Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

Uncover What Truly Sets You Apart 

 

Did you know that 70% of professionals struggle to articulate their strengths during interviews or performance reviews? Yet, being able to clearly communicate what sets you apart can be the difference between landing your dream job or being overlooked. 

 

If you’ve ever been asked, “What makes you different?” and felt stuck, you’re not alone. Many people overlook their greatest strengths because those strengths feel so natural, they’re easy to take for granted. 

 

For me, this realization hit at a pivotal moment in my career. Feeling stuck and unsure of my next steps, I decided to take a step back and reflect. I asked myself a series of intentional questions that helped me uncover strengths I didn’t even realize I had. This process gave me clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of direction. 

 

Today, I’m sharing those five transformative questions with you. By the time you finish this exercise, you’ll have the foundation for your own unique value proposition—something that can help you stand out and thrive in your career. 

 

1. What Do You Naturally Excel At in Your Career?

 

Think about the tasks or activities you do effortlessly—things that come so naturally to you, they almost feel too easy. These are often where your true strengths lie. 

 

Example: 

 

• Are you the go-to person for solving team conflicts? 

• Do you instinctively create efficient systems for processes that save your team time? 

 

Why It Matters:
It’s easy to overlook your own strengths because they feel second nature. But these talents are what make you valuable and unique. 

 

2. What Do Others Consistently Praise You For?

 

Sometimes, those around us see our strengths more clearly than we do. What compliments or feedback do you hear repeatedly from colleagues, managers, or clients? 

 

Example: 

 

• Are you recognized for your ability to explain complex ideas in a way anyone can understand? 

 

Do others comment on your calmness and composure in high-pressure situations? 

 

How to Discover This:
 

Ask trusted colleagues, mentors, or even friends: “What do you think I do particularly well?” Their answers might surprise you and give you a fresh perspective. 

 

3. How Have You Overcome Challenges in Your Career?

 

Your ability to navigate challenges is a powerful reflection of your strengths. Think about a time when you faced a difficult situation—what skills helped you overcome it? 

 

Example: 

• Did you lead your team through a difficult project on a tight deadline? That might reveal strengths in leadership and organization. 

• Did you successfully transition into a new role or industry after a setback? That demonstrates resilience and adaptability. 

 

Why It Matters: 

 

The way you handle challenges shows not just what you’re good at, but also how you apply your strengths in action. 

 

4. What Work Energizes You the Most?

 

Reflect on the tasks or projects that leave you feeling energized rather than drained. These often align with your natural strengths and passions. 

 

Example: 

• If leading brainstorming sessions excites you, you likely excel in creativity and collaboration. 

• If analyzing data is your happy place, attention to detail and problem-solving could be your standout strengths. 

 

How to Apply This:
By identifying what energizes you, you can align your career with your strengths, boosting both performance and satisfaction. 

 

5. How Do You Add Value to a Team?

 

Consider the role you naturally take on in group settings. Are you the planner who brings structure, or the creative thinker who generates innovative ideas? 

 

Example: 

• If you’re the one who keeps the team organized and moving forward, project management might be your strength. 

• If you motivate and uplift your team during tough times, leadership and emotional intelligence could be your standout qualities. 

 

Why It Matters: 

 

Knowing your role helps you articulate the value you bring, making you more confident in interviews, performance reviews, and networking conversations. 

 

How to Use These Insights to Build Your Unique Value Proposition 

 

By answering these five questions, you can create a unique value proposition—a concise statement that communicates your strengths and the value you bring to any role. 

 

Example:
“I excel at simplifying complex problems, fostering collaboration, and delivering results under tight deadlines. My ability to adapt and lead with purpose makes me a valuable asset to any team.” 

 

Your value proposition isn’t just for résumés and interviews. It’s a tool for steering your career, building confidence, and making strategic decisions about what opportunities to pursue. 

 

Key Takeaways 

 

1. Your strengths aren’t always obvious, but asking the right questions can bring them to light. 

 

1. Your unique value proposition highlights what makes you stand out and allows you to communicate that value effectively. 

 

1. Understanding your strengths helps you approach your career with clarity, confidence, and purpose. 

 

Let’s Talk 

 

Identifying your strengths is the foundation for building confidence and unlocking new career opportunities. Need help getting started? 

 

Contact us  

 

to request your Unique Value Proposition Worksheet—a simple, actionable guide to help you reflect on your strengths, uncover your unique value, and craft a statement that sets you apart. 

 

Let’s work together to help you stand out and thrive in your career. Reach out today! 

Resilience doesn’t mean you have to handle everything alone. If you’re ready to build your resilience or navigate a tough career challenge, let’s connect. 

 

What’s one workplace challenge that helped you build resilience? Share your story or reach out to me—I’d love to help you uncover new ways to thrive.