The Difference Between Values, Interests, Skills, and Abilities

The Difference Between Values, Interests, Skills, and Abilities Before we tell you about VISA (values, interests, skills, and abilities), you might be wondering why you should care. Well, listen up. This is a good one. It might even change your life With VISA on your side, you dont have to swim in a sea of job possibilities. You know what keywords to look for in a job ad and what questions to ask in an interview. The insight allows you to go after jobs you want, not just jobs that are available. More importantly, VISA could lead you to a job that will satisfy and inspire you for quite some time.It really is that simple knowing what your values, interests, skills, and abilities are can set you on the path toward career success.And what are your values, interests, skills, and abilities? Allow us to explain1. ValuesValues are personal and specific. You may not hold the same values as the next person. Thats why its important that you identify what you hold in the highest regard and allow those values to guide your decision-making. In an ideal work setting, your values align with the values of the organization and leadership. Even if you cant quite identify what you value the most, knowing the things that have little value to you can provide you with clues about what you should look for in a job opportunity2. InterestsInterests cause your eyebrows to raise. Interests light a fire in you and compel you to learn more and do more. If youre interested in the subject matter at work, motivation comes easy. Genuine interest will also keep you fueled when putting in extra time and effort at the office for whatever reason. Ultimately, interests can keep you engaged in a career over the long haul.3. SkillsWith training and practice, you can likely learn to do most straightforward tasks, especially if youre an intelligent and naturally motivated person. You are not born with skills, but you are born to learn new skills. Identifying your specific skills allows you to look for opportunities to transfer them to new arenas anf apply them in new and different ways. Taking stock of the skills you possess can alsoassist you in identifying theskills you want to add to your personal toolkit.4. AbilitiesAbilities come easily to you, without any real effort. When you work within your natural abilities, you often find yourself in the zone you know, those moments when youre working and you lose track of time because you get so caught up in your work.Your abilities range from physical, to interpersonal, to intellectual, and they set you apart from the pack. Everyone has natural abilities dont waste your talentIt must be said that you can work in a position that doesnt line up with your VISA and still be happy and successful. However, youll probably have to work harder, and you may not stay happy for too long.Now You Know the Why and the What. Heres the How.The first step is to si t down and take an inventory of your values, interests, skills, and abilities. If you arent certain what those are, consider taking an assessment and/or working with a career coach tohelp you uncover those pieces of yourself.With the new knowledge about your VISA, you can outline a career path that suits you best. Now is your chance to daydream. Map out your perfect position down to every last detail. You deserve it.And once you know what that perfect position is, leverageyour VISA to go out and get it.