025-09-28T15:26:21.000Z
- Updated: 2025-09-28T15:47:25.000Z
- Author: Matt
- Tags: jobhunt playbook

Before you send a single application, take stock of what you bring to the table.

Think of this step as a professional inventory. It shows you what’s ready to showcase, what needs updating, and what gaps to close.

A clear picture of your assets makes every part of the job hunt easier. From CV writing to salary negotiation.

## List Your Key Skills and Achievements

Start by mapping out what you do well and where you’ve delivered results.

- Review your **recent** few performance reviews or project notes.
- List **hard** **skills** (e.g. coding, data analysis) and **soft** **skills** (e.g. team leadership, negotiation).
- Note **measurable** outcomes like revenue growth, cost savings, or process improvements.

**Aim for a list of concrete examples. “Improved operations” is vague. “Reduced order processing time by 30%” is powerful.**

## Identify Gaps or Outdated Skills

Next, look for areas that could hold you back.

- Check job ads for your **target** roles.
- Note **skills or tools** that appear often but aren’t on your list.
- **Highlight** anything you learned years ago but haven’t practised.

*Not every gap needs a course. Some can be addressed by refreshing your knowledge or running a small side project.*

## Gather Proof

Hiring managers look for evidence, not just claims.

Build a simple evidence pack:

- Performance data and dashboards
- Awards, certificates, or media mentions
- Short notes from managers or clients praising your work

Keep everything in one folder, digital or physical. You’ll draw from it for CVs, interviews, and salary discussions.

## Create a Short Career Story

Facts alone don’t sell. You need a clear story that links them.

- Where you started and key moves so far
- The value you consistently bring
- The direction you want next

**Keep it under two minutes when spoken. This story becomes the base for your CV summary, LinkedIn “About” section, and interview opener.**

## Spot Transferable Skills

If you’re pivoting to a new industry or role, look beyond job titles.

- Leadership, problem solving, and communication carry **across sectors**.
- Map how these skills could **solve problems** in your target field.
- Use their **language** when describing your achievements.

This is key if you’re switching from, say, operations to product management. Understanding your transferable skills can help drive career pivots. 

## 💪🏼 Exercise

Perform a Career Audit

Allocate 45 minutes:

1. Draft a two-column table: **Skills/Results** on the left, **Proof** on the right.
2. Fill in every example you can.
3. Highlight the top five that best fit your target roles.
4. Write a two-minute career story using those highlights.

*You now have the material ready for CVs, LinkedIn, and interviews.*

## 💡 Key Takeaways

- A career audit saves time later and strengthens every application.
- Evidence: data, samples, and references, carries more weight than claims.
- A short, clear career story ties your skills and achievements together.

*With your professional inventory in place, you’ll enter the job market prepared and confident.*