If You Struggle to Identify Your Unique Skills, This May Be Why🔍

Have you ever stared at a blank resume or LinkedIn profile, trying to put into words what makes you uniquely valuable? If you're a woman over 40, you may find this even more challenging. Years of experience, diverse roles, and shifting responsibilities can make it difficult to pinpoint the exact skills that set you apart. If you’re struggling to identify your strengths, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Let’s explore why this happens and how to uncover the skills that make you indispensable.

Why Identifying Your Unique Skills Can Be Challenging

1. Undervaluing Soft Skills

Many women over 40 have honed invaluable soft skills—like adaptability, emotional intelligence, and leadership—through both professional and personal experiences. However, because these skills aren’t always listed in job descriptions or performance reviews, they tend to be overlooked.

I remember coaching a client, Jill, who was transitioning from a leadership role in architecture. She had spent decades negotiating contracts, mentoring young architects, and managing multi-million-dollar projects. Yet, when she started planning her next chapter, she dismissed these skills as “just part of the job.” In reality, her ability to guide a team and build relationships was one of her greatest assets.

Solution: Start tracking how you contribute to the success of others. Do people come to you for advice? Are you the one who keeps projects on track? These soft skills are incredibly valuable and should be recognized.

2. Lack of Confidence

Imposter syndrome can creep in at any age, but for women over 40, it’s often intensified by career transitions, industry changes, or even the societal expectation that skills become obsolete with age. Many women have internalized the belief that their contributions aren’t as valuable as they once were.

Dr. Valerie Young, an expert on imposter syndrome, explains: “High achievers often attribute their success to luck rather than ability, leading them to underestimate their skills.” If you’ve ever thought, “I was just in the right place at the right time,” rather than acknowledging your expertise, you may be experiencing this.

Solution: Keep a ‘wins’ journal. Write down compliments, successful projects, and times you made a difference. Seeing a pattern of achievements can reinforce confidence in your abilities.

3. Limited Self-Awareness

Sometimes, we’re too close to our own experiences to recognize our unique strengths. What feels effortless to us may be a highly valuable skill to others.

A friend of mine, Karen, is a natural problem-solver. Whether it’s fixing a workflow issue at work or finding the best travel deals for her family, she instinctively knows how to streamline processes. Yet, when I suggested she highlight this skill on her professional profile, she hesitated. “That’s just something I do,” she said. But that “something” is exactly what makes her stand out.

Solution: Ask for feedback. Reach out to colleagues, friends, and former managers and ask them what they see as your top three strengths. You might be surprised by what they say.

The Ageism Factor

Ageism is an unfortunate reality that many women over 40 face, especially in the workplace. Some industries still equate experience with being ‘outdated’ rather than an asset. This can lead to self-doubt and hesitation in fully embracing one’s skills and contributions.

A 2022 AARP study found that nearly 78% of older workers have either seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace. Many women hesitate to highlight their decades of experience for fear of being seen as 'too old' rather than 'highly skilled.'

Solution: Reframe your narrative. Instead of presenting yourself as someone with 'years of experience,' emphasize your ability to adapt, innovate, and mentor. Position yourself as a strategic asset who can bridge generational gaps and bring wisdom to the table. Own your experience with confidence.

How to Start Uncovering Your Strengths

1. Reflect on past successes – Look back at times when you felt fulfilled or accomplished in your career. What skills were you using?

2. Take assessments – Tools like StrengthsFinder, VIA Character Strengths, or even a simple skills audit can provide clarity.

3. Seek mentorship or coaching – A fresh perspective can help you see what you might be overlooking.

4. Embrace storytelling – Instead of listing skills, think of stories that highlight them. How did you solve a problem? How did you make a difference?

Find Your Fizz: The First Step Toward Unlocking Your Strengths

If you're ready to dive deeper, my course includes "Passion Meets Purpose - Unlock Your True Potential ", a module designed to help women over 40 plan and execute smooth career transitions. This free module is packed with strategies to identify your unique strengths, reframe your narrative, and create a fulfilling career path on your terms.

Final Thoughts

Your unique skills are not just about what you’ve done—they’re about how you’ve approached challenges, supported others, and adapted over time. If you’re struggling to identify them, start by acknowledging the value you bring beyond just a job title.

Remember, your experience is your superpower. You just have to recognize it.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What’s one skill you’ve recently realized you have? Share it in the comments or message me—I’d love to celebrate your strengths with you!

Ready to take the next step? Book a complimentary 'Find Your Fizz' Discovery Call to start uncovering your strengths and designing the next phase of your career with clarity and confidence. Schedule your call here.